Each year, more than 30 million Americans find themselves suffering from the effects of sinus infections, making it among the most prevalent health conditions in our country. The symptoms, ranging from the inconvenient to the debilitating, account for millions of lost workdays as well as a significant decrease in the quality of life.
From the sinus headache that takes away the joy of a concert to the congestion that prevents the full enjoyment of a meal, sinus infections are a serious problem that must be addressed. Often times in a search for a quick fix, people find themselves searching the confusing and overwhelming sinus/allergy aisle at a local pharmacy only to find a mix of temporary solutions and chronic frustration. Thankfully there are solutions that are safe and natural and can put you back on the road to wellness from the comfort of your own home.
Three Natural Home Remedies for Sinus Infections, Nasal Congestion, and Sinus Headaches.
Drink Plenty of Water
It may seem too simplistic, but a lack of hydration is one of the most common reasons for health problems. Proper hydration allows the body to fully function in its most natural state and that includes the body’s natural ability to fight off infection and inflammation. You’ve probably heard the advice that you need to drink 8 glasses of 8oz water per day (the 8x8 rule), but keep in mind that depending on your environment, exercise, temperature, underlying health conditions, and other factors you may need more or less water in your daily diet. Fresh fruits and vegetables are also a good source of hydration and can help provide the body with the vitamins and nutrients that it needs to fight disease and maintain good health.
Sinus Rinse & Neti Pots
The use of over-the-counter Sinus Rinse and Neti Pot products are growing in popularity as sinus suffers are finding that they bring real relief to symptoms as well as underlying sinus issues. These products vary in style and type, but all basically work to clean out the sinuses, allowing the newly unclogged sinus cavities to work as intended.
If you find yourself using a Sinus Rinse or Neti Pot, be very careful to follow all instructions so that the product can be safely used as designed. The FDA warns against the use of tap water for any Sinus Rinse products as tap water is not treated or filtered to the safe enough standard often contains microscopic organisms such as bacteria and protozoa. Tap water, and even bottled water, may also contain chemicals and/or minerals. Tap water and bottled water that is safe to drink is not safe to introduce to the sinuses. Users should always use “distilled” or “sterile” water or water that has been boiled for 3-5 minutes before being sufficiently cooled. It is also critical to be sure that both the inside and outside of the Sinus Rinse or Neti Pot container is completely clean and sterile before it is filled with water.
It is also possible that in the case of a severe sinus infection with major blockage, a Sinus Rinse or Neti Pot may not be able to get through your system and the sinus rinse may become additional fluid that collects in the sinus cavity, adding to the underlying problem.
When used properly, a Sinus Rinse or Neti Pot may provide significant relief from nasal congestion, sinus headaches, and other symptoms of sinus infections.
Hot Steam
Much like the Sinus Rinse, steam works naturally to loosen up blocked sinuses and provides relief from the inflammation, congestion, and headaches that often accompany sinus infections. The effective use of steam as a home remedy for sinus infections can sometimes be as simple as spending a few extra minutes deep breathing in a warm shower. It is also possible to boil a pot of water, carefully pour the steaming water into a bowl and then place your face a safe distance above the water with a towel draped over the head to keep the steam in place.
In addition, the use of a warm compress over the inflamed sinus areas can provide temporary relief from pain as well as reduce swelling. This home remedy can be as simple as a cloth soaked in warm water.
The keywords when dealing with hot liquids are careful and safe. Steam can cause burns and should always be handled with the utmost care. Those with mobility or balance issues should be careful to avoid situations that may cause direct contact with hot liquids and it may be best to have another person to help avoid any injuries.
Natural home remedies are often safe and highly effective in the treatment and prevention of sinus infections along with the nasal congestion and sinus headaches that often accompany them. They can be used as a routine prevention method for those who are prone to sinus infections as well as a natural remedy at the onset of sinus symptoms. These natural home remedies are also effective in reducing symptoms that significantly impact the quality of life for those who suffer from sinus infections.
Over time, chronic sinus problems can lead to recurrent sinus infections, congestion, headaches and even insomnia. If you’ve been frustrated by the over-the-counter experience and found that natural home remedies are not providing full relief, there is another non-invasive, sinus infection cure that is covered by most insurance. It’s called Balloon Sinuplasty.
Balloon Sinuplasty works by dilating the openings of some or all three of the major nasal sinuses. This enables them to be cleared and drained, providing lasting relief from the problematic symptoms of a sinus infection.
