The exact definition of ‘sinusitis’ is ‘inflammation of the sinuses.’ Bacteria are one source of inflammation, but in most cases, antibiotics are not warranted or helpful to treat sinusitis. Before seeing a doctor, several things can be tried at home to ease your symptoms.

Saline Irrigations

Saline irrigations - whether through a Neti Pot or a Neil-Med Sinus Rinse Kit - are the gold standard for improving sinus health. They keep the mucous thin, flush out pathogens and other irritants and have no side effects. Adding more salt (“hypertonic”) has a drying effect - helpful for runny nose but otherwise stick with the regular formula. Do at least twice a day - the more the better when your sinuses are congested.

Heat

Heat helps increase blood flow to the sinuses, allowing faster removal of pathogens and irritants, and also helps thin the mucous. Moist, warm compresses to the face, warm steam, hot showers, drinking hot tea, eating chicken noodle soup are great ways to deliver heat to your sinuses.

Humidity

If you’ve ever spent time in the mountains, you are familiar with the harmful effect of dry air on the sinuses. Humidity is important to keep the mucous thin and prevent sinus congestion. Sleeping with a humidifier next to your bed and frequent hot showers can be helpful. Avoid caffeine and alcohol which cause general dehydration and dry out the sinuses. Drink more water - a good rule of thumb is to drink half your body weight in ounces. Bloody mucous is usually a sign of dryness. To treat, dab the inside of both nostrils twice a day with bacitracin or Aquaphor ointment.

Diet

People with diabetes are more prone to infections due to high blood sugar. When you are sick or if you are prone to frequent sinus infections, minimize sweets and increase your intake of foods high in antioxidants. Avoid caffeine and alcohol and increase your intake of hot tea and soup.

Vitamins

Most people take in enough vitamins in their diet to avoid deficiencies, but a few have been shown to help during an illness including Vitamin D, Vitamin C, zinc and glutathione. The most common vitamin deficiency in our country is Vitamin D and low levels are shown to impair the immune system. The recommended daily allowance for Vitamin D in adults is 600IU per day but during an illness, 1000IU per day can be taken. Extra doses of Vitamin C (2000mg per day) have been shown to shorten the duration of illness, and zinc deficiency is associated with an increase in inflammatory markers. Taking zinc at the onset of a cold has also been shown to decrease the duration of illness. Glutathione is a strong antioxidant with anti- inflammatory properties; for best results, it should be administered as an IM injection.

Medication-Free Solutions at BreatheMD

BreatheMD provides a full range of natural treatment options for patients with sinusitis. Sinus therapy is a soothing treatment for sinus congestion that includes steam, saline irrigations, heat, massage and percussion. Our Infrared Saunas provide both heat and infrared light, which has been shown to increase circulation and decrease inflammation. IM and IV vitamins are available to boost the immune system and help rehydrate.

The essential strategy when battling a sinus infection is to keep the mucous flowing - with plenty of heat, humidity, saline, water, vitamins and healthy foods, medications won’t be necessary.