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Sinus infections are a common condition experienced by most people at one time or another. Difficulty breathing through your nose, the feeling of a brick sitting on your face and sinus drainage are symptoms that make life difficult. When you have a sinus infection, it is important to keep your sinuses draining. While a sinus infection can be painful, you can do several things at home that can help speed the healing process.
Take Care of Your Sinuses
Rinsing your nasal passages helps keep them drying out. Steam helps your sinuses to drain and alleviates some of the pain. Wrap a towel around your head and breathe the steam from a bowl of very hot water. Another alternative involves mixing one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and gently squeezing the mixture into your nose with a bulb syringe or neti pot. Another way to flush your sinuses is standing in a hot shower and breathing the steamy air. Applying warm, moist towels to your cheeks and nose will relieve pain. Applying ice or cold compresses may also ease pain.
Stay Rested
Rest is essential to help your body fight an infection. It's also helpful to sleep with your head elevated.
Drink Fluids
Drink more water than you normally do. Fluids help break down mucus which allows your sinuses to drain, according to Mayo Clinic. Stay away from caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, as these drinks cause dehydration. Alcohol can also aggravate swelling.
Take Medications
Over-the-counter medications can help relieve symptoms. Pain relievers such as aspirin can help. Saline nose sprays help your sinuses drain. Don't use decongestant nose drops or sprays for more than a few days, as they will only lead to more congestion, recommends the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases.
Monitor Your Infections
If you have frequent sinus infections or find they last longer than eight weeks, you may have chronic sinusitis, which is treated with steroid sprays or oral antibiotics from your physician. Chronic sinusitis often occurs in people who have allergies or asthma and should be treated by a physician.
Source:
Mayo Clinic: Sinusitis Treatments
National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases: Sinusitis Treatments
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