Natural Ways to Cure Sinus Infection in Children

More than 35 million people in the United States suffer from sinus infections, according to The Ear, Nose and Throat online consultant. A sinus infection can be painful and very uncomfortable for an adult or child. Sinus infections are easily treated but may require special attention in children. There are both medical and natural ways to cure a sinus infection in children.

Use Saline

• Buy saline spray and a neti pot from the pharmacy. Use the saline spray three times a day. Spray twice in each nostril once in the morning, once in the afternoon and once at night. Clean the sprayer with soap and hot water after each use to prevent the infection from returning. To use a neti pot, mix 1 cup of warm water with a ½ tsp. of sea salt and place the dissolved solution in a neti pot (sinus wash). Have your child place his head over a sink and tilt the head so the chin is parallel with the shoulders. Place the neti pot in the right nostril and allow the solution to go through the nose and out the other nostril. Have your child gently blow his nose and repeat on the other side. Repeat this process up to three times a day.

Implement Natural Remedies

• Run a washcloth under hot water for 20 seconds. Ring it out and have your child lie back on some pillows to elevate her head. Place it on her face, directly on the eyes and nose. Keep the washcloth warm and moist for 15 to 20 minutes.

  Mix ¼ tsp. of ginger powder and ¼ tsp. garlic powder in honey and give it to your child three times a day, as these two herbs are considered nature's antibiotics.

  Place three drops of eucalyptus oil and three drops of peppermint oil on your child's chest to naturally open the sinus airways.

  Run a cool midst humidifier set to 40 percent humidity at night when she is asleep.

Change Lifestyle

• Have your child sleep as often as he would like. Be sure he gets at least 10 hours of sleep at night. Sleep is the one of the best ways to strengthen a weakened immune system. Avoid all foods and beverages that encourage or cause mucus production. Stay away from dairy products, high-sugar foods and wheat. Give your child at least six 8-oz. glasses of water or natural clear liquids a day. Make him peppermint tea, chamomile tea or dairy-free soups to help open the nasal passages. Do not allow tobacco smoke around your child as this can worsen the sinus infection.