Each year chronic sinusitis affects between 30 and 40 million people in the United States. During spring, there will be many sufferers seeking relief.
When you suffer from sinusitis, the undrained mucus in the sinuses causes pain and pressure and creates a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, which can make you more susceptible to viruses and infection.
Here are some practical tips you can try at home if sinuses become congested:
Clean Nasal Passages:
Rinse with salt water twice a day to clear out irritating mucus and kill bacteria. Get a bulb syringe or a neti pot (a spouted pot designed for flushing sinuses). Mix 1/4 teaspoon salt with 1 cup warm water and let the solution stream through one nostril and flow out the other. Studies show this is the number one recommendation for serious sinus relief.
Full Steam Ahead:
Moist, warm therapy can increase blood supply to an area, which in turn can help clear infections. Take a warm shower, or, inhale steam rising from a pot of heated water by leaning over the pot with a towel draped over your head. Breathe the steam for 15 minutes.
Apply a warm, wet washcloth to your nose, cheekbones and eyes. This will take the edge off of the pain and promote sinus drainage.
Humidify:
Dryness irritates sinuses, so humidify the air. Use a saline nasal spray too.
Stay Away From Mucus Boosters:
Milk and wheat are big mucus boosters, so avoid them when sinusitis hits. Avoid inflammatory foods and eat fresh fruits, vegetables and plant protein. Drink lots of water to thin mucus. Steamy soups (like chicken noodle soup) may also provide relief.
Avoid Potential Allergy Triggers:
Avoid common allergens like dust, pollen, pet dander and mold. Certain chemicals can also set off sneezing, coughing, and asthma attacks. Install a HEPA filter to clean the air in your bedroom. A humidifier can help reduce congestion, but clean it regularly or mold and bacteria buildup can do you more harm than good. Avoid smoke, chemical fumes and alcohol because they all swell sinus membranes.
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