If you have ever suffered from a sinus infection, you know how miserable it can be. From feeling like your head is being split in two to having difficulty breathing and pressure that feels as if someone is repeatedly hitting you in the face with a hammer , it’s not exactly a fun time.
There are three main types of sinus infections: acute, recurrent and chronic.
- Acute infections are the most common and last for about two or three weeks.
- Recurrent infections aren’t quite as bad as chronic infections but are still unpleasant and last for about 2–4 weeks on average.
- Chronic infections tend to continue for several months or even years, which can be quite uncomfortable if left untreated.
How to Get Rid of Sinus Infections: 3 Simple Steps To Follow
What Causes Sinus Infections?
Sinus infections (also known as sinusitis) are generally caused by one of three factors: bacteria, fungi or a virus.
Bacterial infections are the most common, followed by viral infections, while fungal infections are less common.
- Bacteria are the most common cause of sinus infections. These are living organisms that can cause infections within the body. Bacteria usually enter the body through the nose and mouth, and can cause infections by releasing enzymes that destroy the cells in your nose and sinuses. If left untreated, sinus infections can cause lasting damage to your sinuses, including hardened and less effective cilia.
- Viruses are also very common as a cause of sinus infections. These are pieces of genetic material that can’t reproduce on their own so they use the cells in your body to make copies of themselves. The most common viruses that cause sinus infections are the common cold virus, influenza virus, adenovirus, rhinovirus, and HIV.
- Fungi are less common as a cause of sinus infections, but are still a possibility. These are another type of living organism that can cause infections within the body. Fungal infections of the sinuses are often mistaken for bacterial infections. They can be harder to diagnose, and thus may be treated with antibiotics when they are not needed.
3 Simple Steps To Get Rid of A Sinus Infection
There are three main ways to prevent and get rid of a sinus infection.
- Cleanliness: This may seem obvious, but keeping your environment as clean as possible will go a long way toward preventing and avoiding sinus infections. Wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your face (especially the nose) and keep the surrounding environment as clean as possible. – Humidity: Keeping the house at a moderately humid level (between 30-50%) can help keep the nasal passages moist which can help prevent and get rid of sinus infections.
- Supplementation: To boost your immune system, you can take a good daily probiotic as well as Vitamin C. Using an essential oils blend known as Thieves can also be a great way to boost your immune system and help prevent and get rid of a sinus infection successfully.
- Exercise: Exercise is known to help boost your immune system. If you do not have time to go to the gym, simply taking a walk around the block will do the trick.
Breathing Exercises: This is one of the best and easiest ways to get rid of a sinus infection. Sinus infections often cause your nasal passages to swell, which can make it difficult to breathe through your nose.
Natural Remedies For Sinus Infections Here are some natural and home remedies to get rid of sinus infection.
–Apple Cider Vinegar: ACV is a great natural remedy for sinus infections. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that will help get rid of a sinus infection. Combine 1 tablespoon of ACV with 1 cup of warm water and inhale the steam.
–Ginger: Ginger is another excellent home remedy for sinus infections. It helps reduce inflammation and also has anti-bacterial properties. You can either grate a little fresh ginger or you can use dried ginger. Make a ginger tea and drink it to help get rid of a sinus infection.
–Honey: Honey as a natural remedy for sinus infections is very effective. It has anti-bacterial properties that will help get rid of a sinus infection. Take 2 tablespoons of honey and mix it with 2 tablespoons of lukewarm water. – Hot Water and Lemon: Hot water with lemon is a great sinus infection home remedy. It helps reduce swelling and also has anti-bacterial properties that are helpful in fighting against a sinus infection.
–Pepper: Pepper is another excellent home remedy for sinus infections. It has anti-inflammatory properties that will help reduce swelling of the nasal passages and help get rid of a sinus infection.
Conclusion
Sinus infections are extremely uncomfortable, and many people do not know how to get rid of them. By following these three steps, you can prevent and get rid of a sinus infection quickly. These are the most common causes of sinus infections, and the best ways to prevent and get rid of them.
If you follow these steps, you will be well on your way to feeling better in no time! Now that you know what causes sinus infections, how to prevent them, and how to get rid of them, you can rest easy knowing you can deal with a sinus infection quickly. Now all you have to do is follow these three steps, and you will be well on your way to feeling better in no time!