Sinus Infection Treatments - Natural And Conventional
Finding the best sinus infection treatment for YOU can be a risky and expensive exercise. Conventional treatments can have many side effects, and many treat some of the symptoms but not all of them. Natural treatments usually involve the use of herbs, and again, some are good for some symptoms, but not all, so finding the right mix is time consuming, and a bit of a gamble.
My research produced two products that I am comfortable with. Both of these recommended treatments are safe and natural methods for treating the symptoms of acute and chronic sinus infection. They both have proven track records of success, and have attracted excellent customer testimonials and user reviews.
Natural Sinus Infection Treatments
All safe solutions with no side effects
Sinu Pulse is an advanced sinus irrigation system. This revolutionary treatment cleanses the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses to remove bacteria and fungus. It's an easy to use natural alternative with no known side effects. Users of the product have reported long lasting relief, and it comes recommended by leading Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists, Allergists, and Pediatricians. Read more about the Sinu Pulse Nasal Irrigation System
Sinusitis Symptoms And Causes
How to know if you have sinusitis
Sinus infection comes in two types, acute and chronic.
Acute Sinus Infection is a result of bacteria in the upper respiratory tracts, which affects many of us, and normally lasts less than 4 weeks.
Chronic Sinus Infection is a little more complicated, and can be a result of allergy, pollution, or fungus in the nasal passages. It can drag on for more than 12 weeks, and a CT Scan may be required to pinpoint the actual cause of the infection.
Sinusitis symptoms for both acute and chronic sinus infection are very similar, although the actual cause of chronic sinusitis is a little more complicated.
Sinus Infection Symptoms :
More complications and medical problems can occur if the condition is left untreated. That's highly unlikely though, because it's extremely annoying and uncomfortable.
What Causes Sinus Infection?
Colds & Flu. When we have a cold or flu, we get with it congestion in the nasal passages. This restricts the sinuses in draining, and they become inflamed. White blood cells accumulate in the lining of the nose, and it fills with mucus, making breathing difficult. Both acute and chronic sinusitis infections are more common when we suffer from a cold, and both have very similar symptoms.
Asthma. If you are an asthma sufferer the nasal polyps inside your nose are swollen, making you a higher risk for chronic sinus infection.
Dust particles. Exposure to dust particles, pollen and other irritants can block the nasal passages, and prevent mucus from draining away. Bacteria then forms in the upper respiratory tract, and causes sinus infection.
How To Avoid Sinus Infections
A Hydro Pulse Nasal device or a Sinus Irrigator are modern devices that can help. The pulse of the water is gentle, and these devices are very easy to use. You can also try drinking lots of hot liquids like tea or soup, to avoid dehydration. Drinking hot liquids help to remove mucus from the sinuses. It's also wise to avoid air conditioners as they dry up the air. Putting a warm, moist towel or cloth over the face and forehead helps to ease mucus circulation.
Conventional Sinus Infection Treatments
Speak to your doctor first
It's always wise to consult your doctor to determine the cause of your sinus infection before taking any form of medication. Yes, many treatments can be bought over-the-counter, but some can have side effects, and can actually be quite dangerous if you have any pre-existing medical conditions, such as high blood pressure for example.
For instance, decongestants are designed to relieve congestion, nasal pressure and swelling. They work by reducing the blood flow to the membranes, improving air flow and allowing you to breathe more easily through the nose rather than through the mouth. This would ease your discomfort by decreasing the pressure in the sinus and head, but one of the side effects is that they can increase your blood pressure and heart rate. If you have any existing heart problems or high blood pressure, you MUST consult your doctor before taking any form of decongestants.
Antibiotics are often prescribed, but they can be a bit of a hit or miss. It is debatable if they are effective, as the bacteria associated with sinus infection can build up an immunity to the treatment.
Antihistamines are usually precribed if your sinus infection is caused by an allergy. Many antihistamines can be bought over-the-counter, but again you would have to be careful as many can cause drowsiness.
Mucolytics are used in treating coughs. As the name suggests, they dissolve mucus which can make it difficult to breathe. Mucolytics are available in liquid or tablet form, and they can also be inhaled through a nebulizer.
Leokotrienes have been proven to be helpful for patients who have sinus infections due to asthma. These are anti-inflammatory prescription drugs, and they help by preventing inflammation in the sinus cavities. Possible side effects are skin rashes, stomach upsets, headaches, bleeding and dryness of the nasal passages.
Steroids, in particular glucocorticosteroids, are also used for sinus infection treatment, and can be taken orally, by injection, or applied to the skin. There are quite a few side effects possible including upset stomach, an increase in blood sugar levels, high blood pressure, fluid retention and mood swings.
Steam inhalation is probably the only conventional sinus treatment that does not have any side effects. It is safe, non-addictive, and works almost immediately.
Sinus Infection Treatments - Herbal Remedies
There are some great herbal remedies for sinus infection
Eucalyptus can help with a sore throat. It's a herb with a nice fragrance and it has antiseptic properties that can help shrink swollen nasal passages. You can buy eucalyptus in leaf form which can be mixed in hot water.
While it's still quite hot you can inhale the steam, and when it cools a little you can drink it. It is also available in lozenge form.
Ephedra is recommended by the World Health Organisation for treating sinus infection, common colds, and hay fever. While it is very effective, there are some risks associated with ephedra, and you should consult your doctor before using it.
Echinacea is good for fighting some viruses in the respiratory system. You can aslo get this in capsule form.
Peppermint helps to calm the mucus membranes, it smells nice, and can also be mixed in hot water, inhaled, and drunk as a tea.
Lemon balm is another of the good herbal treatments. This helps fight viruses, bacteria, and bad breath. Can be bought in leaf form, which you mix in hot water for about ten minutes, strain, pour, and drink as you would a cup of tea.
Ginger is probably most often used for headaches, but it does contain anti-inflammatory properties, so it's ideal for treating sinus infections. You can also get ginger in capsule form.
Goldenseal has been shown to improve overall congestion, and it contains antimicrobial properties that can help to eliminate bacteria. This herb has compounds similar to steroids, which is very effective for reducing inflammation.
Licorice Root is also one of the good herbal remedies for boosting the immune system, and it is available in capsule form.
There are many other herbs available that are good for fighting a sinus infection, and most of them can be mixed together. Knowing what and how to mix them is the problem.
Here's my favorite link:
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About Sinus Infection
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Welcome to About Sinus Infection. Sinusitis is the proper term for sinus infection, a condition that is not only uncomfortable, but can be really quite painful for the sufferer. Let's explore what causes sinus infection, what the symptoms are, and...




