Sinusitis can occur several times throughout life for various reasons, such as infection by the flu virus or allergies, causing very uncomfortable symptoms, such as headaches and facial pain, nasal congestion, and fever above 38ºC.
Natural remedies are good options that help to cure sinusitis faster and can be done as a complement to the treatment indicated by the general practitioner or otolaryngologist.
Some home remedies to cure sinusitis are:
1. Humidify the environment
Humidifying the environment with a container or bucket of warm water inside the rooms of the house is a very good option to relieve sinusitis, since by breathing water particles from the environment, the respiratory tract is hydrated, reducing irritation. facilitating the elimination of mucus and relieving the discomfort of sinusitis.
This tip is especially useful at night to facilitate sleep and avoid waking up with a stuffy nose.
Another option to humidify the environment is to use a humidifying device. However, care must be taken not to overuse it, as excessive moisture can lead to the growth of mold in the environment and cause allergies.
2. Drink warm teas
Drinking warm teas, such as ginger tea or thyme tea, for example, can help relieve sinus symptoms faster, as they have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation in the sinuses, as well as keep the body hydrated.
Likewise, you can also eat warm foods, such as soups or broths, because they help to unblock the nose and reduce pain and irritation of the nasal mucosa.
3. Inhale eucalyptus steam
Inhaling eucalyptus steam is a great way to quickly relieve nasal congestion caused by sinusitis. This is because eucalyptus has cineol in its composition, which has expectorant, mucolytic, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties, which help increase the elimination of phlegm.
To inhale with eucalyptus steam, add 5 drops of eucalyptus essential oil to a container of water. Then you should cover your head with an open towel, so that it also covers the container, and breathe the steam as deeply as possible for up to 10 minutes, repeating 2 to 3 times a day. At the end of the inhalation, it is important to wipe your face with a towel wet with cold water.
If you have eucalyptus essential oil at home, it is also possible to inhale it by submerging some eucalyptus leaves in boiling water, since the natural oil of the plant will be transported by water vapor.
4. Use physiological saline to clean the nose
Nasal lavage with 0.9% physiological saline helps to remove excess secretions from the sinuses, as it thins the mucus, making it easier to remove, which helps to alleviate the symptoms of sinusitis, such as stuffy nose or sensation of pain in the face around the eyes or nose.
To do a nasal wash you must fill a syringe with around 10 to 20 ml of 0.9% sterile saline, tilt your body forward, and head slightly to one side. Next, place the syringe in one nostril and press until the serum comes out of the other nostril. It is important to keep your mouth open and also breathe through your mouth during the serum wash, in addition to not inhaling the serum and blowing your nose after finishing the wash.
5. Apply warm compresses
Applying warm compresses to the face can help reduce inflammation of the mucous membranes and open the airway, relieving pain or pressure in the sinuses caused by sinusitis.
To use warm compresses, soak a towel in warm water and place it around your nose, forehead, cheeks or eyes for about 15 minutes.
6. Use a homemade saline solution
Making a homemade saline solution is also a good way to clean the nose or make a nasal wash to relieve sinusitis symptoms, and can be used to replace 0.9% saline solution.
To prepare the homemade saline solution, one should add 1 tablespoon of salt in a glass of filtered or mineral water, and apply this mixture inside the nose, or place the mixture in a syringe and apply it gently inside the nose, keeping the open mouth. In this way, it is possible to remove a good amount of mucus and impurities, leaving the nose easily unclogged.
7. Make nebulizations
Nebulizations are a good way to relieve sinusitis, since through the inhalation of steam, the airways are hydrated and the secretions become more liquid, making them easier to eliminate, improving nasal congestion and sinusitis discomfort.
To carry out nebulization, an electric nebulizer should be used, adding 5 to 10 ml of 0.9% physiological saline to the nebulizer glass. Next, you should sit in a comfortable position, put on the nebulizer mask and inhale the steam deeply and slowly for about 20 minutes or until the serum runs out. It is not recommended to do nebulizations lying down, due to the risk of aspirating secretions.
Another option to make nebulizations is to take a warm bath with the bathroom door closed to produce water vapor in the environment and inhale said vapor, with the aim of helping to hydrate the respiratory tract.
8. Eat garlic and onion
Garlic and onion have antimicrobial properties that help fight bacteria and reduce inflammation of the sinuses, which aids in sinusitis recovery.
These foods can be included in the preparation of meals or teas.
9. Get enough rest
In the event of a sinus attack, it is recommended to rest or at least get adequate rest to help the body recover from inflammation in the sinuses and fight the infection.
In addition, it is recommended to sleep around 8 to 9 hours per night, in addition to avoiding exertion or doing physical activity with very intense workouts.
10. Change the lifestyle
Lifestyle changes are especially important in the case of chronic sinusitis, which generally occurs several times throughout the year and whose symptoms last longer. For this reason, some lifestyle changes are recommended, such as quitting smoking, avoiding being in polluted places, as well as keeping the house always clean and free of dust.
