While colds are caused by viruses, sinus infections may be viral, bacterial or fungal. Both colds and sinus infections affect the nose, causing a plethora of symptoms--a sore or scratchy throat, head congestion, headaches and feeling run down and fatigued are common symptoms of colds and sinus infections. Home remedies alleviate symptoms of colds and sinus infections and may help prevent future bouts of illness.
Heat
A warm compress helps reduce head pressure and facial soreness associated with sinus infections and colds. Placing a warm towel on any area that feels pain, including the eyes, cheeks and nose, will reduce facial aches. Steaming the nasal passage alleviates congestion and may reduce headaches. Pouring hot water in a bowl, placing a towel over your head and breathing in the hot water's steam will open clogged sinus passages. Hot showers also reduce congestion and massage sore and achy muscles. Changing a room's temperature can reduce congestion and make it easier to breathe. Rooms should be warm, and using a humidifier ensures that the air is not dry. Dry air worsens congestion and coughing.
Fluids
Dehydration is common during cold and sinus infections. Water and juice rehydrate the body while thinning and draining mucous that may be causing head and chest congestion during a sinus infection. During a cold, fevers and lowered mucous production cause the body to lose water. Drinking fluids helps replenish fluid stores in the body.
Saltwater
Saline nasal drops relieve symptoms of nasal congestion and reduce mucous buildup in the nose. Fill a bulb syringe with a mixture of salt and water, then drop it in your nose. Nasal irrigation, or nasal lavage, involves a more thorough flushing of the nasal passages. You mix saltwater in a small pot and then pou it in one nostril and let it drain out the other. Nasal irrigation rids the nose of irritants and allergens involved with colds and sinus infections. Regular irrigation may prevent or minimize the recurrence of future sinus infections.
Rest
Rest and relaxation are two of the keys to a successful recovery from a cold or sinus infection. During illness, the body needs energy to fight infection and to make itself better. Slowing down, resting and freeing up energy for the body to fight the sinus infection or cold is essential to becoming well. Taking a day off from work, staying in bed or curling up with a book may help you get better faster.
