Showing posts with label sinus home remedy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sinus home remedy. Show all posts

Friday, March 7, 2014

Sinus Infection Congestion - The 3 Absolute Best Home Remedies For Sinus Infection Congestion

9:30:00 AM
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.

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Blocked Sinus - 4 Ways To Clear It Naturally

3:23:00 AM
Blocked sinus can be a frustrating and irritating condition. It may cause difficulty in eating or sleeping. Blocked sinus can lead to a sinus headache and even equilibrium problems when the blockage reaches the ear. While some prescription medications may provide some relief, natural home remedies can be effective in clearing a blocked sinus. The latter do not have any ill side effects, are non-habit forming and can be used as often as needed.
Here are 4 natural ways to clear a blocked sinus from the comfort of your home.
1. Increase humidity
Most sinus blockages and infections occur in the winter months. This is the time of year when heating is on and the doors and windows are closed, making the inside air very dry.
The easiest fix to this problem is to increase humidity in the air. You can use a whole-house humidifier that attaches to your furnace. If that is not an option you can use small room-sized humidifiers throughout the house. These are inexpensive and can greatly improve humidity levels. Be sure to keep the water filled and clean the containers often to avoid bacteria and mold build up.
Alternatively, boil a large pot of water on the stove. The vapor from the boiling water adds humidity to the air. Another quick fix is to sit in the bathroom with the hot shower running for 20 minutes or so.
2. Nasal irrigation
This is a method of running sterile water into the nose. You can buy a small irrigation pot from a health food store and follow the package directions. If you need something a little more portable try using a saline nasal spray. Nasal irrigation works by cleaning the nasal passages and sinus cavities of mucus and thereby, assisting the natural cleaning system of your nasal passages.
3. Warm compress
A wet towel or washcloth can be heated and placed on the face, over the nose and sinuses. This will help clear the sinus cavities by loosening the mucus so that it will drain out more easily. You can purchase warm compress that can be heated in the microwave, from health food stores or pharmacies.
4. Eucalyptus or menthol
Eucalyptus or menthol oil can be used in a steam inhalation to relieve nasal and sinus congestion, in draining mucus and relieving pressure. Menthol is derived from peppermint. It is a natural anesthetic, germicidal and the vapors are an incredible decongestant. Eucalyptus oil is a powerful antiseptic with antibacterial properties. To create an eucalyptus steam inhalation, pour some boiling water into a bowl and add 3 drops of eucalyptus oil. Look down, with your head over the bowl. Cover your head and bowl with a towel. Close your eyes and inhale the steam slowly for 10 minutes.
You can also put a few drops of eucalyptus on a handkerchief and sniff periodically.
Each of these natural remedies can be used alone or in combination with each other to relieve your blocked sinus. They do not cause complications or harmful effects even if used in conjunction with drug medications.

Monday, May 13, 2013

7 Different Ways To Treat Sinus Infection At Home

6:31:00 AM
Are there ways to treat sinus infection without antibiotics?
Getting an upper respiratory problem affecting the sinuses is unavoidable even in a healthy individual.
There are many causes ranging from untreated colds, allergies to structural issues.
Many people tend to go towards conventional treatment but not everyone is able to tolerate chemical drugs. They have been known to cause side effects in some people and prolonged usage can do more harm than cure.
This is not to say that medicines are bad as they are certainly effective when your symptoms are severe. For example antibiotics have been known to fight bacteria and other chronic diseases.
Sometimes you can manage the pain with home remedies while waiting for your infection to clear up.
The accumulation of excess mucus is the main contributor to upper respiratory infections and inflammation of the sinuses.
In fact there are many treatment options, you just have to choose one that works for you.
The fastest way is to prevent them before they start by treating the symptoms of cold and flu, maintain a healthy immune system and diet.
The main treatment plan is to reduce excess secretions, increase its flow rate so that they can drain through our nose and restore normal breathing.
Here are 7 different ways to treat sinus infection at home.
Steam Therapy
Inhaling steam is an effective method to relieve congested nasal and sinus cavities aw well as pressure. You can do this several times a day and blow your nose gently to get rid of infectious mucus.
Apply Hot Compress
Placing a compress such as a warm wash cloth over your sinus region helps to shrink the blood vessels that lined the membrane and open your nasal passage.
Hot Fluid Therapy
Drinking hot fluid such as herbal tea in particular peppermint several times a day tends to thin and break up your infected mucus for easy discharge.
The warm steam generated does soothe and relieve sinus related headache.
You can combine this therapy immediately after a hot shower to enhance the effect.
Boost Your Immune System
Do you know that certain foods and supplements may help to boost your sluggish immune system?
Eating fresh fruits and vegetables is a good start to nourish your body.
Vitamin A plays a role in maintaining the mucosal surfaces and infection by influencing certain cells in our body. A deficiency is often associated with poor immunity and increased the risk of infectious disease.
Another good immune boosting food is yoghurt. Good probiotic bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium that dwell in our digestive tract can influence our immunity.
Zinc deficiency in our diet affects the ability of the immune cells to function at its optimal level. It is available naturally in red meat, poultry, fish, nuts, cereal, legumes and dairy foods.
Vinegar solution
Vinegar has been known to kill bacteria and other micro-organisms because of its acidity properties.
Dilute one tablespoon vinegar to half cup of warm water and with a cotton bud dab gently into your nasal lining. If the burning sensation is unbearable you can add more water.
Propolis Solution
Propolis a natural substance made by the bees contains anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties that support a range of ailments.
This tincture is available in the local health shop. Add few drops into fifty milliliters of distilled water and apply with a dropper into your nasal several times a day. This will reduce mucus, help clear infection and promote natural breathing.
Herbal Remedies
Herbs have been used for centuries to treat all types of ailments. There are several herbs that are beneficial for respiratory diseases.
Horseradish with its anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties is a strong herb to treat infected cavities. Ginger and mullein are other useful types which you can try to ease your conditions.

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Most Common Causes of Sinusitis

10:25:00 AM
Chronic inflammation, often resulting from an infected sinus cavity, is a common health issue across the world. Its symptoms include, but are not limited to, nasal congestion, coughing, excessive and colored nasal discharge, a sore throat, puffy eyes, as well as increasingly frequent throbbing headaches, heightened sensitivity towards sudden changes in light intensity and in some cases, infection in the ears. Sinus is a hollowed out space in the human skull which lies at the upper end of the nose, between the eyes. The core function of the sinuses is to produce mucus, which acts as an effective lubricant for the nasal passages.
The sinus cavity is prone to blockage, which may result from many factors. The most common cause is airborne dust, which is something common to almost all households. It can irritate the sinus, provoking outbursts of sneezing and the inflammation of the sinus as a response. An effective home remedy would be to wear a dampened mask over the mouth and nose to inhibit the dust from entering the nasal passages while cleaning the house.
Cosmopolitan households, especially those situated in humid areas with large quantities of upholstery like mattresses, cushions, duvets and pillows, are excellent breeding grounds for dust mites, another significant contributor to the onset of sinusitis. Dust mites are microscopic invertebrates that feed on shed human skin cells. Dust mite droppings are extremely potent allergens, which may trigger asthmatic, as well as allergic, reactions in a large number of people. Eradicating this menace requires regular washing of upholstery. They can also be eradicated by exposure to a temperature above 60 degrees Celsius or below freezing point. Usually most dryers used in such homes can achieve temperatures high enough to remove dust mites very effectively. Lifestyle habits, like smoking, exposure to pollution, can also aggravate the inflammation, since the particulate matter accumulates within the nasal passages and often acts as an irritant. Continuing this habit while experiencing the onset of sinus inflammation may result in the development of chronic sinusitis.
Taking steam, applying warm compresses, salt-water gargles, increasing vitamin C intake and maintaining adequate levels of hydration can stave off some of the symptoms. Minimizing exposure to potential allergens is also recommended. Installing humidifiers within the household, especially during the summer season can help alleviate sinus related problems by lowering the ambient humidity which prohibits mold, another significant allergen, from growing. Other home remedies include getting plenty of rest, lying on your side and sleeping while elevating the head to encourage nasal drainage during the night. Avoid sugar, fruit juices and dairy products and swimming in pools treated with chlorine to stay safe from sinus infections.