“Sinusitis”, in short, means your sinuses are inflamed (red and swollen) due to an infection or other problems. Sinusitis can be acute, lasting up to 4 weeks or chronic, lasting more than 12 weeks and continue for months or even years.
In this article on how to get rid of sinus infection, I will be sharing with you the six steps which you can undertake to keep sinusitis at bay:-
Step One: Embark on a zinc treatment
Zinc is a great remedy for those wondering how to get rid of sinus infection naturally, but is generally taken when the symptoms of a cold first begin, as a preventive solution.
You might have doubts since zinc is usually used for common cold treatment but it really does help.
Step Two: Open the sinuses and alleviate the dryness
This is done by drinking plenty of water (minimum of eight glasses) and other hydrating beverages. Hot tea is often recommended.
Inhaling steam 2-4 times daily for about 10 minutes by leaning over a bowl of boiling water (not while the water is on the stove) also helps to open the sinuses and alleviate the dryness. Taking a hot, steamy shower may work too.
Step Three: Use eucalyptus oil in your 10 minute steam treatments
Eucalyptus oil helps to act as a natural expectorant and decongestant. Just add a few drops to a pot of boiling water and voila!
If you are using a humidifier, check the manual whether you can add oil directly to the water or if there is a medicine cup for adding oil or herbs.
Step Four: Perform regular checks on the colour of your phlegm and the duration of your infection
This is a great help to those wanting to know how to get rid of sinus infection. Yellow phlegm marks either the start or the end of fighting the sinus infection. Brown or orange phlegm could be a sign of a greater infection in the lungs, such as pneumonia.
A cold or sinus infection usually lasts between 9-15 days. Should your symptoms persist beyond that, seek a physician’s advice immediately for stronger antibiotics. You might also be suffering from chronic sinus infections.
Step Five: Thin the mucus with expectorants
Use expectorants, which are drugs that help to expel mucus from the lungs and respiratory passages. The expectorants help to thin mucous secretions, thereby enhancing drainage from the sinuses.
Over-the-counter (OTC) liquid cough medications and prescription tablets can also combine decongestants and cough suppressants to reduce symptoms.
Step Six: Humming
Surprised by this? Well, you’ve got to believe it as this natural remedy may well work for you if you are thinking of how to get rid of sinus infection without medicinal aid.
What’s more, it does not cost a thing! Research has shown that humming can improve ventilation in the sinuses, which reduces the risk of getting a sinus infection.
Researchers say a proper ventilation of the sinuses helps to keep them healthy and prevent an infection. Blockages or limited airflow between the two cavities is a key factor in the development of sinusitis.
The Treatments For Sinusitis guide will provide you with more treatment strategies to treat your sinus infection naturally if you are looking for natural treatments.