Do Sinus Infections Go Away
A sinus infections feels awful. Your face aches, your nose is stuffy, and you might even have a fever. Other than that, there’s not much you can do about it. But don’t despair! A sinus infection doesn’t last forever. In fact, most resolve on their own within a week or two. Unfortunately, some people experience repeated infections again and again. These tips will help you feel better faster and prevent another infection from coming back so soon.
Stay hydrated
Drinking lots of water helps fight infection by re-hydrating your sinuses. If you are feeling congested, your mucus production is probably higher. This allows viruses and bacteria to stick to the walls of your sinuses and set up shop causing an infection.
When you’re well hydrated, your mucus is thin and easy to eliminate. This helps reduce or eliminate the bacteria that cause infections. Try adding some lemon or cayenne pepper to your water to help break up mucus and clear your sinuses.
Avoid sugary drinks, as they will just add to the gunk in your system. If you find yourself getting sick, increase your water intake to help your body fight off the infection.
Use a humidifier
A humidifier adds moisture to the air and helps relieve congestion. When your sinuses are dry, they become inflamed, which contributes to infection and swelling. The best humidifier is one that adds moisture to the air without adding minerals or other impurities.
You don’t have to spend a ton of money on a fancy humidifier. Look for one that’s easy to clean and durable so it will last for years. If you have children, make sure the humidifier is safe for their age. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintenance. Clean the humidifier weekly to prevent bacteria and mold from forming.
Take an anti-inflammatory
Sinus infections are often caused by allergies. Allergies occur when your body overreacts to an irritant, like dust or pollen. Your immune system releases chemicals, including histamines, to fight off the invading irritant. Unfortunately, too much histamine can cause inflammation.
Inflammation can block the openings of your sinuses, making it harder to breathe. A decongestant works by shrinking large blood vessels, which decreases swelling and pressure inside the sinuses. When paired with an antibiotic, decongestants can reduce sinus pain sooner so you feel better faster.
Be aware that taking too many decongestants can lead to side effects like insomnia, nervousness, and irritability.
Use a saline rinse
Saline (salt water) rinses help flush bacteria out of your sinuses and relieve pain. They do this by increasing the flow of mucus, which is what your body uses to eliminate irritants. A saline rinse mix is easy to make at home. Just add 1/2 teaspoon of salt per cup of water and use this mixture as a sinus rinse.
To rinse your sinuses, tilt your head back, place the cup over one nostril, and use your other nostril to blow the saline solution through to the other side. Repeat on the opposite side. This process may sound easy, but it’s actually tricky and can hurt if you don’t do it correctly. You may want to practice with a friend before doing it alone.
Get some rest
When you’re sick, sleep is your body’s best friend. It can help you recover from a sinus infections much faster. When you’re asleep, your body releases healing hormones and antibodies that repair your sinuses.
This can help prevent long-term issues, like chronic sinusitis, from developing. If you don’t have any symptoms when you wake up, you should be able to go about your normal activities. But If you still feel sick after a few days, don’t push yourself. You can always rest a little longer to help your body recover.
Eat well and stay active
Most of us know that eating healthily is good for you, but not many of us actually do it. Even though you may not feel like eating, it’s important to keep up your intake of nutrients while you’re recovering from a sinus infection. Your body is using a lot of energy to fight off the infection and heal your sinuses.
To stay healthy, you need a lot of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients in your system. You may want to consider taking an immune booster supplement to help you fight off the infection faster. Staying active can also help speed up your recovery. Exercising can help reduce stress, which may be contributing to your infection.
Try natural remedies
Elderberry extract is a natural remedy that can help shorten the duration of a sinus infections. It works by boosting your immune system, which can help you fight off the infection faster. Be sure to select a supplement with at least 10% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) of anthocyanins.
Another natural remedy is colloidal silver. Silver is a natural anti-bacterial agent that kills bacteria and viruses, which can help shorten your infection. Your local health store will have many options for supplements and other products that can help you recover.
Conclusion
Your body is designed to fight infections, and many will resolve on their own in a few days. However, you can speed up the process with these tips. Stay hydrated, use a humidifier, and clean your sinuses with saline water to help the infection heal faster.
Eat well and exercise, and try natural remedies to help speed up the healing process. Most importantly, don’t feel bad for being sick. Focus on taking care of yourself and getting better as quickly as you can. When you feel better, make sure you don’t do anything that will cause you to get sick again.
