Sinuses

The sinuses produce mucus that serves various functions, but mainly filtering inhaled air. The sinuses are cavities in the head, around the eyes that may become filled with mucus and become blocked, inflamed and infected.

Sinusitis

Sinusitis can be brought on by colds or the flu. Allergies can also trigger a sinus infection. The repeated inflammation that comes from chronic hay fever or other allergic reactions can encourage bacterial, viral and/or fungal growth in the irritated linings of the sinuses. A sinus infection can be serious and even lethal.

Cure

Sometimes the only thing that will cure sinusitis is antibiotics. But before taking antibiotics, below is one of the popular home remedies that you can try to help clear and keep clear your sinuses.

1. Place 1/4 tsp of salt and 1/4 tsp of baking soda in the bottom of a mug.

2. Add 1 - 2" of boiling water.

3. Stir until the salt and baking soda have dissolved.

4. Add cold water to fill the mug.

5. Check that the solution is no more than lukewarm.

6. Lean your head backwards and slightly to the side that has sinus blockage.

7. Wash the solution into your nose.

8. Tilt your head to allow the solution to drain into your sinus. If your sinus is not completely blocked, you should feel the solution moving all the way to the base of your ear canal.

9. Tilt your head forward to drain the solution.

Remember:

• Use this solution several times a day until your sinus blockage has cleared.

• Do not blow your nose in the standard way, by blocking one nostril and blowing, after using the solution, as this will force solution and mucus into your ear canals, which may cause an ear infection.

• Do not use the solution immediately before going to bed, as your sinuses will drain into your ear canals, which may cause an ear infection.

• A mug of solution will last for several flushes. Cover the mug to keep the solution clean.

• If you are feeling pain in your ear canals, you may already have an ear infection. See your doctor, as you may need antibiotics to clear this infection. You will still need to clear the sinus blockage, or the ear infection will recur.

Additional home remedies:

• Eat spicy food. Cayenne pepper, curry, hot sauce and other spicy foods can help clear up your sinusitis symptoms. If you don't like eating spicy foods, even smelling spicy food can help.

• Take a hot shower. Breathe in the steam through your nose and mouth. The steam will keep clear your sinuses by loosening the phlegm.

• Get a face cloth. Heat water in the microwave for about a minute (it should be as hot as you can stand but don't burn yourself!!!!) and use it to wet the facecloth. Put the facecloth over your face and breathe in the steam. When the cloth goes cold, dip it in the water again and breathe in the steam again. Keep this up for about 15 minutes.