Autumn, winter and spring are the worst times to catch infections. The temperatures are low, there is a lot of wind and rain. Sinus infection occurs frequently.
Sinuses are the cavities which are present in the bones near the nose. Each cavity has an opening that permits exchange of air and mucus. The two sinuses are linked by a membrane lining. A sinus infection occurs when there is either a swelling in the cavity, or when there is inflammation in the membrane lining. The air or the mucus is blocked and this causes a lot of pain. This may result in headaches, fever or even brain infections.
Millions are spent on the research of meds to cure sinus infections, and you can find the evidence in the pharmacies and drugstores. But you don’t need to go to the doctor to cure a mild form of infection, of which the symptoms are headaches, nasal blocking, a runny nose, pains in neck, ear, cheek or jaw, a swelling of the eyelids. Just be careful to check with your doctor if the infection is more pronounced. Your home remedies may not help here and you’ll need a prescription for therapies.
If you want to go the way of home therapy, I can only advise to use your common sense. Most infections can be avoided if you pay attention and keep your defense system fully loaded. For instance, allow children to play outside (and don’t cover them in too many clothes). Don’t mind walking outside in the rain without protection. It is a fact that people who work outside all the time catch less infections than those who don’t.
Also pay strong attention to food allergies. Avoiding products which cause problems may help a lot. If you are not sure what to avoid, please consult a doctor for a blood test.
Grandma’s way of dealing with mild sinus infection was to inhale vapor. You just need a bowl of steaming water and bow your head over it (you can also cover it with a towel). This way, the steam reaches your face and you can inhale it for two or three minutes. For the best results, you’ll need to repeat this a couple of times a day.
Garlic is also of use. It has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, so if your sinus infection is of this nature, garlic may help. You can try to drink the juice or swallow garlic capsules, but you can also put chopped garlic in hot water and then inhale.
Apple cider vinegar contains potassium, which helps to decrease mucus production. Drinking a glass of water with two teaspoons of the vinegar, three times a day, may also help.
Further relief is brought by remedies like applying hot compresses over the inflamed area, inhaling steam of eucalyptus oil, drinking hot tea and resting a lot. If your infection doesn’t go away within a couple of days, it means your body system is weakened and you’ll need to see the doctor.
