Sinusitis is usually a result of a bacterial or fungal infection of the sinus cavity. Sinuses are the cavities that connect the nasal tract with the inner respiratory tract. The common bacteria that cause sinus infections are haemophilus influenzae, moraxella catarrhalis, streptococcus pneumoniae, staphylococcus aureus, and streptococcus pyogenes. Some of the prominent sinus infection symptoms are severe headache, which is caused by the exertion of pressure of the air in the blocked sinus cavity, facial pain, and nasal discharge. Sinus infection symptoms in children include high fever and nasal congestion. Patients of sinusitis are also susceptible to asthma. The causes of asthma are sinus infections and allergies and other respiratory tract disorders. In fact, the symptoms and causes of sinus infections and asthma are co-related. Also, sinus infections symptoms and treatment are similar to those of asthma.
There are various home remedies for treatment of sinus infections. Some of the home remedies for sinus infection relief are as follows.
- One effective sinus infection relief home remedy is to consume foods rich in vitamin A such as mangoes. Mangoes help strengthen the epithelial lining of nasal passage and inner part of respiratory tract, thereby reducing susceptibility to the affliction. Other foods rich in vitamin A content are apples, beetroot, carrots, pumpkin, whole milk, egg yolk, tomatoes, spinach, and other such fruits and vegetables.
- Another effective remedy to relieve sinusitis is to consume an extract of fenugreek seeds. It can be prepared by boiling fenugreek seeds in water till the quantity of the water is reduced to half. Fenugreek extract helps detoxify the body, thereby preventing bacterial and fungal infections, one of the prime causes of a sinus infection.
- Intake of foods with a pungent taste such as garlic and onion is also an effective remedy to cure sinus infections. These foods can be used in various culinary preparations and onions can also be used as an ingredient in salads.
- Another effective remedy to cure sinus infection or sinusitis is to consume roasted cumin seeds in pure honey.
- Foods rich in vitamin C help boost the immune system of the body, thereby preventing microbial attacks and infections. As such, intake of vitamin C rich foods in ample amounts is an effective treatment for sinus infection in pregnancy. Such foods include lemon, grape fruit, guava, and oranges.
- Another effective remedy to relieve sinus infections is to inhale steam for five minutes, at least three times a day. However, inhaling steam is not a recommended treatment for sinus infection in children the steam can be very hot and it may burn the epithelium of their nasal passage.
- An effective remedy to relieve sinus infection is to alternate hot and cold compresses on the face.
Other than these remedies, there are certain measures that prevent microbial infections that cause sinusitis. Some such precautionary measures are as follows:
- First and foremost, the intake of a balanced and regulated diet is the best way to prevent sinusitis. In fact, a balanced diet will boost the immune system and prevent microbial attacks, the prime cause of sinus infections. The diet must contain ample quantities of fruits, vegetables and fluids.
- Patients with sinusitis must refrain from consuming a high calorie diet and should also avoid starchy foods including rice, potato, white sugar, and white flour.
- It is also recommended to avoid using strong fragrances in soaps, perfumes, and hair products.
Another method of treatment that is supposedly effective in curing various conditions such as sinusitis is naturopathy, which focuses on the body's innate ability to cure itself. Naturopathy for respiratory tract infections including sinusitis involves a combination of therapies along with a few supportive prescription drugs. Some of the remedies for a sinus infection in naturopathy are increased intake of water, reduced the consumption of sugar, proper rest, and avoidance of stress. However, it is recommended that one consult a physician to relive acute and chronic sinus infections and asthma.
answered by G R