Sinus Infection: Symptoms and effective Natural Remedies

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Sinus Infection

If you’ve had a sinus infection before, you’ll know how troubling it is.

A sinus infection leaves you with a stuffed nose and makes breathing difficult. Consequently, you’d wonder if you can get rid of it without going through the painful hassle of surgery.

Those who suffer from Sinusitis should cheer because there are ways to relieve it naturally.

What is Sinusitis?

Sinusitis occurs when the lining of the sinuses becomes inflamed. These are small, air-filled spaces behind your cheekbones.

The mucus produced by the sinuses usually flows into the nose through small channels or linings. You have a sinus infection when they are inflamed.

The Symptoms of a sinus infection

So how would you know that what you have is Sinusitis and not a common cold? You will experience these symptoms.

1. First of all, a green or yellow discharge will flow from your nose. That’s a sign that you have an infection.

2. You’ll also have a blocked nose because there is too much mucus in it.

3. You may get a sinus headache as well. It happens when the pressure within the sinuses builds up to such an extent that it causes pain in the head.

4. The infection may also cause a fever of 38 degrees or higher.

5. A sinus infection may cause toothaches. The pressure exerted on the sinuses may extend to your teeth.

6. With a blocked nose, you’ll have a reduced sense of smell.

7. Finally, the bacterial infection will trigger Halitosis or bad breath.

Causes of a Sinus Infection

Sinusitis has several causes. Here are some common ones.

1. Nasal Polyps

First of all are nasal polyps, tissue growths that block nasal passages. That leads to decreased mucus flow and a stuffed nose.

2. Deviated Nasal Septum

Also, people with crooked nasal septums may develop Sinusitis. The misaligned bone may block nasal passages and hinder mucus flow.

3. Medical Complications

Other illnesses may result in a sinus infection. Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD). HIV and other immune system-related diseases can lead to clogged nasal passages.

4. Respiratory Tract Infections

Respiratory tract infections may cause sinus membranes to thicken and impede mucus flow. They are viral, bacterial or fungal.

Natural Remedies for a Sinus Infection

Your primary concern when treating a sinus infection is to feel better. Then, you should focus on treating its symptoms and boosting your immunity.

1. Stay Hydrated/Hydration

First of all, drink a lot of water. Make sure that it doesn’t have added sugar. Broth and hot tea have a hydrating effect as well. These fluids dilute the muscles and drain it of bacteria. Don’t drink alcohol, caffeine, and sugared beverages. Also, avoid tobacco. These diuretic substances thicken mucus. Consequently, it blocks and inflames airways.

2. Spice

You can also combine spicy foods like jalapenos with apple cider vinegar to concoct an elixir that dissolves mucus.

3, Inhaling steam

Putting a few drops of Eucalyptus or peppermint oil into hot water dissolves mucus. Cover the bowl of water with your face and drape a towel over your head. Inhale the steam. You could also add the oil into water in a humidifier to achieve the same effect.

4. Salt Water

Another treatment for a sinus infection is a Netipot filled with salt water. It moisturizes your nasal cavity and clears it of unwanted mucus. Using it twice a day will bring you relief.

5. Grapefruit Seed Extract

Grapefruit seed extract also treats sinus infections. Grinding grapefruit seeds and pulp into a fine powder eliminates mucus and prevents microbes from inflaming sinus tissues.

6. Turmeric / Ginger Root

Turmeric is an aromatic spice used in Indian and Middle Eastern dishes.

This spice is both an antioxidant and has the anti-inflammatory, curcumin. Mix it with ginger root or brew it with hot tea to loosen mucus from nasal passages. It also calms upset stomachs, a frequent side effect of sinus infections.

7. Apple Cider Vinegar

Raw, unfiltered cider vinegar, added to hot water, dilutes excess mucus. Add lemon or stevia to taste. Take this concoction three times daily for the best results. Apple cider vinegar is an ingredient found in many dishes.

In all, you might not have to undergo surgery to undergo a sinus infection. Natural remedies will do the job just as well.

By Michelle L.


By | 2018-06-26T13:58:48+00:00 October 1st, 2017|Categories: Health & Wellness, Lifestyle|Tags: , , , , , , , |0 Comments

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