8 Natural Remedies for Pain and Pressure for Sinus Infections

Sinusitis is a medical condition that is caused due to the inflammation of the nasal sinus tissues leading to swelling, pain and pressure in the nasal cavity, head and cheekbone area. Sinus can occur if a patient is suffering from common cold, any other respiratory condition or an allergy. These medical problems cause a patient to experience a blocked nose that doesn’t allow the passage of mucus produced inside the nasal cavity causing inflammation.

Factors Responsible for Sinus infection

Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinus tissues, often due to viral or bacterial infection. The infection may cause pain and pressure in the sinus area. In this section, we will learn about the factors responsible for Sinus infection.

• Allergies − Exposure to allergens can cause sinus inflammation, leading to pain and pressure.

• Structural problems − Deviated septum or nasal polyps can obstruct the sinus passages and cause pressure and pain.

• Environmental irritants − Exposure to pollution, smoke, and other irritants can cause sinus inflammation and pressure.

• Barometric pressure changes − Changes in air pressure, such as during air travel or a change in the weather can cause sinus pain and pressure.

Classification of Sinusitis

Sinusitis can be classified into four types namely, acute, sub-acute, chronic, and recurrent acute sinusitis.

• Acute sinusitis lasts for a period of fewer than four weeks.

• If the sinusitis has lasted for more than four and less than eight weeks the condition is sub-acute.

• Chronic sinusitis lasts for a longer period of time when the condition hasn’t shown any signs of improvement in three months.

• Frequent occurrence of the sinus is known as a recurrent acute form of the sinus.

If not treated, a sinus infection can cause severe pain in the head, nose, eyes, and cheek area of the face. It can also convert into a chronic phase of sinus infection which in general isn’t critical but could be a risk as the mucus would spread to the other areas of the body such as the brain, spine, and bones.

Home Remedies for Sinus Infections

Here are 8 home remedies that work wonders to reduce pain and inflammation for sinus infections −

Steam

Exposing the face to vapor is known to be an effective way to soothe the inflamed nasal cavity. During inhaling, steam helps to soften the thick layer of mucus trapped inside the tissues of the sinus and clears the pathway to allow comfortable nasal breathing. The application of heat is best to reduce inflammation.

Saline Water Solutions

This is also known as saline irrigation and can be performed with the help of many tools like a neti pot, spray bottles, and many more. Saline water remedy is made by mixing salt and sodium bicarbonate which is commonly referred to as baking soda, in water. Note that it must be distilled water to avoid the presence of any microorganisms while using the solution.

The solution can be used by tilting the head a little and allowing the solution to enter one nostril and come out of the other nostril. This will help to clean up the mucus and dirt particles trapped inside the nasal cavity and help to clear the passage as well.

Hydration

Hydration is extremely important when a patient has sinusitis. Intake of less water will lead to dehydration of the body. When this happens, the mucus in the sinus becomes thicker in texture. This makes it difficult for the minute hair-like structures called cilia on the tissues, to move the mucus. Accumulation of mucus eventually leads to congestion causing uncomfortable breathing.

Herbal Tea

Herbal tea is a great natural remedy for cold and cough conditions. The herbs hold anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal properties and other essential benefits. Ginger tea is known to work best for sinusitis. Ginger tea has an anti-inflammatory bioactive compound known as gingerol, which helps relieve the inflammation in the mucus membranes. Some other best teas for relieving sinus infections are turmeric tea, chamomile tea, green tea, nettle tea, and liquorice root tea. Herbs are either boiled in hot water or used as an infusion.

Essential Oils

These are natural plant extracts having concentrated amounts of the bioactive compounds present in them. Eucalyptus essential oil, tea tree essential oil, and peppermint essential oil have proven to be used as a treatment for sinusitis.

Research studies suggest that the anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of these oils are effective against sinus infections. Compounds such as menthol and 1,8 cineole in peppermint and eucalyptus oil respectively, help to clean the air by fighting against bacteria and clearing the nasal cavity. A few drops of essential oils can be added to the water and inhaled in the form of steam.

Thyme

In addition to the medicinal properties of thyme, the herb is a very effective natural expectorant that helps promote the release of mucus from the air passage. Thyme can be prepared as tea or in the form of nasal sprays to relieve pain and congestion.

Spicy Food

Foods like cayenne pepper and horseradish are effective decongestants that help relieve pain and pressure in sinus infections. Capsaicin and sulfur are active components in cayenne and horseradish respectively that help with mucus thinning and drainage. This relieves pain and pressure in the sinus.

Warm Compressions

Applying warm compressions frequently over the nose and head region provides warmth and moisture. Heat will help reduce inflammation and congestion. This eventually helps to clear the sinus passage which relieves the pain and pressure.

Conclusion

The above remedies are sure to help speed the recovery process from sinusitis conditions. People suffering from acute sinusitis may need to rely on antibiotics; however, these remedies will act as supplementary in the healing process. We recommend you try these remedies and heave a sigh of relief from pangs of sinusitis.