If you know somebody who lives with sinusitis, you know just how hard life is for them. They catch sinus infections easily, even with the least exposure to viruses, bacterial infection, fungi, dust, the cold, pollen, or any other allergens.
Sinusitis is a condition in which the cavities around the nasal passages, known as sinuses, become inflamed. How does it happen? Sinuses are lined with mucus which keeps the nasal passages moist and traps dirt particles and germs. Sinusitis occurs when mucus builds up, and the sinuses become irritated and inflamed.
There are two forms of sinusitis, acute and chronic. Acute sinusitis has the shortest duration and lasts between one and two weeks. Chronic sinusitis, on the other hand, lasts for more than 3 months. There are people who live with sinusitis their entire lives. The symptoms include nasal inflammation, sinus headaches, congestion, difficulty in breathing, tenderness and swelling around your eyes, cheeks, nose, or forehead, and a reduced sense of smell and taste.
Here are some of the remedies for those who have had to deal with sinusitis:
- Steam
Steaming from a bowl of warm water can ease your sinusitis symptoms. It soothes and opens the nasal passages giving relief from the symptoms of a sinus infection. Warm steam helps to ease feelings of irritation and swollen blood vessels in the nasal passages. The moisture may also help thin the mucus in your sinuses, which allows them to empty more easily. This can allow your breathing to return to normal. The Benefits Of Steaming And How To Do It At Home
- Hydrate
When a person is suffering from a regular cold, they are encouraged to hydrate. Drinking extra fluids helps thin your mucus. This lets it drain from your sinuses more easily. Dehydration will make your congestion worse. The extra congestion can make your sinuses more susceptible to infection. 7 Tricks For Keeping Yourself Hydrated Every Day
- Don’t blow your nose
Few things are as irritating as a runny nose. It can hinder you from performing regular activities efficiently because you keep getting distracted and have to blow your nose. However, blowing your nose is actually not a good idea when you’re congested. It may seem counter-intuitive, but blowing your nose repeatedly throughout the day can actually make your congestion worse. Instead, use tissues to gently dab your nose if it’s runny, but otherwise, leave it alone. Researchers have determined that the pressure from blowing actually causes the fluid and mucus in your sinuses to back up, increasing stuffiness.
- Rest
Resting is crucial when you are dealing with sinusitis. It helps your body to fight the infection and speeds up the recovery process. While you sleep, prop yourself up with a couple of pillows. Staying elevated can help you breathe more comfortably.
- Sinus rinsing with a saltwater solution
A neti pot is a therapy that uses a salt and water solution to flush nasal passages. How can this be done? Tilt your head sideways over the sink and place the spout of the neti pot in the upper nostril. Breathing through your open mouth, gently pour the saltwater solution into your upper nostril so that the liquid drains through the lower nostril. Repeat on the other side. Nasal irrigation using the neti pot has been a tried-and-true sinus treatment method for centuries. Neti pots are available in many major pharmacies.
Sinusitis can be triggered by a cold. In that case, here are 7 Remedies To Treat A Common Cold At Home
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