Sinuses are cavities in the face that have a variety of functions, including humidifying inhaled air and producing mucus to trap and remove pathogens from the body. Sometimes, the sinuses are unable to fight off pathogens, causing symptoms of a familiar infection such as swelling and inflammation in the nasal passages, mucus, headache, cough, congestion, and sometimes fever. There are several ways to treat a sinus infection, depending on the cause. Sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses) will usually go away on its own, but you can speed up the recovery process and reduce your symptoms with some home remedies.
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Method 1 of 4: Determining the Type of Infection
Step 1. Recognize the basic symptoms
Sinusitis is generally characterized by basic symptoms. Symptoms of acute sinusitis usually get worse after 5–7 days. Symptoms of chronic sinusitis may be milder, but last longer.
- Headache
- Sensation of pressure or pain around the eyes
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Sore throat and feeling of mucus running down the back of the throat
- Fatigue
- Cough
- Smelly breath
- Fever
Step 2. Consider how long your symptoms last
Sinusitis can be acute (more than four weeks) or chronic (more than 12 weeks). Long-lasting symptoms don't mean your sinusitis is more severe or dangerous.
- Acute sinusitis can have many causes, but the most common cause is a viral infection (in 90–99% of cases). You may have acute sinusitis after a cold. Acute sinusitis caused by a viral infection usually improves in 7–14 days.
- Allergies are a common cause of chronic sinusitis. You are also more prone to chronic sinusitis if you have asthma, polyps, or if you smoke.
Step 3. Check if you have a fever
Allergic sinusitis is usually not accompanied by fever. However, sinusitis caused by an infection, such as a cold, may be accompanied by a fever.
A high fever (over 39°C) is usually a sign of a sinus infection caused by bacteria. If your fever exceeds 39°C, consult a doctor
Step 4. Watch for yellow or green mucus
Yellow or green mucus with an unpleasant smell or taste may be a sign of a bacterial sinus infection. If you think you have a bacterial sinus infection, talk to your doctor. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics such as amoxicillin, augmentin, cefdinir, or azithromycin.
- Doctors will usually observe before prescribing antibiotics. Many cases of bacterial sinusitis improve without antibiotics. Doctors try to avoid giving antibiotics unless absolutely necessary because overuse of antibiotics can increase the risk of antibiotic-resistant infections.
- Antibiotics will only help with bacterial sinusitis. Antibiotics do not help other types of sinus infections.
- Only 2–10% of acute sinusitis is caused by a bacterial infection.
Step 5. Know when to see a doctor
Apart from a high fever and dark green or yellow mucus, there are other symptoms that signal you should see a doctor. The doctor will examine you and determine if your case is a bacterial infection and if antibiotics are needed. If you experience the following symptoms, consult a doctor to determine treatment:
- Symptoms that last more than 7–10 days
- Symptoms such as headaches that don't respond to over-the-counter medications
- Coughing up phlegm with green, dark yellow, or bloody mucus
- Shortness of breath, chest tightness, or chest pain
- Stiff neck or severe neck pain
- Earache
- Changes in vision, redness or swelling around the eyes
- The appearance of an allergic reaction to the drug. Symptoms include hives, swelling of the lips or face, and/or shortness of breath.
- Asthma symptoms in asthmatics are getting worse
- If you have had chronic sinusitis for a long time, you should see a doctor. Doctors can help with long-term sinusitis. Your doctor may also refer you to an allergist or an ENT (Ear-Nose-Throat) specialist to determine the cause.
Method 2 of 4: Coping with Symptoms with Medication
Step 1. Consult a doctor
If you want a prescription medication, you'll need to see your doctor first. However, in some cases you can also call your doctor before taking over-the-counter medications, especially if you have a medical problem or are taking other medications. While most over-the-counter medications are safe for healthy adults to use, there are many situations that make self-care with over-the-counter medications difficult.
- Never give adult medicines to children because many cold medicines are not suitable for young children.
- Pregnant women should also not take cold medicine carelessly, and breastfeeding mothers should check with their doctor or lactation consultant before taking over-the-counter medicines.
Step 2. Use antibiotics as directed
If your doctor prescribes antibiotics for a sinus infection due to bacteria, make sure you take them all the way through even if your condition improves. This is to minimize the chance of the infection coming back or the risk of becoming resistant to antibiotics.
- Antibiotics commonly used for bacterial sinus infections include amoxicillin (most common), augmentin, cefdinir, or azithromycin (for people allergic to amoxicillin).
- Side effects of antibiotics include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and skin rashes. More serious side effects such as fainting, difficulty breathing, or hives should be reported to the doctor immediately.
Step 3. Take an antihistamine for allergies
If your sinus problems have something to do with the seasons or a systemic allergy, antihistamines can help. Antihistamines are drugs that act directly against the body's reaction to allergies by preventing histamine from attaching to receptors in cells. Antihistamines can stop the symptoms of allergic sinusitis before they start.
- Antihistamines commonly come in pill form, such as loratidine (Claritin), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), and cetirizine (Zyrtec). Antihistamines in liquid, chewable, and soluble forms are also available, especially for children.
- Consult your doctor or pharmacist to determine which type of antihistamine is most effective for you.
- Do not take antihistamines for acute sinusitis without consulting your doctor. Antihistamines can make acute sinusitis more complex by thickening nasal secretions.
Step 4. Take over-the-counter pain relievers
Pain relievers won't cure a sinus infection, but they can reduce some uncomfortable symptoms, such as headaches and nasal pain.
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Acetaminophen/paracetamol (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) can relieve headaches, sore throats, and reduce fever.
Note that ibuprofen should not be given to children under 6 months of age
Step 5. Try a nasal spray
Over-the-counter nasal sprays can immediately relieve a stuffy nose. There are three main types of nasal sprays: saline sprays, decongestant sprays, and steroid sprays.
- Decongestant sprays such as Afrin should not be used for more than 3–5 days as they can make congestion worse.
- Saline spray is safe for frequent use and helps remove mucus.
- Fluticasone (Flonase) is a steroid nasal spray used to treat allergy symptoms. This type of nasal spray can last longer than decongestant sprays, but it doesn't help sinus infections because it's only meant to treat allergy symptoms.
Step 6. Try a decongestant
This drug can treat nasal congestion and sinus pain. Do not use decongestants for more than 3 days. Long-term use of decongestants can cause repeated congestion.
- Common choices are phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) or pseudoephedrine (Sudafed 12-hours). Some antihistamines also contain decongestants, such as Allegra-D, Claritin-D, or Zyrtec-D.
- Many drugs marked with a "D" contain pseudoephedrine and may not be available over the counter due to restricted sales.
- Some decongestants also contain acetaminophen. Do not take additional acetaminophen if it is already in a decongestant. Overdose can cause serious complications.
Step 7. Consider mucolytics or phlegm laxatives
Mucolytics (such as Guaifenesin/Mucinex) will thin mucus secretions, which helps clear the sinuses. There is no solid evidence that phlegm-thinning medications can help with sinusitis, but they may work.
Method 3 of 4: Using Alternative Treatments
Step 1. Get enough rest
If you continue to sleep less or work late, it will take your body longer to clear the infection. If possible, try to rest completely for 24 hours.
Try sleeping with your head up. This will help reduce nasal congestion
Step 2. Drink plenty of fluids
Adequate hydration can thin mucus and reduce the sensation of congestion. The best option is water, but decaffeinated teas, sports drinks that contain electrolytes, and clear broths are also great.
- Men should drink at least 3 liters of water per day. Women should drink at least 2 liters per day. If you are sick, you need more fluids.
- Avoid alcohol, which can actually worsen the swelling in the sinuses. Meanwhile, caffeine can cause dehydration which further thickens mucus.
Step 3. Try a neti pot or nasal injection
Washing the sinuses (also called “irrigating the sinuses”) can clear mucus naturally. You can do it several times a day with minimal side effects.
- Use sterile saline in a teapot or injection. You can buy a ready-to-use solution or make your own by dissolving salt in distilled, boiling, or sterile water.
- Tilt your head about 45 degrees to the side over the sink or in the shower to make it easier.
- Insert the mouth of the neti pot (or the tip of the syringe) into the upper nostril. Gently inject the solution into the nostrils. That will clear the other nostril.
- Repeat with the other nostril.
Step 4. Inhale the steam
The steam will moisten your sinuses and make it easier for you to breathe. You can take a hot shower or inhale the hot steam from the bowl. Using a menthol shower bomb can also help.
- If using a bowl, carefully place the hot water in a heatproof bowl (remember, don't inhale the steam from the water still on the stove!). Place the bowl on a table or at a comfortable height to lean over it.
- Bow your head over the bowl. Don't get so close that your face feels scorched by hot water or steam.
- Cover your head and bowl with a light towel. Inhale the steam for 10 minutes.
- If you want, you can add 1-3 drops of eucalyptus oil or another oil that can relieve a stuffy nose.
- Do it 2–4 times per day.
- If you use this method on children, be careful and do not leave the child alone in hot water.
Step 5. Turn on the humidifier
Hot, dry air can irritate your sinus passages, so turning on a humidifier while you sleep will ease your breath. Humidifiers that emit a warm or cold mist do the same. You can add a few drops of an essential oil like eucalyptus to the water in the container, which will further help relieve congestion (check the humidifier's user manual before adding anything else).
Watch out for mushrooms. If the air is too humid, mold will grow on or around the humidifier. Clean tools regularly
Step 6. Apply a warm compress
To reduce pain and pressure on the face, place a warm compress on the area that needs it.
- Wet a small towel and place it in the microwave for about 30 seconds. The towels will be warm, but not hot, so they are comfortable.
- Place the compress on the nose, cheek, or near the eye to reduce pain. Leave it for 5-10 minutes.
Step 7. Eat spicy food
Some research shows that spicy food can clear the sinuses.
- The capsaicin in chili peppers and other spicy foods thins mucus and helps clear sinuses.
- Other "spicy" foods like ginger can also make you more comfortable.
Step 8. Drink hot drinks
Hot drinks without caffeine can relieve a sore throat, especially if they contain ginger and honey. Hot drinks also reduce coughing. However, avoid tea that contains a lot of caffeine because it can make you dehydrated and unable to sleep.
- You can make ginger wedang. Grate 25 grams of fresh ginger per cup of boiling water, steep for at least 10 minutes.
- There is an herbal tea called "Throat Coat" which has been shown to reduce sore throats compared to placebo teas.
- Benifuuki green tea can reduce the symptoms of nasal allergies when taken regularly.
Step 9. Treat cough
Sinus infections are usually accompanied by a cough. To reduce discomfort due to coughing, you should drink enough body fluids, drink warm drinks such as herbal teas, and honey (only for ages 1 year and over).
Step 10. Quit smoking
Secondhand smoke, even secondhand smoke, can irritate the nasal passages and cause sinus infections. Secondhand smoke causes 40% of cases of chronic sinusitis in America each year. You should stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke when you have a sinus infection.
To avoid sinus infections in the future and improve your health, you must quit smoking forever. Smoking is very dangerous for health and can reduce life expectancy
Method 4 of 4: Preventing Sinus Infections
Step 1. Treat allergy and cold symptoms
Inflammation of the nose caused by allergies and cold can cause sinus infections.
Get the flu vaccine. The flu vaccine reduces the chances of contracting the influenza virus, which is one of the causes of acute viral sinusitis
Step 2. Avoid pollution
Exposure to polluted environments and contaminated air can irritate the nasal passages and exacerbate sinusitis. Chemicals and fumes can irritate the lining of the nose.
Step 3. Keep yourself clean
Viral infections are a common cause of sinusitis. You can reduce your risk of infection by washing your hands frequently with soap and water.
Wash your hands after shaking hands, touching public objects (such as doorknobs or bus doors), and before and after preparing food
Step 4. Drink plenty of water
Water adds moisture to the body and prevents congestion. Water also helps thin mucus, which helps to clean the nasal cavity.
Step 5. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants and vitamins that help the body stay strong and healthy.
Foods like oranges are high in flavonoids, compounds that strengthen the immune system and fight viruses, inflammation, and allergies
Tips
- If you feel pain in your ear canal (behind your lower jaw), you may have an ear infection. See a doctor because antibiotics are needed to cure this infection.
- Do not add tap water to the neti pot liquid. If you don't want to use distilled water, boil tap water and let it cool to room temperature. There are amoeba in tap water which can cause serious complications.
- Drinking "Breathe Easy" tea from Traditional Medication helps relieve congestion and sore throats.
Warning
- See your doctor right away if you have difficulty breathing, chest pain, neck stiffness or pain, red face or eyes, pain or swelling, or you are dehydrated from not drinking enough, especially in a child or infant.
- If you have a chronic sinus infection, discuss treatment options with your doctor. In some cases, surgery may be needed to clear the breath.
