When pressure builds in your forehead, your nose is running, and you just don’t feel good, you may have a sinus infection, or sinusitis.
“Most sinus infections will resolve themselves in seven to 10 days, just by taking care of yourself at home,” said Riverwood Physician Assistant Emily Goranson. “Start taking an antihistamine during the allergy season or use a Neti pot right away at the onset of a cold.”
Here are six at-home treatments to help ease your sinus pain and inflammation to get rid of your sinus infection faster.
Flush your nasal cavity. Use a Neti pot, a container designed to rinse debris or mucus from your nasal cavity. This is a therapy that uses a salt and water solution to flush your nasal passages. Remember to use distilled water only. Neti pots are often available in pharmacies, health food stores and online.
Use a decongestant spray. Use an over-the-counter nasal decongestant spray that contains salt water to help keep your nasal passages moist, unblock congestion and treat inflammation.
Drink a lot of fluids. Drinking water and/or juice can help thin your mucus. Avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, which can cause dehydration.
Get plenty of rest. Sleep helps your body fight infection and speed up recovery. While you sleep, prop yourself up with a couple of pillows to help you breathe more comfortably.
Add humidity. Use a humidifier or vaporizer in your room while you sleep to add moisture to the air and help reduce congestion. Dry air, tobacco smoke and chlorinated water can irritate the mucus membranes in your nose and create an environment ripe for sinus infection.
Take OTC medication. Take over-the-counter decongestants, antihistamines (if allergies are the culprit) and pain relievers to reduce sinus pain and pressure. Be sure to check with your doctor first if you have any health issues or take other medicines. Never give decongestants or any over-the-counter cold medicine to children under age 4. Nasal suction is the best form of “decongesting” for young children. This also reduces post-nasal drip and overall lung irritation.
If your sinus symptoms are not getting better with at-home treatments, and if your sinus symptoms last longer than seven to 10 days, you should see your healthcare provider for treatment.