Home care for sinusitis

Infection of sinuses is called sinusitis. Sinusitis may be caused by anything that interfere with airflow into the sinuses and mucus drainage out of the sinuses, usually follow a viral infection, allergy, or irritants. Thus any treatment is aimed at thinning of secretions for easy drainage or reducing inflammation to open up blocked sinus passageways.

Home remedies effecvely reduce symptoms of sinusitis and reduce visits to doctors clinic.

Home care for sinusitis-

Proper rest

Balanced diet rich in vitamin and minerals to boost body's defence mechanism.

Vitamin C, A and zinc.

Sleep with head elevated.

Maintain adequate hydration as it dilutes mucus.

Drink hot drinks like hot soups, and tea.

Steam inhalation- Plain water or medicated steam with menthol has soothing effect and helps in improving sinus drainage. hot shower also helps.

Hot fomentation-application of warm cloth, hot water bottle or gel pack to face for 5-10 minutes relieves pain and inflammation to some extent.

Saline irrigation- nose and sinuses should be washed by 1/4 tsf salt in 1 cup water using bulb syringe, alternatively commercially availabe saline nasal sprays can be used.

Avodance of allergen if any.

Avoidance of irriants/smoking/strong perfumes

Use of humidifier.

If symptoms persist visit your physician or otolaryngologist.