A sinus infection causes the sinuses and upper throat to become swollen and blocked with mucus. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing through the nose, swelling around the eyes and headache or facial pain. These infections are sometimes the result of respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold. They can thicken the sinus membranes, causing bacteria or fungal growth and infection. To help get rid of a sinus infection, it is important to reduce inflammation and drain the nasal passages.
Step 1
Place a towel over your head and lean over a bowl of steaming water. The Mayo Clinic explains the moist air will help relieve sinus pain and encourage mucus drainage.
Step 2
Spray an over-the-counter nasal spray decongestant into your nostrils. According to the MedlinePlus website, these medications shrink the blood vessels in the nose, helping to reduce stuffiness.
Step 3
Clean mucus from your sinuses using a bulb syringe, over-the-counter squeeze bottle or neti pot.
Step 4
Drink plenty of juice and water. According to the Mayo Clinic, this can help dilute mucus and encourage draining. Just be sure to avoid alcohol, which can increase nose and sinus swelling.
Tips and Warnings
- To prevent chronic sinusitis, the Mayo Clinic recommends avoiding upper respiratory infections. Try to stay away from people with colds and be sure to wash your hands frequently, especially prior to eating. Keep your allergies under control and avoid cigarette smoke and other environmental contaminants that may irritate your sinuses and lungs.
- The MedlinePlus website warns that a doctor should be consulted if symptoms are accompanied by a fever, headache, vision changes or get worse after a week. This could be a sign of a serious complication such as an abscess, meningitis, bone infection or an infection surrounding the eye.
Things You'll Need
- Towel
- Bowl of steaming water
- Nasal spray decongestant
- Bulb syringe, over-the-counter squeeze bottle or neti pot
- Juice and water
