Getting a sinus infection isn’t ever fun.
Technically, a sinus infection is called sinusitis. It’s an inflammation and swelling of the tissues lining the sinuses.
Your sinuses make mucus, which helps to keep the inside of your nose moist.
However, they also contain hollow spaces—and within those hollow spaces, sometimes pollutants, dust, or allergens can enter. And in the worst of cases, they can cause an infection.
Most people have had a sinus infection at some point or another.
But in this post, you’re going to learn 10 ways to improve a sinus infection.
Hopefully, armed with these tips, your next infection won’t be near as bad—and will heal up without a hitch.
Let’s jump into it.
1. Drink Water
One of the best first steps you should always take if you believe that you’re coming down with a sinus infection is to drink more water.
Staying adequately hydrated will help you to keep your system flushed and fresh, and keep you from getting dehydrated.
For best results, drink at least eight ounces of water every two hours.
2. Eat Antibacterial Foods
Food can absolutely be medicine.
And in the case of a sinus infection, there are actually quite a few foods that you can add to your meals to help you fight off the illness and overcome it.
Using foods like garlic, ginger, and onions in your meals can give you an extra boost of virus-fighting power.
You can also add raw honey to fresh ginger tea to pack in even more vitamins and nutrients.
3. Use Cannabis
Cannabis contains a bunch of different cannabinoids—some of which can deliver impressive health benefits.
For example, there’s a cannabinoid acid called THCA, which helps to reduce inflammation and can act as a powerful anti-inflammatory agent.
Consider doing a bit of research to look into the benefits of cannabis and how it could help you to overcome certain types of infections, including sinus infections.
4. Use A Humidifier While You Sleep
Sleeping with a humidifier in your bedroom can help to relieve nasal blockages.
This is a pretty simple mechanism.
Adding moisture to the air helps to moisturize your nasal passages, which in turn helps to reduce inflammation and just in general soothe your sinuses.
5. Use A Nasal Spray
Saline nasal sprays can be surprisingly helpful when dealing with a sinus infection.
They can help to break up congestion, help you breathe better, and soothe your symptoms.
6. Use Essential Oils
Essential oils have become a hot topic for debate among homeopathic medicine aficionados.
However, one can’t deny that essential oils can potentially pack a wallop for helping to improve your symptoms during a sinus infection.
Focus on oils like eucalyptus, peppermint, tea tree, and rosemary for best results
7. Use A Neti Pot
A neti pot is a device that uses water pressure to push a flow of saline solution through your nasal passages, helping you to clear out built-up allergens and mucus trapped inside.
A neti pot can work wonders for a sinus infection by helping you to clear out all of that mucus.
Not only can it help you to breathe better, but it’ll also help to provide relief from your symptoms.
8. Use A Warm Compress On Your Face
A basic warm compress can be made by dampening a towel with warm/hot water and placing it on your face—especially around your nose, cheeks, and eyes.
The warmth and the steam from the towel will help to soothe sinus passages.
This will be especially helpful if your face and nose are feeling inflamed and painful.
9. Take Over-The-Counter Sinus Medication
There are a variety of over-the-counter medications that you can take to help you ease sinus pressure and other sinusitis symptoms.
For best results, go to your local pharmacy and ask the pharmacist what they recommend for your particular symptoms.
10. Consider Talking To Your Doctor If Symptoms Persist
Usually, sinus infections go away on their own within a week’s time.
However, if you end up with a temperature higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, if your symptoms last for more than 10 days, if your symptoms continue to get worse, if they aren’t eased by over the counter medication, and/or if you’ve had several infections over the past year, it may be a good idea to talk to your doctor about it.
In some cases, you may actually need antibiotics to clear a sinus infection—especially if it’s particularly bad.
Conclusion
There you have it.
10 ways to improve a sinus infection.
Using these steps, you’ll hopefully be able to relieve some of that sinus pressure, feel better, and get on with your life without going to too much trouble.
Nobody likes to get an infection.
But thankfully, sinus infections are pretty common, and they’re pretty easy to clear up if you take the proper steps.
One more tip—remember to take it easy. A little rest certainly never hurt anything.
