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4 Effective home remedies for sinus allergy

Steam inhalation for relief from sinus

Sinus allergy is not an alien term as many suffer from this disorder at some stage of their life, including the children. This is more pronounced among children and youngsters, which also includes the middle aged to some extent. Inflammation of the paranasal sinuses due to bacterial or viral infection is the prime cause of sinus allergy or sinusitis causing blockages in the nasal cavity. This is followed by severe pain on the face, head or temples. Mucous builds up in the sinus cavities due to cold or from any allergens posing extreme difficulties to the sufferer. Sinus problems can seriously affect the normal life of a person. Normally, people prone to various allergies are more likely to contact sinus infection. Sinus infection can give rise to complications, if neglected. It is always recommended to stay away from the allergy triggers to prevent this disorder. It is better to opt for home remedies while suffering from this disease. Prolonged use of over the counter nasal sprays and decongestants may give way to untoward conditions as warned by the Mayo Clinic.

Following are some home remedies to treat sinus:

1. Nasal irrigation with saline water

This is the most widely recommended home remedy for sinus allergy for its proven effect. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, nasal irrigation not only alleviates the symptoms of sinus allergy but also prevents its recurrence. Chronic sufferers of sinus infection are advised to go through nasal irrigation treatment regularly as a preventive measure. The treatment involves washing of the nasal passages with saline water of definite concentration to drain out mucous from the blocked nasal cavities.

You can use Neti pot, sinus irrigation kit or can go for manual treatment. Using Neti pot may require a little practice. In two cups of lukewarm water, add one teaspoonful of salt. Gradually inhale the saline solution through your nasal cavity so that it drains out through the other nostril. Keep your head tilted to facilitate the draining of saline water through another nostril. Spit out the drained saline water if it goes down your throat. Place the nozzle of the Neti pot in one of your nostrils and inhale the saline water. You can also use any dropper or syringe in absence of Neti pot. Breathing through the mouth will prevent the saline water going down your throat. Repeat the process with two nostrils for 3-4 times.

2. Steam inhalation clears your nasal blockage

Symptoms of sinus allergy can be controlled significantly by moistening the sinuses with steam. This helps in draining out of the mucous along with the bacteria and reduces pain and inflammation. It also relieves headache. Take boiling water in a bowl and lean your head over it. Take care that the steam does not hurt your skin too much. Wrap your head with a towel and inhale the steam with deep breathing for ten minutes. You can add few drops of Eucalyptus oil for better effect. The inhaled steam moistens the sinus and cilia of the nasal cavity and reduces the discomfort. Repeat this treatment for 3-4 times a day.

3. Take enough fluids

Drink plenty of fluids and keep yourself hydrated. This helps in draining of the mucous and reduces pain and inflammation. Sip few cups of hot tea or take hot soups several times a day. Hot chicken soup can be delicious as well as beneficial in treating sinus allergy. Drinking hot liquids also functions like steam inhalation that reduces the discomfort to a great extent. You can also inhale the steam from the cup of hot herbal teas for few minutes to drain out the mucous. Just hold the cup near to your nose and breathe deeply. This will provide instant relief. Teas prepared from herbs like sage, fenugreek, or fennel helps in effective draining out of the mucous. Steam is beneficial in treating sinus allergies as it moistens the cilia and mucous membranes and reduces inflammation.

4. Warm compresses to treat sinus allergy

Try warm compresses several times a day to reduce the pain and inflammation of sinusitis. It works instantly in alleviating the troublesome symptoms. Dip a small towel in hot water and squeeze out the water from it. Now apply this hot and moist towel on your face. Do not rub the towel over your face but pat it gently. It will provide some comfort reducing the headache. Keep the towel on your face as long as it is hot. Carry on this treatment several times a day to avail best results.

Few important facts

Home remedies can produce the best results only if they are carried out systematically several times a day. You may need to devote extra time for these treatments bearing in mind the long term beneficial aspects. Pain killers and other decongestant stuff may provide instant result saving your time, but it may dry up the nasal passages producing severe complications in the future. Take a healthy diet consisting of colorful fruits to boost up your immunity system.

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