The experience can be a rather painful one when sinusitis, an inflammation of the sinuses passages, strikes. However, sinusitis can be treated with the appropriate sinus infection remedies.
In this article, I will share with you various sinus infection remedies, which range from conventional medicine to natural for a holistic sinus infection treatment.
- Antibiotics
Antibiotics (eg. penicillins, cephalosporins and Amoxicillin-clavulanate) are part of a group of medications termed anti-infectives as they are derived from bacteria and are used to treat bacterial infections such as sinusitis.
They have been the foundation and continue to be one of the conventional sinus infection remedies.
An antibiotic can also be added to a saline irrigation in a situation in which superficial infection or recurrent infections are present. These solutions can be used as a nasal irrigation, spray or nebulized solution.
- Decongestants
An OTC alternative for those with extreme sinus pain, a decongestant reduces the amount of swelling or congestion of the nose by reducing the blood flow, thereby increasing the size of the nasal passages and relieving pressure.
Two types of decongestants are available, those used as a topical spray (e.g. Afrin, Sinex and Vicks) and those taken orally (e.g. Dristan, Contac and Actifed).
It’s advisable to use the decongestants with caution.
- Acupuncture
Acupuncture is one of the sinus infection remedies for your sinus infection treatment that is a relatively painless procedure involving the use of very thin acupuncture needles.
No one knows for sure exactly how acupuncture works but one theory is that the application of acupuncture needles causes a release of endorphins in the brain. The endorphins help to alleviate the pain.
There are of course other theories behind the use of acupuncture but whatever the theory is, acupuncture is now more widely accepted than before
- Aromatherapy
Certain aromas have a strong emotional impact on most people, and those used in aromatherapy are generally made from essential oils. They are highly-concentrated extracts that are heated, burned as candles, or added to hot bath water.
Breathing in warm, moist air and oils such as menthol and eucalyptus is a highly effective way to relieve sinusitis.
- Hydrotherapy
Believe it or not, water itself is one of the sinus infection remedies. It is therapeutic by virtue of its temperature. Taking hot showers in the morning helps to loosen mucus in airways.
Turning off the hot water completely and allowing the cold water to strike your mid-chest for about a minute is one technique proven by doctors to strengthen the immune system.
- Diet
“We are what we eat”. This saying holds true, especially for relieving sinusitis. A healthy diet is generally rich in organic fruit and vegetables, whole grains (eg, brown rice, wheat and oats), legumes and fibre – abundant in bran cereals, beans, apricots and prunes.
Having a good diet provides a foundation for healthy cell growth and is part of a good sinus infection treatment strategy.
Raw foods are usually better than cooked. Good sources of protein include fish, nuts and tofu. The foods that most strengthen the immune system also highly benefit those whose sinus condition is caused by nasal allergies. They are namely garlic, onions, citrus fruit and horseradish.
Everything should be taken in moderation, including caffeine, salt and alcohol. Sugar is health-depleting and should be avoided.
If you feel a need to satisfy your sweet tooth, replace sugar with modest amounts of pure honey or maple syrup. Avoid milk and dairy products completely whenever possible. The protein in milk tends to increase and thicken mucus secretions.
- Aerobic Exercise
Being unfit means being unhealthy, and being unhealthy means that the body may be prone to chronic health conditions, common colds and sinus infections.
The most convenient forms of aerobic exercise involving the least amount of wear and tear are brisk walking, hiking, swimming, rebounding (jumping on a mini trampoline) and cycling.
Start gradually and do not push yourself too hard. Devote about 45 minutes each time. Be consistent and ensure that you exercise in comfort.
You will realize how aerobic exercise can be part of a good sinus infection treatment and heighten your sense of well being.
Alternatively, if you are looking for a step-by-step natural sinus treatment approach to treat your sinusitis quickly, I would recommend the Treatments For Sinusitis Guide.