Chronic Sinus Infection Treatment

Sinusitis can be caused by bacterial infection or viral infection. For sinusitis caused by viral infection, you do not require any treatment. In case of chronic bacterial infection, nasal congestion and consistent headache can restrain you from performing daily activities. Breathing difficulty or shortness of breath can make you spend restless days and sleepless nights. If sinusitis lasts for more than 8 weeks or if you suffer from sinusitis more than 4 times in a year, and if the symptoms usually last for more than 20 days, then it is referred to as 'chronic sinusitis'. Cough, fever, bad breath, nasal congestion and nasal secretions, headache are some of the common symptoms of sinusitis.

Chronic Sinusitis Treatment

Doctors usually prescribe antibiotics to treat chronic sinusitis. In severe cases, a CT scan can be ordered. It offers a clear image of the anatomy which helps the doctor to plan the surgery. But with proper self-care at home, sinusitis symptoms can be significantly lowered. Overdose of antibiotics can lead to certain side effects like stomach upset, diarrhea, etc. If questions related to cure for sinus infection without antibiotics are lingering in your mind, then take a look at the following home remedies.

• For easy sinus drainage, you should inhale steam 2-4 times during the day. Just lean over a bowl of boiling hot water (after removing the bowl from the stove). You may use a steam vaporizer with a towel over your head and bowl. The towel will prevent the escape of the steam. You may add Vicks Vapo-Rub or a few drops of apple cider vinegar or eucalyptus oil or peppermint oil to the boiling water or vaporizer, as it promotes the opening of the passageways in the nose. You are supposed to inhale the steam for about 10 minutes. A hot, steamy shower also helps relieve the symptoms. All these remedies together help relieve the sinus pressure. Inhaling the steam is one of the best natural sinus infection remedies.
• Sinusitis treatment also involves use of pain killers like ibuprofen, tylenol, etc. which help reduce inflammation and open the passages. Over the Counter (OTC) nasal sprays (for example Afrin, Otrivin) help get rid of the symptoms within 1-3 minutes. But, overuse of these sprays can make you dependent on them easy breathing. OTC oral decongestants help reduce the symptoms within 15-30 minutes.
• Frequent sinus infections indicate weak immune system. Strengthening of the immune system with healthy diet and regular exercise can help lower the frequency of the infection and severity of the infection as well. A diet rich in essential nutrients like vitamins (vitamin C especially), minerals (especially zinc), antioxidants, omega 3 fatty acids should be followed.
• You can reap benefits of antibacterial and anti fungal properties of garlic by including more garlic in your diet, as a part of chronic sinus infection treatment. You may eat raw garlic or take garlic capsules. Similarly, green tea, ginger tea, hot chicken soup with pepper are some of the home remedies that work great for chronic sinusitis.
• Use of hot and cold compresses throughout the day can help lower the symptoms significantly. Put a hot compress on the surrounding area of the nose and eyes for 2-3 minutes and then place a cold compress for 30-40 seconds.
• While following all these home remedies, you are expected to drink plenty of water, as it helps eliminate toxins from the body. This also encourages fast recovery.
• Regularly performing 'yoga', 'pranayama', 'kapalbhati' can help prevent frequent sinus infections. Acupressure also helps relieve chronic sinusitis symptoms.
• Eating spicy foods helps clear nasal passages. So you can have spicy Mexican or Thai food! It can help reduce nasal congestion.

Chronic sinus infection treatment when accompanied by home remedies, promotes fast recovery. Treatment for chronic sinusitis should help reduce the swelling in the nasal passages and sinuses. It should help clear the infection by accelerating the process of sinus drainage. It should also ensure open sinuses.