Sinuses are hollow spaces or cavities filled with air and lined with mucus membranes. There are four sinuses, which are located behind the forehead, cheekbones, nose and eyes. The inflammation of these cavities is medically referred to as sinusitis. This condition can be acute, subacute or chronic and is mainly caused by bacteria, virus, or fungi. Certain medication condition can also contribute to the development of sinusitis, including nasal polyps, nasal tumors, hay fever, tooth infection, gastroesophageal reflux disease, enlarged adenoids, deviated septum and cystic fibrosis. The causes of chronic sinusitis may also include respiratory tract infections, trauma to the facial bone and immune cells known as eosinophils.
The main symptoms of sinusitis are greenish or yellow nasal drainage, postnasal drip, decreased smell and taste sensations and pain, swelling and tenderness in the areas around the eyes and nose. People with a sinus infection may also feel sore throat, pain in the ears, bad breath, tooth pain, upper jaw pain, nausea, fatigue, headache, fever and cough. Most of these symptoms can be relived with home remedies for sinusitis. Try to drink lots of fluids to dilute the mucus. Elevating your head while you sleep can reduce congestion by allowing the sinuses to drain. Make sure to take enough rest to speed up the recovery process.
Applying a warm compress can help alleviate nasal congestion and pain. Warm a washcloth and place it over your eyes and cheeks. Apple cider vinegar is one of the most effective home remedies for sinusitis. It can be used in various ways to cure this condition. Apple cider vinegar has the potential to thin the mucus and reduce the sinus infection. Add one or two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to a glass of warm water and drink it three times daily. Mix a quarter cup of apple cider vinegar in a bowl of hot water. Cover your head with a towel, lean over the bowl and breathe in the steam.
Add one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and one teaspoon of honey to a cup of hot water and drink it. You can also use this concoction to gargle. Nasal wash is recommended as one of the home remedies for sinusitis. Add one teaspoon of table salt and a bit of baking soda to two cups of warm water. Lean your head back and close one nostril with a finger. Then, inhale the solution through the open nostril. Blow your nose and do the same process with the other nostril. Sinus congestion and pain can also be relieved by massaging the sinus pressure points with your fingers.
Teas made from fenugreek, ginger and licorice are good home remedies for sinusitis. Olive leaf extract can be used to treat chronic sinusitis. Eucalyptus oil, with is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, is an effective remedy for bacterial sinusitis. Inhaling peppermint essential oil can also help reduce the symptoms of sinus inflammation. Eating crushed garlic or taking a good garlic supplement everyday is also an efficient way to deal with sinusitis.
Read more Home Remedies for Sinus Infection. Also know useful Home Remedies for Strep Throat.
