What Causes a Sinus Infection?
Some people suspect that the sinuses are the reason behind cold symptoms like a puffy face, runny nose, coughing, or facial swelling. But that’s not the case. The sinus cavities are just hollow chambers to make the skull lighter. These cavities have a mucus layer that is channeled to the nasal passage. That helps the nose to stop the dust particles from entering the body.
But sometimes, by some complications, the sinuses get swollen, resulting in the channels to block. Thus the mucus stays blocked in the cavities. It leads to an infection called sinus infection or sinusitis. There are several factors cause a sinus infection. Few the Causes of a Sinus Infection are-
-
Virus and bacteria
The sinuses are drained into the nasal passage through a transition space called Ostium. If a virus causes the ostium to swell and block space. The mucus can be released into the nostrils. It is called viral sinusitis. This virus can be spread from the victim to others. But this infection usually gets well in 10-14 days. Sometimes in that blocked mucus, bacteria can grow. It leads to a secondary infection called bacterial sinusitis. It can last up to a month.
-
Allergic reaction
One of the main functions of the sinuses is to help the nose prevent pollutants from getting in. Those foreign particles can have several allergens in them. Also, Some people have sinuses that are more sensitive than usual. These allergens trigger the sinuses to swell. That situation leads to a sinus infection. Besides, if you intake any food that you are allergic to, it can result.
-
Deviated septum
The nasal septum is a thin wall made of cartilage that separates both nasal passages. If the wall gets slightly deviated from its natural structure by any injury, it can cause a sinus infection. A deviated septum can be genetic too. These infections usually occur in the long term and need surgery to cure.
-
Narrow sinuses
If any structural or anatomical dispute makes the sinuses narrower, the mucus will have a hard time releasing into the nose. Sometimes few people have an extra sinus. It also narrows down the transition space leading to a sinus infection.
How to Relieve Severe Sinus Pressure and Pain Natural at home?
The doctors usually suggest sinus patients check the infection for a few days at home. Some infections can get well in a shorter time without any medication. But the pain and the pressure can be a problem to handle at that time. Even during any sinus infection treatment, if you want to relieve the severe sinus pressure or pain, naturally at home, you can follow these sinus infection remedies below:
-
Nasal irrigation
One of the best ways to relieve the pressure of sinus infection at home. The doctors also suggest this technique. Besides, it’s not only one of the most popular ways, but it’s also one of the easiest. You need saltwater and a syringe or a neti pot. With that, apply that saltwater to both nostrils one by one. If you use this method 2-3 times a day, the saltwater will release the mucus blocked in the sinuses.
-
Hydrate
The mucus tends to get dry and thick. As the runny nose makes you lose lots of water. The more it will get thick, the harder it will be to get it out. That’s why you need to keep hydrating yourself. Consume water or juice at regular intervals so that you don’t get dehydrated.
-
Vapor
The water vapor helps to keep the mucus light. Take a pan full of warm water and inhale the steam through the nose. Cover the head with a towel. You can also dampen a towel with warm water and put it on the face. It will relieve the pain and reduce the pressure.
-
Take rest
Giving the body enough rest will allow it to have enough energy to fight against the infection. While sleeping, keep your head elevated. It will help you breathe better. You can also sleep sidewise.
-
Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps to increase the immunity power of the body. Besides, it fights infection-causing bacteria.
-
Spicy food
It’s one of the oldest home remedies. Spicy foods usually release mucus from the sinuses. That’s why it can help to relieve pressure even during a sinus infection.
These natural sinus infection remedies will help you to relieve the pain and pressure of a sinus infection. Apart from that, you can also use some OTC medicines. The best over-the-counter medicine for sinus infection uses natural ingredients to soothe sinusitis problems and symptoms.
