Causes of sinusitis and natural ways to relieve pain highlight healthy home treatments for sinus problems and accompanying discomfort. Your sinuses are air-filled pockets found in your cheeks, behind your forehead and eyebrows, on either side of the bridge of your nose, and behind your nose. They can get clogged easily. When this happens, the tissue in your nose and sinuses gets swollen and inflamed. That keeps the sinuses from draining properly. This causes facial pain, a stuffy or runny nose, and sometimes a fever and other symptoms.
On the other hand, healthy sinuses are lined with a thin layer of mucus that traps dust, germs, and other air particles. Ideally, tiny hair-like cilia sweep mucus and anything trapped in it out of the sinuses, down the back of your throat, and into the stomach.
What is Sinusitis?
Sinusitis (sinus infection) is an inflammation of the tissues in your sinuses (spaces in your forehead). Cheeks and nose are usually filled with air. It gives you facial pain, a stuffy or runny nose, and sometimes a fever and other common cold symptoms.
Causes of Sinusitis
Sinusitis is usually caused by the common cold, a change in temperature, allergies, and smoking. These can cause swelling in your sinuses or keep your cilia from sweeping away mucus, and cause problems. But other viruses, bacteria, fungi, and allergies can also cause sinusitis.
Home Treatment
A healthier way to treat sinusitis is through the following home treatments;
Breathe Moist Air
Keep a humidifier on in your bedroom or other rooms where you spend a lot of time. Dry air can irritate your sinuses, but keeping air moist can help prevent mucus buildup. Inhaling steam 2-4 times a day may help, too. Sit in the bathroom with the door closed and the shower running. Make sure the water is hot.
Don’t Allow Smoking in your Space
Fumes from harsh cleaning products, paints, hair spray, perfumes – and most of all, smoking – can irritate your sinuses. Don’t let friends or family smoke in your home. Look for “green” cleaning products in unscented varieties. They’re less likely to contain the harsh chemicals that can kick-start a sinus problem.
Drink More Water
Drink plenty of fluids (water, broth, herbal tea). It’ll help thin out mucus and encourage drainage. Hot tea is another good option. Don’t overdo caffeine or alcohol. Alcohol can worsen sinus swelling. Aim for 8 or more 8-ounce glasses of water or other healthy drinks each day.
Try Nasal Wash
Nasal wash can help keep your sinuses clean and clear. You use a mild, sterile saline solution, or Neti pot, with distilled or boiled water to rinse out nasal passages and reduce congestion. Lean over the sink, squirt the solution into one nostril, and let it drain through your nasal cavity and out the other nostril. Keep your mouth open and don’t breathe through your nose.
Rinse bottles, bulb syringes, and Neti pots are available at most drugstores. You can buy a pre-filled container or make your own saline solution. To make your own, mix about 16 ounces (1 pint) of lukewarm sterile water with a teaspoon of salt. Some people add ½ teaspoon of baking soda to take the sting out of the salt.
Try a Congestion Relief Device
You can also buy nonprescription devices that offer higher-tech ways to get temporary sinus relief. ClearUP uses mild electrical currents to stimulate your sinus nerves, which helps open airways and ease pain. Just move the device along your face for about 5 minutes for each treatment. To use the SinuSonic device, hold it over your nose for 2 minutes while breathing. It uses sound vibrations and pressure to open the nasal passages.
Avoid Triggers
Nasal allergies can lead to sinus problems such as pain and pressure. So, steer clear of common triggers such as dust, pet dander, dust mites, and pollen. Get your allergies treated, too.
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Dietary changes
Eat foods rich in antioxidants (leafy greens, berries ) and spices like ginger, garlic, or turmeric to reduce inflammation.
Rest
Allow the body to recover, which is essential for fighting infections
Positioning
Elevate your head with extra pillows while sleeping to reduce congestion
When to consult a doctor
You can usually care for sinus conditions on your own. But if symptoms persist, worsen, or include a high fever, consult a healthcare professional. They can help you understand your next steps.
