Sinus congestion can hit anyone and make breathing difficult. Healthy sinus is filled with air. But, when fluid fills and blocks them, germs grow and causes infection resulting in inflammation of the tissues that line sinus. It is an annoying health issue that follows upper respiratory tract infection, cold, flu, smoke or allergic reaction. It results in facial pressure and pain, headache, nasal congestion, ear congestion, loss of smell and sometimes loss of taste. Also, there may be fever and fatigue.
Acute sinusitis goes in less than four weeks. Recent studies say that your body should be able to cure mild to a moderate sinus infection and you should avoid antibiotics.
But until sinus infection clears up you need to take some action to relieve the bothering symptoms. In this article, we suggest you a couple of methods to get rid of sinus congestion fast.
Home Remedies To Relieve Sinus Congestion Fast
Sinus rinses
Salt water creates an alkaline environment that kills the infection causing bacteria and reduces swelling. It also dehydrates mucus.
What to do
Add a half teaspoon of salt to 3 cups of warm water. With the help of a syringe put two drops of this mixture in your nostrils. Repeat this a few times in a day.
Keep your head elevated
While sleeping if your head is down mucus gets pooled in the sinus. Congested sinus makes it tough to breathe and sleep. Elevating head while sleeping reduces the blood flow pooling in your nose and controls sinus pressure symptoms such as a headache and difficulty in breathing.
What to do
To relieve sinus congestion, put two pillows beneath your head while sleeping.
Apple cider vinegar and honey
Apple cider vinegar thins the mucus, and eliminates sinus pressure in ears, face and head. Both the ingredients are antibacterial, and honey is a natural humectant.
What to do
To 20ml apple cider vinegar add 10ml honey and 150ml warm water. Mix the ingredients and drink the concoction half an hour before each big meal.
Steam
Steam thins mucus and eliminates it. Also, it reduces inflammation and swelling.
What to do
Boil water in a bowl and add a few drops of eucalyptus oil in it. Place your face over the bowl and inhale deeply and then exhale. Do this for 5-10 minutes. Take steam 3-4 times in a day.
Garlic
Garlic is antimicrobial. It is a natural decongestant and expectorant. It unclogs sinus cavities, reduces inflammation and relieves pressure.
What to do
Extract garlic juice. Add little water to it and with the help of a cotton ball pour a few drops of diluted garlic extraction in your nostrils. After a few seconds, push the mucus out of the nose.
To relieve sinus congestion also drink lots of warm fluid such as chicken soup, green tea and lukewarm water to keep yourself hydrated. Avoid caffeinated drinks, alcohol and fruit juices with sugar. Also, avoid milk if you have sinus congestion as milk makes your mucus dense.
If along with sinus congestion if there is high fever or there is yellow or green heavy nasal discharge better see a do
