Are you tired of your blocked nose? Do you feel trouble sleeping the whole night due to difficulty in breathing? Are you the victim of an allergy that causes sinusitis again and again?
And do you want to know the answer for how to get rid of sinus infection in 24 hours? This article will help you a lot in understanding sinus infection and how to treat and avoid it!
Sinus infection or sinusitis is the inflammation or swelling of sinuses (nasal cavities) that can cause them to get blocked with fluid. There are many causes of this inflammation.
Usually, people misunderstand the sinus infection and confuse it with the common cold. The common cold is caused by a virus. But the sinus infection can be caused by;
- Bacteria
- Viruses
- Fungi
Some conditions also become the cause of blocked sinuses and sinus infections;
- Common cold
- Allergy due to any allergens that causes swelling of the lining of the nose
- Nasal polyps (small growths in the nasal lining)
- Deviated septum
- Immune system deficiencies
Types of Sinus infections:
There are different types of sinus infections. That depends on the cause and condition of this infection. Here are the main types of sinus infections;
- Recurrent sinusitis
- Acute sinusitis
- Subacute sinusitis
- Chronic sinusitis
Symptoms of Acute Sinusitis:
Here are the symptoms of acute sinus infection;
- Stuffed nose
- Runny nose
- Congestion
- Pain in cheeks and facial bones
- Fatigue
- Mild fever
- Pain in ears
- Bad breath
Usually, acute sinusitis starts suddenly and lasts for almost 2 weeks. But the chronic sinusitis remains for almost 12 weeks. In between these two types, subacute sinusitis lasts for 4 to 12 weeks.
Recurrent sinusitis is usually caused due to allergies or nasal polyps and happens several times a year.
What is the sinus infection treatment?
The main treatment for sinus infection is decongestant and anti-inflammatory medicines. Nasal saline sprays are also effective for sinusitis.
If you have a high-grade fever with a cough, the chances of bacterial infection behind the sinus infection are there. In this situation, your doctor may prescribe you antibiotics that you have to take for 7-14 days.
Inhaling steam and using a vaporizer help you in relieving congestion due to sinusitis.
How to get rid of a sinus headache instantly?
You can get rid of headaches due to sinusitis by increasing the humidity in your room. You can place a humidifier or simply spray some water in the atmosphere.
Use saline water (saltwater solution) to flush your nasal passages. You can do this with the help of a dropper or spray.
Other than that, hydrate yourself. It also helps in reducing the headache.
You can take a long shower with warm water. The steam helps in relieving congestion in your nasal passages and headache.
Best food to clear sinuses
Many different foods are good for sinusitis. In fruits and vegetables, those which have a large number of anti-oxidants, help in reducing the inflammation and clearing the nasal sinuses.
For example, fruits and vegetables having bright colors like berries, kiwi, pumpkin, papaya, sweet potatoes, pineapple, etc. are rich in antioxidants and are very beneficial in relieving sinusitis.
Dark leafy vegetables and hot peppers having a high amount of vitamin C and other enzymes, also help in reducing the inflammation in your nasal cavities. So you can drink the soup of these vegetables.
Fish and other seafood contain omega-3 fatty acids and protein, which is also good for sinusitis.
Honey has natural antioxidants that help in decongestion. Similarly, ginger is also a good choice to consume for sinus infections. You can take ginger tea with honey to relieve your congestion.
Who is prone to sinusitis?
People having problems related to the nose are more prone to sinusitis and sinus infections. If you have swelling inside your nose or nasal polyps, any blocked nasal drainage duct, deviated septum, weak immune system, or if you are taking medicines that suppress your immune system.
Similarly, people having allergic problems face sinusitis issue more often.
Remedies for sinus infection:
If your sinusitis is not due to a bacterial infection, you don’t need to take an antibiotic. Rather you can treat sinus infection or sinusitis at home with simple home remedies.
Steam Therapy:
Take steam to open the blocked nasal passages. You can take steam through a steamer or boiling water in a pan. The steam helps in decongestion and reduces the pressure or pain in your head and facial region.
Hydrate Yourself:
The mucus is collected in your nasal passages and sinuses in sinusitis. Drinking an adequate amount of water helps in reducing the thickness of mucus and promotes decongestion.
So in this condition, you should drink more liquids especially water to reduce the symptoms of sinusitis.
Use Humidifier:
The congestion in your sinuses does not let you sleep in peace. So it is important to increase the humidity in your room, where you are going to sleep or rest. For this purpose, use a humidifier that increases the humidity in the atmosphere and helps in reducing your congestion.
Drink Tea/Soup:
Drinking warm drinks helps in reducing congestion and gives relief to your throat also. Try herbal tea and ginger tea that also helps in reducing the inflammation in your sinuses.
You can also take warm soup of different vegetables or chicken to soothe yourself during sinus infections.
Use Warm Compress:
During a sinus infection, you may feel headaches and facial pressure. For treating this issue, you can also try another effective remedy that is a warm compress. Apply the warm compress on your face to reduce pain.
Take Steam Bath:
Another easy remedy to relieve symptoms of sinusitis is to take a steam bath. This helps in relaxing your body and reduces nasal congestion.
Take Rest:
Taking rest is also good for you during sinus infections. While sleeping, elevate your head region as it avoids the mucus collection in your nasal and chest. And hence, congestion can be avoided.
OTC Medicines:
The sinus infection treatment can be done through OTC medicines if the infection is not due to bacteria. The viral infection or allergy only needs anti-allergy medicines and pain killers to reduce inflammation and pain.
So you can take OTC medicines to relieve some symptoms of sinus infections.
Taking decongestants also cures sinus infection. They reduce the congestion that relieves pain and difficulty in breathing.
How can I prevent a Sinus infection?
To prevent sinus infections, first of all, determine its root cause. If your underlying condition like your allergies or nasal polyps or nasal septum, etc. is causing recurrent sinus infections, get treatment for that condition first.
To avoid allergies, make your immune system strong. On the other hand, go for nasal polyps or deviated nasal septum treatment immediately, if you are facing sinus issues due to them.
Maintain hygienic conditions and wash your hands properly to avoid the infection-causing microbes entering your system.
Quit smoking and avoid passive smoking.
Similarly, trace your allergens like smoke, dust, etc. that can cause your allergy. So that you can avoid sinusitis.
It is always important to stay healthy. Ignoring your recurrent sinusitis is not a wise decision. The long-term congestion in your nasal passages harms you in many ways. It also affects your everyday life and work efficiency.
So try to find the cause of your recurrent sinus infection and discuss it with your health practitioner.
You can further discuss your symptoms and problems with your doctor to treat or prevent sinus infections.
Frequently Ask Questions
What kills a sinus infection?
The bacterial sinus infection is killed by antibiotics. But the viral and other types of sinus infections cannot be killed. Rather you can reduce its symptoms by taking anti-allergy medicines, decongestants, home remedies, etc.
Can you get rid of a sinus infection without antibiotics?
Yes if the sinus infection is not caused by bacteria, it can be cured without antibiotics. All you have to relieve your symptoms with decongestants, anti-allergy medicines, saline nasal sprays, different home remedies, etc.
Is Vicks Vapor Rub good for the sinus?
You can use vapor rub for the sinus. But it is not safe for children below 2 years. Don’t use it inside your nose rather only use it topically.
Why won’t my sinus infection go away with antibiotics?
If your sinus infection is not due to bacteria, it will not go away with antibiotics. A viral sinus infection usually lasts for 2 weeks. In this condition, you need to take decongestants, pain killers, and rest to get relief from your symptoms.
What causes sinus infections?
The sinus infection is caused by different microbes like bacteria, viruses, or fungi. They all cause inflammation of the lining of the sinuses and congestion in the nasal passages. Other than these, allergies, nasal polyps, or deviated nasal septum can also become the cause of sinus infection.
Contributed By Marham
Vishal Khot is the writer of this article. He is a freelance blogger and has written multiple articles for websites. He also likes to write product reviews about home, sports, and fitness. On weekends you will find him playing football or riding bike. He likes to travel to various places.