|  | Conditions Treatments | Medical Conditions

Home Remedies to Unstop Sinuses

Sinusitis, an inflammation of the sinuses, is a condition that can cause swelling, pressure and pain in the head and face. While sinusitis that develops into a sinus infection should be treated by a medical professional, there are a number of safe and effective home remedies that can be used to unstop the sinuses and provide relief for people with this painful condition.

  1. Steam

    • When the sinuses and nasal passages are swollen or inflamed, mucus cannot drain properly and you may experience a stuffy nose. Nasal congestion can be uncomfortable and make it difficult to breathe through the nose. Steam is a simple and absolutely free home remedy that can help to drain mucus and improve comfort. Dr. Stanley N. Farb recommends taking a hot shower twice a day or leaning over a bowl of steaming water to allow steam to enter the nasal passages and promote mucus drainage. The shower water should be hot enough to fog up the mirror in the bathroom. If you are at work all day and cannot take a shower or lean over a bowl of steam, Farb suggests heating up a mug of tea or coffee and sniffing the steam while your hands are cupped over the top of the mug.

    Fluid Intake

    • Part of the problem for people with sinusitis is that mucus becomes thick and leads to clogged nasal passages and sinuses. In order to thin out the mucus and make it easier to drain, you should drink extra liquids. Water is one of the best liquids because it is calorie-free and readily available. If you prefer something with a little more flavor, Farb recommends hot teas made with fennel, sage or anise. These herbs can open up the nasal passages even more, allowing mucus to drain more freely.

    Irrigation

    • When mucus is allowed to harden in the nasal passages, it becomes even more difficult to remove. Infection may even develop if bacteria continue to grow in these hardened secretions. In order to flush dried mucus and bacteria out of the nasal passages, Dr. Bruce Jafek recommends irrigating the nose with a homemade solution of 1 teaspoon of table salt and 2 cups of warm water. You should add a pinch of baking soda to the solution before using it. To irrigate the nasal passes, tilt your head back, pinch one nostril closed with your thumb, and inhale some of the solution with the open nostril. Blow your nose and then repeat this on the other side of your nose.

Medical Conditions - Related Articles