If you have chronic sinusitis (chronic rhinosinusitis) you may have difficulty breathing through your nose; your face may be swollen and you may experience a headache or face pain. These are all symptoms caused by the cavities behind the cheeks, forehead and sides of the nose, which are usually filled with air, but which become filled with mucus in the event of illness. Although it is a necessary substance to keep the nose hydrated and prevent bacteria from entering the nasal passages, when it causes congestion it must be eliminated. Fortunately, there are some home remedies to relieve discomfort and open the sinuses to expel mucus; you can combine them with drug treatments prescribed by your doctor.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: with water and steam
Step 1. Drink eight to ten glasses of water a day
It is important to drink this amount of fluids daily, in order to dissolve the secretions, make them more fluid and expel them more easily. Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine, as they cause dehydration.
Don't worry if mucus runs down your throat; acidic substances in the stomach are capable of killing any pathogen that could cause infection
Step 2. Use the steam on your face
Fill a pot with a liter of water and boil it for a couple of minutes; then remove the container from the heat. Cover your head with a large clean cotton towel and place your face over the steam coming out of the pot, being careful to close your eyes. Inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth for a count of five and then continue to inhale and exhale through your mouth for a count of two. Repeat the procedure for ten minutes or as long as there is still steam; finally, blow your nose.
- You can apply this remedy every two hours or according to your schedule.
- Keep your face at least 30 cm from the water; you must feel the heat entering your nose and throat, but you must not burn yourself.
Step 3. Consider adding essential oils
Put a drop of an oil or half a teaspoon of dried herbs per liter of water (just like when you do the steam treatment). To do a sensitivity test to the herbaceous plant or essential oil, expose your face to the steam for a minute and then move away for ten. If you do not experience any negative reactions, heat the water again and continue the treatment. The essential oils described below all have antibacterial, antifungal, or antiseptic properties (meaning they can kill bacteria and other microorganisms responsible for sinus infections):
- Roman or peppermint: can be irritating to some people; both contain menthol, which has antiseptic properties and strengthens the immune system;
- Thyme and oregano: strengthen the immune system and have antibacterial properties; increase blood circulation by dilating blood vessels;
- Lavender: both the dried plant and the essential oil are soothing and help against anxiety and depression; they also possess antibacterial properties;
- Black walnut, tea tree, oregano and sage oil: they are able to treat fungal sinusitis and have antiseptic properties.
Step 4. Add some herbs
If you don't want to use essential oils, this is a good alternative. Bring a liter of water to a boil in a saucepan and turn off the heat at the end. Add two teaspoons of oregano and two teaspoons of basil; to increase the warming effect, you can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Cover your head with a towel and breathe in the steam through your nose (and mouth, especially if you have an inflamed or infected throat). Proceed with the treatment until there is no more steam.
As with any steam treatment, you can reuse the same water; just heat it up and repeat the procedure
Step 5. Take a bath
Run the water at the highest temperature you can handle, add 12-15 drops of an essential oil or a combination of different oils; stay immersed in the bathroom as long as you want and breathe in the steam.
If you suffer from chronic sinusitis, you should get plenty of rest; soaking in the hot bath is a great way to unwind
Step 6. Use a humidifier or vaporizer
Get one of these devices to prevent sinuses from drying out; it is a particularly useful tool if you live in a very dry environment or during the winter, when heating systems tend to dehydrate the nasal passages.
- If you have a portable humidifier, you need to clean it every day, wiping all surfaces and refilling the tank with new clean water every time; if you do not proceed with this maintenance regularly, molds and bacteria can develop which, once the humidifier is turned on, spread through the air and are inhaled.
- However, avoid that the humidity in the house exceeds 50%; switch on the appliance only when necessary.
- To achieve the same effect, you can also turn on the hot water in the shower, close the bathroom door and breathe in the steam.
Method 2 of 4: with the Diffusers and the Neti Lota
Step 1. Choose an essential oil
Whether you choose to use a diffuser or a neti pot, you can use distilled essences and scents (aromatherapy) of different herbaceous plants to treat sinusitis. The oils most frequently used for sinus infections are:
- Eucalyptus;
- Menthol;
- Lavender;
- Basil;
- Origan;
- Rosemary;
- Mint;
- Melaleuca;
- Pelargonium graveolens;
- Pine tree;
- Cloves;
- Lemon;
- Chamomile.
Step 2. Prepare a solution for the neti pot
Pour about 350 ml of very hot distilled water into a bowl (but not to the point of scalding the nasal mucous membranes), add 6 tablespoons of finely ground raw sea salt and 9-10 drops of essential oil, if desired. Stir well to dissolve the salt; then pour the mixture thus obtained into the neti pot and wait for it to cool before proceeding.
- If you want to use more than one essential oil, pour them in equal parts so that the total number of drops you use is always 9 or 10.
- Sea salt protects the nasal tissues.
- Never use tap water that has not been previously filtered, distilled or sterilized by boiling it for at least one minute.
Step 3. Irrigate your nose using the neti pot
Lean over the sink and turn your head to one side; breathe through your mouth, so that the solution only enters your nose and not your throat. Insert the nozzle of the device into the upper nostril and slowly pour half of the solution by sliding it into the cavity to then release it from the lower nostril.
- Repeat the same process in the other nostril using the rest of the mixture.
- When finished, blow your nose to expel any residual fluid in your nose.
Step 4. Use a saline spray
If you don't have neti pot or are not comfortable using it, try a simple spray solution available at the pharmacy. You can also make your own, although it is important to pay attention to the right proportions of salt and water, otherwise you could risk drying out your skin (use about a teaspoon of salt for every half liter of water). The saline spray allows you to keep your sinuses hydrated when you are away from home.
- Nasal irrigation with the neti lota is more effective for treating sinus infections than the nasal spray, but at first you may feel uncomfortable using it; you can start using the spray and then gradually move on to this device.
- However, the saline nasal spray has the further advantage of being easily transportable; you can put it in your purse or handbag and take it with you to work.
Step 5. Use a diffuser
If more than one family member suffers from sinusitis, you may want to consider this option, which allows you to spread the fragrance of the essential oil throughout the room. Anyone with sinusitis can sit as close to the speaker as possible; choose an essential oil to your taste and follow the manufacturer's directions regarding the use of the device.
Most diffusers expect to use around 130ml of water with three to five drops of essential oil
Method 3 of 4: with Massage
Step 1. Massage your forehead
Pour a dime-sized amount of castor, almond, or baby oil on your hands and rub it to warm the liquid. place the index fingers of both hands in the center of the forehead, between the eyebrows and massage with circular movements, from the center towards the temples. Repeat the treatment ten times maintaining a constant and firm pressure.
- The oil helps reduce the friction between the fingertips and the skin of the face; the perfumed oils also have a soothing and relaxing action.
- Massaging the sinuses and surrounding tissues relieves pressure and facilitates the drainage of mucus present in the cavities.
Step 2. Massage the area around the nose
Place your thumbs on the root of the nose, right next to the inner corner of the eyes; apply firm, firm pressure to the area for one minute and then make circular movements with your fingers for another two minutes. Keep your eyes closed because, if you are using an oil, they must not come into contact with it; the oil is not particularly harmful, but it could temporarily cause blurry vision.
Some people may find it more comfortable to use indexes; it is recommended to use the thumbs as they are usually a little stronger than the other fingers
Step 3. Massage the cheekbones to relieve congestion and pain
Rub a dime-sized amount of castor, almond, or baby oil between your fingers. place your thumbs (or index and middle fingers, if you prefer) on either side of your cheeks, near your nose. Apply firm, firm pressure to the area for one minute and then proceed with circular motions for another two minutes, keeping your eyes closed.
- You can also start by massaging the outer sides of the cheekbones, near the ears. Always proceed with circular movements and move your fingers along the cheekbones towards the nose; repeat ten times.
- If you are using an oil, make sure it does not get into your eyes, otherwise it may blur your vision for a while.
Step 4. Get a sinus massage
Rub some oil between your fingers to warm it up; use your index fingers to massage the sides of the nose, moving downwards; repeat ten times. Then, put your fingers on the root of the nose applying constant and firm pressure; make circular movements, repeating the action ten times.
- Downward nose massage promotes mucus drainage.
- You can add essential oils as needed. For example, you can use those with antibacterial properties if you have bacterial sinusitis, while you can add those that dissolve and thin the mucus in the cavities to relieve pressure and facilitate drainage.
Method 4 of 4: Diagnosing Chronic Sinusitis and Taking Medications
Step 1. Establish the cause of your sinusitis
Chronic can be caused by infections (viral, bacterial or fungal), structural abnormalities (such as polyps or a deviation of the nasal septum), trauma, allergies, smoking or immune system dysfunction. To understand the origin of the disorder, check the secretions; in cases of viral infection and allergies, they are usually clear, but when the cause of sinusitis is bacterial, fungal or due to mold, the mucus becomes cloudy and yellowish-green in appearance. When chronic sinusitis is due to other causes, the secretions may be clear or even yellowish-green.
- Your doctor may recommend a computed tomography to determine the source of the discomfort.
- Identifying the etiology is useful for choosing the most suitable treatment; for example, bacterial sinusitis must be treated with prescription antibiotics.
- If your doctor suspects that it is an allergic reaction, they may recommend allergy tests to help you avoid the substances that trigger the symptoms; however, you can also consult it to find prescription or over-the-counter antihistamine medications to control symptoms.
Step 2. Evaluate the symptoms
They can vary from person to person and you need to be careful, as some can be managed with over-the-counter medicines. Among the main inconveniences you can note:
- Swelling of the sinuses (due to inflammation or infection)
- Ache;
- Facial pressure
- Headache;
- Loss of sense of smell
- Cough;
- Congestion;
- Sore throat (if mucus drains into the throat)
- Fever;
- Halitosis,
- Toothache;
- Exhaustion.
Step 3. Take some decongestants
You can take over-the-counter ones to treat sinusitis by following the instructions on the leaflet; some of these medicines are available as a nasal spray and can reduce swelling. Avoid using nasal sprays for more than three days, otherwise you could cause the rebound effect, a return of congestion even more severe than before. The side effects of decongestants include:
- Increased heart rate
- Hypertension;
- Insomnia;
- Anxiety;
- Nervousness and irritability;
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty urinating.
Step 4. Try a nasal corticosteroid
This class of drugs - such as fluticasone, budesonide, and mometasone - can treat and prevent inflammation, thus making breathing easier. Many of these medicines are available by prescription only, but others are free for sale; they are particularly useful in case of allergies.
- It can take a few days to a few weeks for the nasal corticosteroids to take effect.
- Adverse effects include headache, sore throat, nosebleed or cough.
Step 5. Know when to go to the doctor
If you have tried several home remedies but have not found any relief after four or five days, you start to have a fever, swelling in your face, the pain increases, or you have bad breath for no apparent reason, you should make a doctor's appointment, as it may be a more complex problem.
Steam treatment, massage, neti pot and diffusers can also be used in combination with pain relievers, antibiotics or antiviral and antifungal drugs against sinus infections
Step 6. Take antiviral, antifungal, or antibiotic medications
If your sinusitis is caused by the respective infections, your doctor may prescribe these medicines which work by reducing inflammation, proliferation of pathogens and promoting sinus drainage.
One of the problems with these drugs is that they cannot reach the sinuses very well and may therefore not be very effective; consequently, prolonged therapy becomes necessary
Step 7. Consider surgery
If your sinusitis is caused by polyps, a deviation of the nasal septum, or an injury, your doctor may recommend this solution. The procedure can enlarge the sinus cavities or remove polyps or other growths; it can also improve drainage.
Surgery can correct structural or anatomical problems within the nose and sinus cavities
Advice
- If you are a smoker, see your doctor to help you quit.
- In children, the main risk factors for chronic sinusitis are attending school or kindergarten, using a pacifier, overhead smoking, and lying on the back while drinking from a bottle.
- If you have severe sinusitis, your doctor may prescribe corticosteroid injections or tablets to reduce inflammation and swelling.
- Make sure that the essential oils you buy come from qualified and reputable companies that guarantee their purity; you should take organic ones produced from sustainable cultivation.
- If you mix the oils in a bowl, you can use some and massage them into the cheekbones, around the nose (especially in the small groove between the lips and nose), around the eyes and on the forehead.
- Some people experience adverse reactions to certain essential oils. If the one you have chosen comes from a plant you are sensitive to, choose another one from the list; they are all effective against sinusitis.
