If tapping the forehead just over the eyes, the cheekbones or the area around the bridge of the nose causes pain, the sinuses may be infected. Sinus infection, or sinusitis, can be either acute or chronic. Acute sinusitis may be caused by bacterial or viral infections of the upper respiratory tract, such as the common cold. Smoking, nasal polyps or injury, dental problems, or allergies may cause chronic sinusitis. Home remedies can offer relief for sinus infection symptoms.
Nasal Irrigation
Saline lavage of nasal passages has been practiced for hundreds of years in India, and has been routinely prescribed in England for decades, according to Ketan C. Mehta, a physician in Santa Rosa, Calif. Mehta recommends using a neti pot, a small pitcher with a spout designed to be placed against one nostril. Filled with a solution of 1 cup warm water, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, and a pinch of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), the neti pot can be emptied into one side of the nose and drained out of the other nostril (or into the back of the throat) at low pressure. This requires bending over the sink at an appropriate angle. Any unused rinse should be discarded and the neti pot washed with hot soapy water and dried thoroughly after each use. Mehta advises his patients to practice nasal irrigation once or twice a day, adding that saline rinses done at the onset of a head cold may reduce the incidence and duration of symptoms. Rinsing should not be done if nasal passages are completely blocked, or if ear infection is present. A doctor should be seen if severe headache, visual changes, confusion, stiff neck, swollen forehead or swelling around the eyes are experienced.
Drink Fluids
Liberal amounts of fresh water, fruit and vegetable juices should be consumed as well as plenty of hot liquids such as soups and herbal teas. These help thin, liquefy, and allow mucus to drain more easily, relieving congestion and pressure. Sleeping with the head elevated also facilitates drainage. According to nutritionist Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," adding cayenne pepper, garlic, ginger, horseradish and raw onion to soups or teas may bring even faster relief. Caffeinated or alcoholic beverages should be avoided because they increase dehydration. The Mayo Clinic also warns that drinking alcohol increases swelling of nasal and sinus mucosa, which can make symptoms worse.
Compresses
The Mayo Clinic recommends using warm, damp towels to remedy facial pain around the cheeks, eyes and nose. Ice packs or alternating between warm towels and ice packs may be helpful. Balch recommends a poultice of crushed ginger root applied to the forehead to stimulate circulation. Menthol, eucalyptus or rosemary oils added to soaks may help relieve pain and swelling, according to Balch; she also recommends adding them to a steam vaporizer to promote drainage and ease pressure.
References
- Ketan C. Mehta, M.D., Board Certified Internal, Pulmonary, and Critical Care Medicine, Santa Rosa, CA
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis Balch, CNC, 2004
- Mayo Clinic: Chronic Sinusitis
