Easy Treatments for Sinusitis Relief

Photo credit: Bigstockphoto
Photo credit: Bigstockphoto

Sinusitis is a condition caused by inflammation of the sinuses. Also known as a sinus infection or rhinosinusitis, this condition causes pain in the face, thick, nasal mucus, clogged nose, and headaches. Other symptoms of a sinusitis include a sore throat, coughing that gets worse at night, poor sense of smell and low-grade fever.

There are two types of sinusitis, acute and chronic rhinosinusitis. Acute rhinosinusitis could last up to 4 weeks while chronic sinusitis could last up to 12 weeks. The good news is, there are many ways to cut the duration of this condition. In today’s post, we are listing down effective treatments for faster sinusitis relief:

Avoiding Sinusitis

Identifying the Triggers

One of the best ways to avoid sinusitis is to determine what triggers the condition. Usually, sinusitis is triggered by allergies. Allergies affect the entire nasal area including the passageways to the sinuses, which are the hollow spaces within the bones around the nose area. When the passageways to the sinuses are inflamed or irritated, they become blocked, causing sinusitis symptoms. To determine what’s causing a sinusitis flare-up, be observant of your surroundings. You can also consult your doctor if your condition is caused by nasal dryness or other nasal problems. From there, you and your doctor can develop a plan to reduce a sinusitis flare out.

Ideal Temperature

Excessive heat and high level of humidity are bad for the nasal area. Too much heat causes the nasal membranes to dry out. The dryness of the nasal membranes leads to nasal problems. Again, prevention is better than the cure so always maintain the ideal temperature to eliminate sinus issues. Get a dehumidifier so the air is less drying on the nose. Keep yourself cool by wearing loose, comfortable clothing made from absorbent materials. Use your nose to guide you through the ideal indoor temperature. If you do not wake up with nasal congestion or nosebleeds, this is a sign of an ideal temperature range.

Balanced Humidity Level

A very humid environment promotes the growth of mold and other allergens that could cause sinus problems. To reduce allergic triggers, you want to achieve balanced humidity. Balanced humidity in the air discourages the growth of mold, reduces dust mites, and does not cause nasal dryness. You can control the humidity in the air at home by using a humidifier during the dry season or vaporizers to control sinus problems.

Treating Sinusitis

Neti Pot

Get a teaspoon of sea salt and dissolve it in 2 cups of water. Stand on the sink and fill the neti pot with a cup of sea salt water. Place the tip of the spout into one of the nostrils; tilt your head to the side and let the water run through the opposite nostril. Do not let tilt your head back or the water will re-route to the throat. Refill the neti pot and do the other nostril.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar will thin out and dissolve thick mucus. It aids in nasal congestion. Dissolve 1 to 2 teaspoons of unfiltered apple cider vinegar in 6 ounces of water. Stir in a teaspoon of raw honey to taste and drink this tonic 3 times daily for 5 days.

Using Herbs

Certain types of herbs help reduce sinus issues. These herbs include cayenne pepper, onion, garlic, and horseradish. Adding these herbs to your favorite soups and meals will reduce nasal congestion and inflammation.