Home Remedies for Sinus Infections

Anyone who has suffered trough a sinus infection knows what misery it can cause. Your jaw, eyes, ear and teeth can hurt. Home remedies can relieve some of the pressure and discomfort. This infection also known as sinusitis can cause symptoms that range from simple nose drainage to acute disabling pain that requires hospitalization. If you are feverish and are experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, blurred vision or ear aches, get medical help immediately.

Stop the Infection

• Sinuses are spaces within the bones of the face that offer ideal conditions for bacteria and viruses, which cause infections. There is no blood flow to the middle of your sinuses. Once a pocket of bacteria develops, it is difficult for your immune system to fight it. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics, and there are home remedies you can use that will help kill bacteria. Things like salt water, hydrogen peroxide, betadine all kill bacteria and can be sprayed or dropped into the nasal openings. Drip about 20 drops it into your nose and sit with your head held back for at least 30 seconds and then lean forward and blow it out. Follow up with warm water rinses.

Rinse out the Infection

• Mucous collects and thickens in the sinuses and prevents the infection from draining completely. Soften the mucous by trying one or more of the following remedies: breathing in warm steam with a towel draped over your head; rinsing your nasal passages with a gentle flow of warm salt water using a neti pot; or by eating spicy foods that stimulate mucous production. Do this 3 times a day until the infection is cleared.

Prevent Further Infections

• Keep yourself well hydrated and avoid caffeine and alcohol, which both cause dehydration. Stay away from foods that raise histamine levels that cause your tissues to swell, such as red wine, alcohol, caffeine and MSG. Vitamin C and bromelain found in pineapple and other tropical fruits are believed to have antihistamine properties. If you catch a cold, drink extra fluid to help your body flush excess mucous. See a dentist regularly to prevent dental infections that are thought to cause some sinus infections.