You would be surprised to know that in America alone, nearly 30 million people suffer from this infection. It causes headache, facial tenderness and a stuffed nose. A bad cold that does not show any signs of improvement causes a viral, bacterial or fungal infection that inflames the sinuses and nasal passages. This even causes problems in the inner ear and dizziness. But, most sinuses can be treated without drugs or antibiotics. If the symptoms do not go away even after a week, you can use antibiotics. Here is a list of 10 simple and effective ways of treating a sinus infection.
1. Humidifier
The air inside the house is usually dry, especially in cold temperatures. This causes the mucous lining to become thick and irritable. So, humidifying the air that we breathe in eases it. This can be done with a humidifier. There are two types of humidifiers; cool mist and warm. Both are equally effective. You can use any of them to clear the stuffiness in the nostrils.
2. Saline nasal spray
The easiest solution is to stir a teaspoon of common salt in a pint of water that is lukewarm, or get a salt solution from the drugstore and use it in a nasal spray. This is as good as a humidifier and easier to use. It is portable too. It works in exactly the same way as a humidifier. It just makes the air you breathe in, more humid.
3. Neti pot
In Ayurvedic practices the slightly saline and lukewarm solution is made to wet the inner lining of the nostril. This washes out any irritant like dust and also moistens the breath. To do this, you can get a Neti pot from any drugstore. It is available in plastic or ceramic. You can fill this pot with the salt solution, gently flow it from the spout into one nostril, tilt your head and run it out of the other nostril.
4. Moist sinus compress
When you have a stuffy nose and an aching head, it is just heavenly to even just think of a warm compress. Many types of compresses are available. The steam from the compress relieves the pain around the eyes and forehead which usually comes with a sinus infection. It also frees the nasal passages to some extent.
5. Herbal inhalation or aroma therapy
Herbs like mint, rosemary or eucalyptus are known to relieve congestion, especially eucalyptus which is the main component of many ointments for cold. It is not known how exactly it works, but it does give relief by giving a feeling of a widening of the air passage to ease breathing. These herbs are combined and sold as herbal inhalation beads. It is widely available in food outlets as well as online.
6. OTC decongestants
Another option is to get nasal decongestants like Tylenol Sinus, Mucinex or Sudafed. They work by shrinking the nasal blood vessels and ease the stuffiness in the nose. But, doctors suggest using some humidifier to counteract the dryness caused by these medications. These are available over the counter and need no prescription from a doctor.
7. Nasal irrigation system
There is a more fancy and sophisticated system for removing mucous from the nasal passages. Sold as a Nasal Irrigation System, It functions in the same way as a Neti pot (a little more thorough maybe). It humidifies and washes out the nostril in a repeated action. This is available for $80.
8. Medicated nasal spray
There are times when we need immediate relief due to reasons related to work or special occasions when we need to be as fit as possible and other remedies are too long drawn. At such times a medicated nasal spray can be used. This is strictly for temporary relief, as such medications develop an inbuilt resistance. So, increased doses would be needed over time. This is also available over the counter.
9. Steam therapy
This age-old therapy is extremely beneficial. Basically, any therapy combining heat and moisture relieves the congestion. So it could be a humidifier for one, herbal inhalation for another or steam therapy for some. Gadgets that produce steam for inhalation are available. Vicks Vapor Therapy Steam Inhaler is one.
10. Air Purifier
Products to purify the air around is also available in the market. For instance, the Germ Guardian Table Top and Blueair purifier. As most allergies and colds are caused by dust, pollen, molds, etc., getting the air cleared of these allergens help immensely in not aggravating the infection.
As side-effects and reactions to drugs run high, more and more doctors recommend alternate therapies for common ailments, especially infections like cold, viral and allergies. So, it is important to be in the know of simple and effective non-drug options.
