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Home remedies for Sinusitis
Home remedies for sinusitis when used along with proper medication can provide some relief in managing the symptoms of sinusitis. Though home remedies help improve symptoms, they must be adopted only after consulting a sinus specialist. Do not neglect the symptoms and delay consultation if you have recurring episodes of sinusitis. Delayed consultation can make your sinusitis chronic. In rare cases it can also lead to fatal situations. These home remedies are not a substitute for medication and it is advised to consult an ent specialist.
Nasal irrigation using neti pot
Salt water can help keep sinuses moist and clear out mucus & infection from the sinuses. If you are suffering from either acute or chronic sinusitis, nasal irrigation can relieve your symptoms. Using neti pot is pretty simple –
Always use distilled or boiled water to prepare your saline solution and use it with a sterilized neti pot.
Tilt your head at a 45 degree angle and carefully insert the spout of the neti pot in your top nostril.
Slowly pour the saline solution through that nostril which drains out of the other nostril.
Follow the same procedure with the other nostril.
Humidify and breathe in steam vapors
Dryness can cause irritation and aggravate your sinusitis. Steam inhalation is one of the most widely used home remedies. It opens the nasal passages and helps in getting relief from a cold or sinus infection. Humidifying your rooms and breathing in steam vapors can ease congestion and relax your swollen nasal passages. Though steam inhalation won’t help in curing sinus infection, it makes you feel better.
Nasal Saline Sprays
Nasal saline sprays are a natural home remedy that do the simple job of keeping your sinuses moist. They do not contain any medication and serve a similar purpose as nasal irrigation. It can help in washing away the germs before they can cause any inflammation. Overuse of nasal sprays can cause addiction. Excessive use of nasal sprays can lead to tissue damage inside the nose. It can also lead to long term stuffiness which in turn leads to excessive use of the spray. Always consult your doctor before you start using nasal saline sprays for relief from sinus infection.
Drink plenty of fluids
The importance of staying hydrated cannot be over emphasized. Staying hydrated helps in flushing infections out of your body. Drinking fluids helps thin mucus which reduces your congestion. Consumption of hot soups can also provide relief. Consumption of alcohol should be cut down as they make symptoms worse.
Eat immunity boosting foods
Drinking ginger tea, adding honey to warm water and consuming hot soups can help in providing relief from symptoms of sinusitis. Honey has anti oxidants, anti bacterial and anti fungal properties which can prove handy in sinusitis. WHO recommends eating 2 to 5 grams of garlic daily because of its medicinal properties. Also, adding ginger and onions to your meals can also help with sinusitis.
Use warm damp towel on facial area
Putting a warm, damp towel on your face around your nose, cheeks and eyes can ease your facial pain. This will help clear nasal passages by helping drain them.
Rest
Like any other health condition, resting your body is important to heal your body. It helps in recovering. Try to stay away from smoke and dust as much as possible. Exposure to air conditioned environment can make your symptoms worse. Try sticking to a warm and humid environment.
The above mentioned points are only home remedies for sinusitis. They are not a substitute for doctor consultation and medication. Any home remedies are most effective when used in sync with medication and surgery. Always consult a sinus specialist like Sinus Doctor for a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan or visit a good ent hospital near you.
