Sinus infection refers to the inflammation of the sinus membranes, the nose and the turbinates caused by bacterial, fungal, or viral infection. Inflammation may occur either in one of the areas alone or in more than one area simultaneously. The signs and symptoms of a sinus infection often differ for each patient, and are sometimes even mistaken for a cold or flu. Patients suffering from sinus infection generally experience clogged nose and other airway passages. This article discusses the five most popular sinus infection remedies: conventional treatment, dietary approaches, homeopathy, and acupressure.
Conventional Treatment
Conventional sinus infection remedies involve the use of decongestants, acetaminophen, antibiotics, and in severe cases, surgery. Topical and oral decongestants are commonly suggested to aid in the drainage of the sinuses. Oxymetazoline and other topical decongestants are more effective than the oral variety. When fever is present and the patient complains of the discomfort usually associated with sinus infection, acetaminophen comes in handy. Sinus infection triggered by bacteria is generally treated using antibiotics, particularly amoxicillin and sulfamethoxazole + trimethoprim from 10 to 14 days depending on the extent of the infection. There are newer antibiotics developed recently which can be used for patients who have developed allergies with penicillin and the sulfa drugs. Cases which do not respond to antibiotics are treated through a surgical method which opens the sinuses to adequately drain them.
Dietary Approaches
There are also sinus infection remedies which involve dietary approaches, and are thus considered as home remedies. Children and adults can benefit from drinking a lot of water, as well as chicken or vegetable soup, lemonade, and herbal tea served hot to facilitate mucus drainage. Milk and other dairy products, and wheat should be eliminated from the diet. It will also be extremely helpful if food and other sensitivities can be identified to avoid chronic sinusitis due to allergens. Shiitake mushrooms are believed to stimulate immunity from sinusitis infection if one capsule is taken three times a day for a duration of one week after an acute infection for children older than 12. Alkalol is a mucus solvent which helps soothe sinus members and fight infection. It is diluted with an equal amount of water and flushed through the sinuses.
Homeopathy
There are also homeopathic techniques used as sinus infection remedies. Hepar sulphuris may be applied for yellow to yellow green mucus for a maximum of two days. Kali bichromicum may be given to patients with white, ropy mucus for up to two days. For stubborn stuffed nose which do not seem to be getting better, mercurius solubilis is found to be effective if given using the recommended dose for two days at the most.
Acupressure
Finally, the following acupressure points have recently been considered as sinus infection remedies to clear affected areas: point large intestine number 4 aids in clearing the head and the sinuses, point large intestine 20 helps in clearing the sinuses. Aside from acupressure, osteopathic techniques are also effective remedies in finding relief from sinus pressure. Click here for insightful sinusitis treatment.
