A sinus infection, or sinusitis, occurs when the sinuses become blocked with mucous, causing inflammation and swelling, leading to infection. Whether you've been prescribed an antibiotic medication or not, you'll still have to treat the symptoms of sinusitis at home. Facial pain, headaches, and congestion are just a few of the miseries of a sinus infection--however, these can be managed at home by a few simple processes.
Step 1
Take an over-the-counter decongestant medication, such as pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine, to help reduce mucous blockage in your nose and sinuses. Consider also using an expectorant, or mucous-thinning medication to allow your sinuses to drain more easily. A medication called guaifenesin is available over-the-counter for this purpose.
Step 2
Use a vaporizer in the room at home where you'll be spending the most time. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, inhaling steam continuously for at least 10 minutes, two to four times a day will help relieve sinus infection symptoms. Most vaporizers are inexpensive, but if you prefer--and are feeling up to it--you can take long, steamy showers several times a day as an alternative to using a vaporizer.
Step 3
Place a warm, damp towel on your face as many times as you need during your home treatment. This will relieve facial pain and provide instant relief while over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen are wearing off or waiting to kick in.
Step 4
Flush your sinuses three to four times a day with a sinus irrigator, an inexpensive item you can find at most pharmacies. Sinus irrigators come in different varieties--bulbs, neti pots, and squirt-bottles--and are designed to help clear your sinuses and nasal passages of excess mucous by running saline solution through them.
Step 5
Elevate your head when you sleep. Simply use a couple of extra pillows to prop up your head--this will allow your sinuses to drain while you sleep and cut down on middle-of-the-night congestion.
Step 6
Get plenty of sleep. Your body is fighting an infection, and the best help you can give it at home is to put in some serious rack-time and let your natural defenses do their work. Drink lots of clear fluids such as water or fruit juice to stay hydrated as this will also help keep your mucous thin, leading to better sinus drainage and a quicker recovery.
Tips and Warnings
- If your doctor has prescribed an antibiotic, take it as indicated. Do not stop taking the antibiotic as soon as you start feeling better.
Things You'll Need
- Towels
- Vaporizer
- Decongestant medication
- Expectorant medication
- Extra pillows
- Sinus irrigator
