The sinuses are air-filled cavities that surround the nose. They are present in the forehead, the cheeks, and near the eyes. When the sinuses are clear, mucus drains easily from the nose, clearing out dirt and bacteria.
A sinus infection occurs when mucus is trapped in the sinuses, allowing viruses, bacteria, or fungi to grow more easily in a moist and stagnant environment. Sinus infections can cause painful and irritating symptoms.
In this article, learn how to get rid of a sinus infection at home or using medical remedies. People may be able to treat a sinus infection at home by relieving painful symptoms and taking steps to allow the immune system to fight off the infection.
Some of the easy remedial measures for Sinus cleaning.
Neti or Nasal irrigation
Nasal irrigation may help get rid of a sinus infection. People can use a neti pot, which is a small container with a spout, for nasal irrigation.
It is important not to use water straight from the tap in a neti pot. Tap water is safe to drink because the stomach acid kills off the bacteria or parasites present. The nose environment cannot kill these types of germs, so using a neti pot with tap water may cause or aggravate an infection.
People should make sure to boil the water for a few minutes and let it cool, or they can buy distilled water for use in a neti pot.
It is simple to make an irrigation solution for use with a neti pot or syringe.
To irrigate the nose:
- Mix half a teaspoon of no-iodized salt with half a teaspoon of baking soda
- Stir the mixture into 2 cups of sterile water
- Use a small syringe or neti pot to apply the solution
- Repeat for both nostrils
- Clean the neti pot or syringe after use with sterile water and dry thoroughly
Steam inhalation
To use steam inhalation to relieve sinus infection symptoms, people can lean over a bowl of hot water, place a towel over their heads to keep the steam in, and breathe deeply.
People may want to add one or two drops of essential oil, such as eucalyptus oil, to the water. Eucalyptus oil has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that may help fight the infection.
Rest
People should try to get as much rest as they can when they have a sinus infection. This will help the body recover and allow it to spend its energy fighting the infection.
Staying at home and resting can also help prevent spreading the infection to other people.
Hydration
Drinking plenty of clear fluids will help people stay hydrated and can also help loosen mucus and clear congestion.
Good choices for fluids to drink when a person has a sinus infection include:
- Plain water
- Hot water with lemon, honey, ginger
- Herbal teas
- Vegetable broth
Warm compresses
Applying a warm compress to the face can help ease pain and relieve pressure from the blocked sinuses. To make a warm compress, soak a facecloth in hot water, wring it out, and place it on the affected areas of the face.
