Sinus infection congestion is the worst! The unbearable sinus
pain. The oh-so-attractive mouth breathing. We've all been there...an
estimated 37 million people get at least one infection a year. That's a
lot of tissues! There are ways to ease the discomfort without running to
the doctor for antibiotics or developing an addiction to decongestant
nasal sprays. After suffering with sinus congestion for years, I've
compiled my top 3 go to remedies whenever my sinuses start to ache.
1.
Hot Toddy! Yes, hot toddy is number one. Why? Because warm booze is the
best thing ever when you feel like crap and have sinus infection
congestion! And also, because they do work. A hot toddy is basically
liquor, honey, lemon, and either warm water or tea mixed together. I
usually reach for the Jack Daniels, but you can use any kind of brandy,
whiskey or rum you like. I also don't feel like reaching for the
measuring cup when I'm super congested, but if you must measure, here is
a go-by:
The World's Best Hot Toddy
1 ounce brandy, whiskey
or rum (or 2 ounces if you really want to knock this sinus infection
congestion out!) 1 tablespoon honey 1/4 of a lemon 1 cup of hot tea or
hot water
Hold your nose and throw it down the hatch! A cinnamon
stick, six to ten cloves, or a couple of teaspoons of brown sugar can be
added to the mix if you're not as experienced with the hot toddie, or
drinking for that matter. You should feel relief immediately, and if you
don't, rinse and repeat!
2. The Newly Popular Neti Pot - I have
to be honest. I don't understand what all the hype is about the neti
pot. Although it does feel great, the relief is very short lived. In my
experience, I'm congested again in about 5 minutes, no exaggeration.
However, I am including it on my list because it has helped keep my
allergies, cold, etc from turning into a full blown infection when used
as soon as the tell tell symptoms appear - dripping nose, sinus
congestion, etc. The neti pot has never done much of anything for me if I
already have an infection. So, as soon as your nose starts to drip, use
your neti pot twice a day or more.
3. Mucinex! Mucinex! Mucinex!
People don't realize how important mucinex is when you have an
infection. When I go to the doctor for a sinus infection, and I used to
alot, he would prescribe me mucinex and send me home. That's right, no
antibiotics, mucinex. Why? First, antibiotics are not the sinus cure
like we once thought. More studies are showing that antibiotics may
shave one day off the infection time, if that. In my experience, doctors
try to avoid giving you antibiotics. So, back to the mucinex. If you
have sinus problems yearly like I do, take mucinex as directed on the
box as soon as your nose starts to drip. Most of the time the mucinex
will prevent your cold or allergy from becoming a full on infection.
Why? Because the bacteria that causes the infection lives in your mucus.
Mucinex thins your mucus, making it easier for your body to get rid of,
therefore, getting rid of the infection. Also, removing the mucus eases
the sinus infection congestion.
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