How to get rid of a sinus infection without antibiotics

Video: How To Get Rid Of A Sinus Infection Fast | 5 Quick Ways

Content

To step
Part 1 of 5: Trying non-antibiotic medications
Part 2 of 5: Using proven home remedies
Part 3 of 5: Using unproven home remedies
Part 4 of 5: Changing your diet
Part 5 of 5: Understanding your condition
Tips

Sinusitis is inflammation of the paranasal sinuses usually caused by an infection, underlying allergy or various autoimmune processes. The sinuses are small cavities in the skull that are normally filled with air. Sinusitis is inflammation of the tissue that lines these cavities. In some cases, the swelling of this tissue blocks the entrance to the sinuses, trapping mucus and air in them. This can cause pain in the cheeks, runny nose and headaches near the forehead; sometimes it can lead to a secondary bacterial infection. Acute sinusitis resolves within 4 weeks, while chronic sinusitis lasts longer than 12 weeks and can come back for years. In most cases, however, sinusitis can be treated easily - even without antibiotics.

To step

Part 1 of 5: Trying non-antibiotic medications

Use a saline-based spray when you need it during the day. A saline-based spray is a gentle way to flush your sinuses and get some relief. A saline-based spray is available over-the-counter. Use it several times a day when you need it to relieve the constipation.
Try a corticosteroid nasal spray. Corticosteroid nasal sprays are more powerful than saline sprays because they contain a drug that reduces the swelling in your sinuses and this contributes to the reduction of pressure on the sinuses. Follow the package insert for using this type of nasal spray.
Take over-the-counter decongestants. Over-the-counter decongestants can also help provide some relief by making your sinuses empty more quickly. Follow the package insert for using this type of medication.
- You can come across these medications in the form of tablets, liquid medications, and nasal sprays.
- Some medications you can try are pseudoephedrine, guaifenesin, and oxymetazoline.
Treat pain with an over-the-counter pain reliever. If you are experiencing pain from a sinus infection, you may also be able to take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Take the medication as directed on the package.

Part 2 of 5: Using proven home remedies

Flush your sinuses. Nasal irrigation with salt water can help clear mucus and keep your sinuses moist. There are several ways to do this, ranging from nose pears and Neti Pots to expensive irrigation systems. Regardless of your preferred method, it is necessary to wash the instrument you are using it with after each use and allow it to air dry. You can flush your sinuses daily and you may do it daily if you have an active infection.
- Using a Neti Pot:
  - Dissolve 5 ml of sea salt or brine salt (which dissolves faster) in about 500 ml of warm water. The salt helps the mucus that blocks the passage between the sinus and nasal cavity to dissolve. Do not use more salt as it can cause a burning sensation.
  - Stand over a sink, fill the Neti Pot with a cup of water and insert the end of the spout into one nostril.
  - Tilt your head and let the water run out through the other nostril. Be careful not to lift your head back and forth or the water will go down your throat.
  - Refill the Neti Pot and repeat with the other nostril. Repeat twice a day. However, remember not to use this remedy for more than 2 weeks as it can damage your nasal mucosa.
Inhale steam fumes. Some people find inhaling steam to be very soothing for acute sinusitis. One way to use a steam treatment is to fill a container with steaming hot water. Then lean over the tray in a comfortable position and hang a towel over the tray and your head to keep the steam underneath. Relax and breathe in the steam for about ten minutes at a time. You can repeat this several times a day. Be careful not to burn your face by touching the water.
- You can even run the shower and sit in the bathroom and take a deep breath. The steam vapors will help to reduce the congestion and swelling of the nasal passages.
Warm up the area. Place a warm, wet towel on your face to ease the sinus heaviness a bit. If the area is heated, blood circulation improves and the fluid in the sinus cavity can be more easily disposed of.
- The tiger warmer is one of the most commonly used remedies for sinus problems in Chinese medicine. The tiger warmer is an instrument used to heat the affected area. Use this Chinese instrument as often as you like to get rid of your sinus problems.
Use dried or fresh oregano. The main benefits of oregano are in the carvacrol and rosmarinic acid it contains. Both ingredients are natural decongestants and reduce histamine, and can have direct and positive benefits for airflow through the airways and nasal passages. Oregano can be used in dried and fresh cooking. A few drops of oregano oil in milk and juice can also be taken every day for health benefits.
- The volatile oils in oregano, namely thymol and carvacrol, have been shown to stunt the growth of bacteria such as staphylococcus aureus and pseudomonas aeruginosa. These two types of bacteria are often to blame for sinus infections.
Try eucalyptus. The antiseptic properties of eucalyptus can shrink the swollen tissue in your nasal passages and sinuses. Eucalyptus is a common ingredient in cough drops and syrup, and its effectiveness is due to a compound called cineole. You can also pour a few drops of the oil into hot water and inhale the steam for relief from your sinus infection.
- Cineole has multiple health benefits - it is expectorant, can relieve a cough, fights congestion and soothes irritated sinus passages. Eucalyptus oil has anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial properties. Eucalyptus Oil vapor acts as a decongestant when inhaled and can therefore also be used in the treatment of sinusitis. Put a few drops in warm water for a steam treatment.
Take grapefruit extract. Grapefruit extract is a powerful antibiotic and is used to block microbes, parasites, bacteria and viruses. It is also very anti-fungal and can therefore be used for sinusitis of any cause. Grapefruit extract is available in pill, powder, and liquid form.
- The recommended dose of grapefruit extract for promoting general health is 10 to 20 drops of liquid or 200 mg of powder or pills three times a day. There are no known serious side effects of grapefruit extract, but it can interact with certain medications such as statins (blood thinners), so talk to your doctor before taking it.
Eat more thyme. Thyme produces thymol, the powerful antiseptic oil considered to be naturally antibiotic and anti-fungal. Thyme tea has the power to dislodge and disable bacteria and fungi, so if your infection is based on one of the two, it can work.
- To fight infection in your nose, sinuses, and lungs, inhale thyme fumes. Bring a pot of water to a boil and then turn off the heat. Put a few drops of thyme oil in a container of steaming water and wait 5-10 minutes, or until the steam is less hot. Cover your head with a towel and inhale the fumes. However, be careful not to expose your skin to too hot steam.
Use more turmeric in your dishes. Thanks to a powerful component of turmeric known as curcumin, turmeric can heal the sinus cavity and clear the airways. Its ability to treat sinus infections is just one of its many benefits. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great natural remedy for a sinus infection.
- Add a little turmeric for a little zest to your savory dishes. You can even gargle it. Just a little bit in a cup of hot water, stir and dissolve, and that's it.
Eat more horseradish. Horseradish contains volatile oils, especially mustard, which have antibacterial properties due to the presence of allyl isothiocyanate. This allows it to be used in cases of sinusitis caused by a bacterial infection. Add it to your favorite dishes or use it as a dip to reap the benefits.
- Horseradish stimulates your body to get rid of mucus. One way a sinus infection starts is with the build-up of thick mucus in the sinuses, which welcomes bacteria. Trapped mucus is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria to multiply and cause a painful infection. Horseradish can help thin and remove older, thicker mucus; thin, watery mucus is easier to remove.
Avoid smoking, alcohol and other stressors. Smoking, alcohol, and stress can all destroy your sinuses. Alcohol consumption can cause swelling of the nasal and sinus membranes and thus result in a sinus infection, smog can cause irritation in the lining of the sinus, which in turn leads to poor mucus drainage, and chronic stress affects your immune system, reducing opens the door to bad habits that lead to infections in your upper respiratory tract. To stay healthy, cut them all out of your life.
- When you give up drinking and quit smoking, you take one step at a time. You don't want to tackle all of the world's problems while also kicking addiction all at once. Small steps make it easier to stop and keep going.
- When it comes to fighting stress, consider yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises. Just living slower for 15 minutes a day can do wonders for the rest of your day.

Part 3 of 5: Using unproven home remedies

Make your bedroom easy to sleep in. Sinus infections are bad, but sleeping with a sinus infection is even worse. Here are a few things you can do to make the nights easier:
- Keep your room moist as that will help empty sinuses. If necessary, use a humidifier.
- Attach electrostatic filters to your air conditioner and heater to reduce allergens in the air.
- Avoid extreme temperatures. While bacteria can thrive in extreme humidity, a dry environment will prolong a sinus irritation.
- Lie with your head up when you sleep. Since mucus builds up in the sinuses when your head is down at night, it is better to tilt your head slightly higher.
Do yoga. Practically speaking, several postures are invaluable in reducing pressure on the sinuses - namely, standing postures:
- Sarvangasana (the candle) and Ardha Halasana (half plow pose) are done on different rolled up mats from the shoulders to the elbows. These two attitudes must be held for some time to take full advantage of them. The sinuses may remain blocked at first, but after some time in these positions, when you relax, the sinuses usually open and bring relief.
- Eka Pada Sarvangasana (one-legged shoulder stand) is also particularly good. The reversals are a natural flushing mechanism for the clogged sinuses. The blood circulates with tremendous force into the clogged areas, removing the secretions to clear the passageways and allow free breathing again.
- Other asanas such as Child Pose (Balasana), Downward Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana) Tongue Standing (Uttanasana) and Rabbit Pose (Sasangasana) also help with sinusitis. Only do head postures when the discomfort has eased. At that point, regular practice of inverted postures helps keep the sinuses and airways healthy.
Try apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is thought to thin and remove mucus, making it easier for your body to dispose of. It has antimicrobial properties that help kill bacteria.
- At the first sign of infection, mix 1-2 teaspoons of raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar with 175 ml of water, a teaspoon of raw honey or Stevia to sweeten it, and drink it 3 times a day for 5 days.
Have more peppermint. Peppermint and peppermint oil contain menthol - a soothing ingredient thought to soften the airway's smooth muscles and promote free breathing. Many people use therapeutic breast balms and other inhalants containing menthol to break through the blockage. Take a few drops of peppermint oil and olive oil. Mix them well and apply over the affected areas. Gently massage the oil into it to relieve your pain.
- Menthol also acts as an expectorant that provides temporary relief from nasal congestion and sinus pain. Peppermint is believed to have antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties that are said to make it so effective.
- Keep in mind that ingesting peppermint oil can make acid reflux worse, so be careful or try something else if this affects you.
Use cayenne pepper in your dishes. Cayenne pepper could break up and loosen the mucus in your sinus cavities. It contains capsaicin, a stimulant that promotes proper functioning of the nasal passages. Sprinkle a few splashes of this powder into the affected nostril to take advantage of it. It is best to apply it before going to sleep so that you can fall asleep more easily.
- You can also add it to your food if your stomach and sinuses tolerate spicy food. However, it is more effective if it is directly in your nostrils.
Eat more onion. The anti-fungal and antibacterial properties of onion can help treat a sinus infection as they fight bacteria and parasites. There are two ways to use its power:
- Cut an onion into medium sized pieces and put them in a bowl. Inhale the scent of the onion until your eyes start to water and your nose starts to run. This will flush out the mucus and relieve the infection.
- Cut some onion to cook it. As soon as it boils, take it off the heat. Let it cool down a bit and then inhale the fumes for a few minutes. You will see some mucus start to come out of your nostrils.
Smell garlic. Garlic's antiviral and anti-fungal properties can help treat sinusitis. Certain active ingredients of garlic give it its pungent scent, which is particularly effective. Inhaling the fragrance can fight bacteria and fungi, which can cause sinus infections. Scordinine, a constituent of garlic, is believed to boost your body's defenses, helping to control infections.
- Crush three cloves of garlic and add them to boiling water. Inhale the steam until you feel relief. The steam opens clogged sinuses and expels mucus. Do it two or three times a day for faster results.
Drink ginger water. Gingerol, an active ingredient in ginger, is thought to fight sinus infections. It acts like a decongestant and by heating up the nasal passages it can clear your blocked sinuses. Ginger tea is a good alternative if you don't have the raw variety at hand.
- Squeeze 1.5 cm ginger and put it in 250 ml of water. Reduce the heat and let it boil until half of the water has evaporated. Filter it, add half a spoonful of honey and drink it for relief. You can drink this twice a day until you get rid of the condition.

Part 4 of 5: Changing your diet

Eat more probiotics. Probiotics are substances that can control harmful bacteria. Probiotics can be found in foods like pickles, yogurt, unpasteurized miso, and kimchi. Include these products in your diet to control the infection that causes bacteria.
- Pickles can be eaten as a side dish with steak, for example. They are also a useful food to eat as a snack when you are on the go.
- Eating a bowl of fruit with a whole grain product in the morning can make a great nutritious breakfast and will give you the amount of probiotics you need to fight future infections.
Take more vitamin D. Vitamin D is a great enhancer of your immune system. It stimulates your body to react more quickly to pathogens such as the bacteria causing your sinus infection. The best way to get a reasonable amount of vitamin D is through sun exposure. A walk on a sunny day is enough.
- Vitamin D is not really in food. You can take a supplement, but you should consult your doctor before doing so. Supplements are not suitable for everyone.
Increase your intake of antioxidants, including vitamin C. Antioxidants reduce cell deterioration by neutralizing free radicals. Less damage to the cell makes it much easier for the body to fight the infection. Berries (all types), beans, kiwi, acai berries, apples, and pecans are all good sources of antioxidants.
- A very good antioxidant is vitamin C. It is found in many foods, such as citrus fruits, lemons and peppers. It is also easy to include these foods in your diet.For example, you can add the juice of a lemon to your salad or add some pepper to your soups, stews or even sandwiches.
Eat your vegetables. Foods that are sources of vitamin A strengthen the immune system and prevent the development of respiratory diseases. The best sources of vitamin A are generally found in vegetables, which are good for the rest of your health as well. The best vegetables for sinusitis include:
- Leafy green vegetables
- Carrots
- Beets
- Spinach
Start with an elimination diet. Some people may have a food allergy or food sensitivity that causes excessive mucus production, or that damages their immune function, making them more susceptible to infectious pathogens. Could this be you? If you're not sure, an elimination diet is a great way to test yourself for food sensitivities.
- With this method, you consciously omit certain foods to see if your health improves if you don't eat these things. After a period of avoidance (usually 7-14 days), reintroduce the suspected food into your diet and see what symptoms you develop or not. If your sinusitis is from an allergy, you should be able to identify the allergen this way and get rid of it forever.

Part 5 of 5: Understanding your condition

Learn about the symptoms of a sinus infection. It is important to recognize a sinus infection compared to other respiratory ailments. You probably have a sinus infection if you see the following symptoms:
- Facial pain. When the sinuses become inflamed, the tissue lining them becomes swollen and inflamed. This puts pressure on the surrounding tissue and causes pain.
- Nasal discharge. Discolored or thick inflammatory fluid may leak from your nose. The sinus is connected to the nasal cavity, so any fluid that accumulates in the sinus drains through the nose.
- Stuffy nose. Excess sinus fluid draining through the nose clogs the airways, causing congestion and difficulty breathing.
- Loss of smell. Because the airways are blocked by the inflammatory fluid, odor molecules cannot reach the olfactory cells (specially designed cells that send information about the odor to the brain). This situation leads to a loss of smell.
Also know the possible causes of your sinus infection. If you know what caused this condition, you may be able to prevent it in the future. Here are the common causes of sinusitis:
- Viruses. The onset of a sinus infection can be just as common as a cold. A cold is usually caused by a virus, so antibiotic treatment will not work. If you have a cold from a virus, the tissue in the nose will swell because of the inflammation and communication between the sinus and the airways will stop. The sinus will be occluded and the mucus will accumulate inside. This is a great environment for viruses to multiply and cause infection.
- Allergies. An allergic reaction causes inflammation of the airways. When the nasal tissue becomes inflamed, the emptying of the sinus will stop and mucus will accumulate in the sinus, creating a very good environment for infection.
- Bacteria. Bacteria are another cause of infection. Studies show that bacteria rarely cause a sinus infection, but they can make an existing condition more difficult or create a secondary infection.
- Polyps. Polyps are benign growths that develop in sinus or nasal tissue. They can block the sinuses and prevent proper drainage.
- Fungi. One of the most common causes of sinus infections is fungi. These types of infections are common in people with weak immune systems. If your body's defense system is not functioning properly, fungi can easily grow. The sinuses are perfect environments for fungi to flourish.
- Anatomy. Having an abnormal airway can block the sinus openings and prevent proper mucus discharge. The mucus in the sinuses can then become contaminated with a bacteria or virus. The most common abnormality associated with a sinus infection is a deviated nasal septum (the middle part of your nose has shifted to either the left or the right).
Also be aware of your medical options. If your sinus infection doesn't go away naturally, you can look to antibiotics. Antibiotic treatment is needed if a sinus infection is caused by bacteria. One of the most commonly used antibiotics for bacterial sinus infections is amoxicillin. A dose of 250 to 500 mg should be taken 3 times a day (every 8 hours) for a week and a half. Your doctor may also prescribe a higher dose, such as 500 to 875 mg twice a day (every 12 hours) for the same amount of time.