When you’re under stress, the body produces a hormone called cortisol. It’s natural and normal for everyone to feel stressed from time to time. But for people with chronic conditions such as asthma or sinusitis, stress can have a negative impact on their health.
In fact, researchers believe that stress may be one of the main triggers for acute sinusitis. When we’re under stress, our immune system goes into overdrive in an attempt to fight off any potential threat.
This causes white blood cells in the nasal passage to go into “high gear” and release interferon-gamma, which is a protein that helps the body recognize foreign invaders like viruses and bacteria.
Unfortunately, interferon-gamma has been shown to make people more susceptible to colds and flu. And when we are stressed (or get a virus), it can activate the immune response further than usual because of the elevated levels of cortisol in our bodies.
It’s important to keep this information in mind if you have chronic sinusitis or other condition that makes you more susceptible to infection.
A sinus infection is an inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, which are hollow spaces in the skull that sit above the nasal passages. Sinusitis can occur when these sinus cavities become blocked and bacteria or viruses grow inside them.
This blocks the air flow to and from the nose, leading to a buildup of mucus and pressure. Watching your diet can go a long way in preventing recurrent sinus infections, as certain foods can help reduce your risk of developing them.
However, if you find yourself prone to them anyway, try these natural home remedies for relief from a stuffy nose, headache and other common symptoms associated with acute or chronic sinusitis.
What are the treatment options for a sinus infection?
There are several treatment options available for those who suffer from recurring sinus infections, including antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs and nasal irrigation.
If your infection is caused by an identifiable pathogen, such as a virus or bacteria, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection.
Certain immune-boosting drugs can help treat the symptoms associated with acute sinus infections, while surgery is typically used to treat chronic sinus infections.
If you have allergic rhinitis, you can use antihistamines as a treatment option. If your infection is caused by a fungal infection, your doctor may prescribe an antifungal medication.
If you have frequent bouts of rhinosinusitis, it may be helpful to get a saline rinse device. It helps flush the mucus out of your sinuses and may help prevent infections from recurring.
Onion and garlic soup
Onion and garlic are two ingredients that you can use to prepare a sinus infection-fighting soup. The compound allicin, which is found in garlic, has been shown to have antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Onions have been used in traditional folk medicine to treat respiratory infections, while garlic has been used as a home remedy to treat colds and other infections for centuries.
To prepare this sinus infection-fighting soup, you will need: – 4 medium-sized onions – 5 cloves of garlic – 1 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil – 8 cups of water – 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt – 1/2 teaspoon of pepper – 1 teaspoon of lemon juice – 1 slice of stale bread You will also need a large saucepan and a large spoon or a potato masher.
Directions:
- Peel the onions
- Mince the garlic
- Add the olive oil to the saucepan
- Sauté the onions and garlic for about 3 minutes
- Add the water, sea salt, pepper and lemon juice
- Stir the mixture until the salt is dissolved
- Add the bread to the soup and let it soak for about 5 minutes
- Add the mixture to a blender and blend it until it is a creamy, smooth texture
- Pour the mixture into a large bowl
- Let the soup sit at room temperature for about 3 hours
- Store the soup in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days
- Warm the soup before you consume it Directions:
- In a large bowl, add about 1 cup of the warm soup
- Stir the mixture
- Pour the rest of the warm soup into the bowl and let it cool to room
- Cover the bowl and let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes
- Stir the mixture again
- Consume the soup while it is still warm
- Repeat this process every day until you start to feel better
Turmeric tea
Turmeric is a root that has been used in traditional Indian and Chinese medicine for thousands of years to treat a variety of conditions, including joint pain and inflammation, coughs, colds and even depression.
Now, research suggests that turmeric may also be used as a home remedy to treat sinus infections. To prepare this home remedy, you will need: – 2 teaspoons of turmeric powder ,1 cup of water.
Directions:
- Add the turmeric powder to a small bowl
- Add the water to the bowl and stir until the powder is dissolved
- Consume the tea while it is still warm
- Repeat this process every day until you start to feel better.
Ginger and lemon tea
Ginger has a long history of being used as a home remedy for a variety of conditions, including nausea and vomiting, motion sickness, cold and flu symptoms, headaches and joint pain.
Now, research suggests that it may also be used as a treatment for sinus infections. To prepare this home remedy, you will need: – 4 teaspoons of chopped fresh ginger – 2 teaspoons of honey (optional) – 2 cups of warm water.
Directions:
- Add the ginger and honey to a small bowl
- Add the warm water to the bowl and stir until the ginger is dissolved
- Consume the tea while it is still warm
- Repeat this process every day until you start to feel better
Hot water with baking soda
Baking soda is often used as a natural cleaning agent, but did you know that it can also be used to treat sinus infections? Due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, baking soda can provide relief from the symptoms associated with sinus infections, while also helping kill the infection-causing bacteria in your sinuses.
To prepare this home remedy, you will need: – 1/2 cup of baking soda – 1/2 cup of water.
Directions:
- Add the baking soda to a small bowl
- Add the water to the bowl and stir until the baking soda is dissolved
- Consume the solution while it is still warm
- Repeat this process every day until you start to feel better
Steam inhalation
Steam inhalation has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat colds and respiratory infections for centuries, while research suggests that it can also be used as a home remedy for sinus infections.
Inhalation of steam can help clear out your nasal passages, making it easier for you to breathe. It can also help reduce the swelling and inflammation in your sinuses, while also killing the infection-causing bacteria.
To prepare this home remedy, you will need: – One bowl filled with water – A towel.
Directions:
- Add the water to a medium-sized bowl
- Place the bowl on a table
- Cover your head with the towel
- Place your face above the bowl
- Inhale the steam for about 10 minutes
- Repeat this process every day until you start to feel better
Conclusion
A sinus infection is an inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, which are hollow spaces in the skull that sit above the nasal passages.
Sinusitis can occur when these sinus cavities become blocked, leading to a buildup of mucus and pressure.
Watching your diet can go a long way in preventing recurrent sinus infections, as certain foods can help reduce your risk of developing them.
If you find yourself prone to them anyway, try these natural home remedies for relief from a stuffy nose, headache and other common symptoms associated with acute or chronic sinusitis.