Do you suffer from frequent bouts of sinusitis? The stuffiness, facial pressure, headaches, and general fatigue so frequently associated with nasal sinusitis can make it difficult to function during the day and even harder to sleep at night. To add to the problem, many of the decongestants used to treat this common condition have side effects. Is there a sinusitis natural treatment that really works?
Are Antibiotics Necessary?
Although your doctor may choose to put you on an antibiotic for nasal sinusitis treatment, some of the current studies show that antibiotics have little effect on this condition. This isn’t surprising since most cases of sinusitis are caused by a virus, rather than a bacteria, making antibiotics an ineffective treatment. Fortunately, most cases of sinusitis resolve on their own within fourteen days, so the best treatments are geared towards relieving the symptoms.
Sinusitis Natural Treatments
What is the best symptomatic treatment for nasal sinusitis? One strategy that works well for reducing congestion and stuffiness is to heat a large pan of water on the stove until it’s boiling. Add a third of a teaspoon of eucalyptus oil (can be purchased at most health food stores and natural food markets) and stir the mixture thoroughly. Use a large bath towel to drape across your head to form a tent over your head to direct the steam towards your face. Breathe in deeply to inhale the fragrant steam for at least ten minutes. Be sure the water isn’t so hot that you risk burning your face. You should feel better immediately. This treatment can be repeated several times during the day for maximum benefit.
Another safe and natural treatment for nasal sinusitis is to use a saline nasal spray twice a day in each nostril. A study published in the Journal of Family Practice in 2002 showed that saline nasal sprays can significantly decrease the symptoms of sinusitis with few side effects. These sprays can be purchased at your local drugstore.
Warm, moist heat is an excellent way to open up the nasal passages and allow better air exchange. In addition to steam/eucalyptus treatments, taking warm showers and breathing in the hot steam can be therapeutic. You’ll also want to drink lots of fluids to help thin out nasal secretions. Drinking hot herbal teas and warm soups not only replenish fluids but supply heat which can soothe inflamed nasal passages.
In some cases, nasal sinusitis can become chronic which may require longer term treatment with prescription medications such as nasal steroids. If your symptoms fail to improve with home treatments, see your doctor.
