Home Remedies for Severe Sinus Infection

Sinusitis can occur due to bacterial, fungal or viral infections. They usually cause violent allergies such as sneezing, coughing, fatigue, sore throat and headaches. It is common to seek antibiotic treatment for such an illness, but there are many home remedies that help treat and prevent severe sinus infections.

Nasal Irrigation

Use a mixture of salt and water to irrigate the sinus passages. This method is highly recommended by the Mayo Clinic to relieve sinusitis. You can use a squeeze bottle, neti pot or bulb syringe to do this. Fill one nostril with the saltwater mixture and let it drain out of the other. The irrigation process helps clear out irritants and allergens that contribute to sinus infections. This procedure can be done regularly to prevent future upper respiratory infections.

Drink Plenty of Fluids

Water and juice serve three purposes to treat sinus infections: they replenish lost fluid stores in the body due to dehydration, dilute mucous and encourage phlegm and mucous drainage. They help flush out toxins and allergens that perpetrate head and chest congestion. Avoid drinking alcohol and soda as these promote dehydration. Alcoholic beverages exacerbate swelling of mucous membranes and nasal passages.

Steam

Inhaling steam helps clear sinus congestion and opens breathing passages. This can be done at home in a variety of ways. You can fill a bowl with steaming hot water, place your face over it and inhale. You can also close the bathroom door, turn on the shower with hot water for a few minutes and breathe the steam it creates. Lastly, take a hot shower to drain mucous and open clogged sinuses.

Rest

Rest is key to a speedy recovery from a sinus infection. Your body needs all the strength it can muster to ward off an illness, so bed rest is crucial. Take a day or two off from work and don't engage in strenuous activity.

Warm Compress

The National Institutes of Health recommends a warm face compress several times a day. Place a warm washcloth around the eyes, nose and cheeks to alleviate the facial soreness and headaches that accompany sinus infections. It also helps to reduce congestion of sinus cavities.