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What is the Best Sinus Infection Remedy?

D. Jeffress
D. Jeffress

Sinus infections are very common ailments among people of all ages. They can be sudden and short-lived, as with the common cold, or chronic conditions that cause long-term discomfort. Congestion, coughing, and other symptoms that accompany an infection can often be relieved by getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated, and taking over-the-counter medications. An individual who experiences frequent or severe sinus problems, however, should visit a primary care doctor to learn about the best sinus infection remedy for his or her specific condition.

Many people find the best acute sinus infection remedy to be resting and waiting for the bacteria or virus to run its course. Drinking water and juice can help boost the immune system and loosen mucus buildup in the sinus cavities. Over-the counter cough suppressants, decongestants, and nasal sprays can further help to relieve symptoms, though they do not actually shorten healing time. Most acute infections resolve within about two weeks.

A cross section of the head, including the sinuses.
A cross section of the head, including the sinuses.

Severe congestion can cause an individual to have facial pain, headaches, and nausea. Applying a warm, wet cloth or compress on the cheeks and nose may help ease pain. Breathing in steam from a shower or a bowl of hot water can also help relieve pressure and promote drainage. Some people find relief by using an over-the-counter nasal irrigation product, such as a neti pot, to flush the nasal cavities with a saline solution.

Drinking water can loosen mucus buildup caused by sinus infections.
Drinking water can loosen mucus buildup caused by sinus infections.

If an individual has chronic symptoms due to allergies, the best sinus infection remedy is usually avoiding allergic triggers. It may be difficult to stay away from outdoor allergens, but a person can limit exposure by staying inside on windy days and wearing a respirator when working outside. In addition, taking over-the-counter antihistamines can help alleviate allergy attacks and reduce sinus pressure.

Sinus infections can cause long-term discomfort.
Sinus infections can cause long-term discomfort.

A person who cannot seem to find a reliable sinus infection remedy should schedule an appointment with his or her physician. A doctor can evaluate symptoms and conduct a series of diagnostic tests to determine the nature of a person's infection. Depending on the underlying causes, a doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, decongestants, or high-strength nasal sprays. A person who has persistent nasal allergies may need to receive regular allergy shots to help reduce the severity and frequency of sinus problems. In rare circumstances, when no other sinus infection remedy is successful, an individual may need to undergo surgery to clear and restructure the sinus passages.

Discussion Comments

serenesurface

When I caught a cold and had a sinus infection, my aunt would apply a drop of sesame oil in each nostril and then do a little circular message on the the tip of my nose. It was so great, it relieved me a lot. If she couldn't finds sesame oil, then she used some menthol or vapor rub and it worked the same. It's a simple thing you can do but it's very beneficial. She actually always wanted to use a drop of onion juice instead of oil but I never let her because I couldn't stand the smell of onions. But I'm sure that works just fine too, if you're looking for some sinus home remedies.

bear78

I had a sinus infection for the first time in my life last year. I had a headache all the time, along with a runny nose. It was so hard to breathe. I was taking non-drowsy allergy and sinus relief medications but they didn't do anything for my stuffy nose.

I got through those two weeks by inhaling salt water into my nose. I was actually recommended by a friend to use a netty pot but I couldn't figure out how to use it. Instead, I took some warm water and put some sea salt in it and waited for it to dissolve. I took some of this water into my hand and inhaled into my nostrils. I kept doing this five six times. It would clear out my nostrils and I could breathe easily for at least four-five hours. I did it once in the morning and once in the evening. I think it's a great home remedy for sinus infections and stuffy nose.

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    • A cross section of the head, including the sinuses.
      By: turhanerbas
      A cross section of the head, including the sinuses.
    • Drinking water can loosen mucus buildup caused by sinus infections.
      By: goodluz
      Drinking water can loosen mucus buildup caused by sinus infections.
    • Sinus infections can cause long-term discomfort.
      By: Sebastian Gauert
      Sinus infections can cause long-term discomfort.
    • Inhaling steam vapors can provide relief from the discomfort from a sinus infection.
      By: Gennadiy Poznyakov
      Inhaling steam vapors can provide relief from the discomfort from a sinus infection.
    • Sinus infections related to allergies may be controlled by taking oral antihistamines.
      By: Wellford Tiller
      Sinus infections related to allergies may be controlled by taking oral antihistamines.
    • Usually, post-nasal drip occurs because a person is suffering from a sinus infection.
      By: Syda Productions
      Usually, post-nasal drip occurs because a person is suffering from a sinus infection.
    • Nasal sprays can help reduce the symptoms of sinus infections.
      By: Ken Hurst
      Nasal sprays can help reduce the symptoms of sinus infections.