You have a runny nose, your chest feels congested, and you can feel the pressure building up in between your eyebrows as well as in your forehead.
You just don’t feel well and can see yourself coming down with a viral sinus infection.
Ah, not again!
While a viral sinus infection generally goes away within 10 days, you just can’t deal with the pain and irritation it brings every time to disrupt your daily routine.
You wish there was something you could do to manage the symptoms without going to the doctor!
Well, we hear you!
We’ve rounded up eight best home remedies for sinus infection that will relieve your sinus pain and reduce inflammation to help you fight the infection faster.
1. Take Over-The-Counter Medications
To help your immune system fight the sinus virus quickly, consider using over-the-counter medications as your first line of defense.
People usually take medicines, such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and acetaminophen to relieve their symptoms at home.
These medications will not only ease localized pain and headache but also manage your fever.
2. Do Nasal Rinses
Another one of the best go-to home remedies for sinus infection is nasal rinses. They help get rid of the mucus that’s primarily responsible for your condition.
While you can do nasal rinses in multiple ways, the neti pot method is the easiest. You can easily find this Aladdin lamp-like pot online or at pharmacies.
All you have to do is to pour distilled water in the pot and then add ½ teaspoon of baking soda and non-iodized salt.
If you want, you can also use tap water but make sure that it comes to a boil and then cools before you use it so that all the germs are killed.
Apart from this, a nasal syringe or squeeze bottle to wash your nasal passages.
That being said, you should consider doing nasal rinses at least twice a day to lose the secretions and keep your sinuses flowing well.
And don’t forget to wash the device between uses to maintain good hygiene.
3. Use A Nasal Spray
People often use nasal sprays to keep their sinuses moist and reduce swelling when suffering from a viral sinus infection.
These sprays also work wonders for unblocking congestion and fight inflammation.
Important note: Misusing certain nasal sprays can worsen the symptoms of congestion. Hence, make sure you read the recommended duration of use on the packaging for safe and effective use.
If you don’t follow the guidelines carefully, you may end up with a bleeding nose or other unpleasant side effects.
Also, it’s better to consult with a doctor before using a nasal spray if you’re pregnant or have a medical condition.
4. Take Hot Steam
The idea of taking hot steam is similar to that of nasal rinses – just much easier to follow.
Simply boil some water in a pot and inhale the rising steam with a towel draped over your head.
Taking hot steam is one of the best home remedies for sinus infection and a great way of moistening your nose and redirecting the mucus to alleviate sinus pain and pressure.
Just make sure that you keep a safe distance from the pot to prevent yourself from burning.
5. Stay Hydrated
Most people don’t think about it but staying hydrated can actually help you manage the symptoms of a viral sinus infection.
When you drink plenty of fluids every day, the mucus gets thin and congestion eventually clears out.
Consider drinking the following fluids when suffering from a sinus infection:
- Water
- Herbal teas
- Vegetable broth
- Hot water with ginger, honey, or lemon
Avoid drinking coffee and alcohol, as these drinks cause dehydration and may make your symptoms worse.
6. Try Aromatherapy
Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil in the hot steaming water and voila, you’ve set yourself up for some refreshing aromatherapy!
The eucalyptus essential oil contains a powerful ingredient called cineole that instantly opens up the nasal passageways and relieves inflammation.
According to a medical study, a pill infused with cineole helped treat nasal blockages, headaches, pressure points, and mucus secretion in people with sinusitis.
7. Use A Humidifier
You must have seen people using humidifiers in dry climates to temper the air or perhaps you’ve done it yourself.
But did you know that these devices can also relieve the symptoms of viral sinus infections?
You can use a humidifier in your room to ensure that your nasal passages remain moist. The key is to keep the device clean and set the correct humidity level.
Mold and bacteria love to grow in dirty humidifiers and using such a device will only worsen your symptoms.
For a refreshing experience, you may add eucalyptus oil to the humidifier.
8. Keep Your Head Elevated At Night
Sleeping on your back or stomach is a big NO if you’re suffering from a viral sinus infection.
This position causes the mucus to collect in your sinuses, blocking them to make your symptoms worse.
Think of gravity as your friend when it comes to sleeping with the infection.
Put something under your pillow or simply use an extra pillow to ensure that your head remains elevated throughout the night.
If you haven’t used this remedy before, try it today – you may be surprised in the morning over how significantly it improved your sleep quality!
The Bottom Line
While a viral sinus infection comes with painful symptoms, there’s so much that you can do to ease your pain and discomfort at home.
Try the aforementioned home remedies for sinus infection the next time it tries to get the best of you and make sure that you drink enough fluids and rest well to fight the infection faster.
That being said, if your symptoms persist even after 10 days, it’s time to see a doctor for proper treatment.
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