An upper respiratory infection results in an obstruction or inflammation in the nasal passages. It may also be accompanied with an overproduction of the secretions of mucus. Sinusitis is one such infection.

Your sinusitis may be the kind that is caused by one or a combination of the following:

• viruses,

• bacteria,

• fungus,

• parasites,

• dirt particles that you have been exposed to, or

• escalation of other upper respiratory tract infections such as allergies or colds

Observe your condition as well as your environment. Discuss your symptoms with your doctor to understand what caused your sinusitis and what can be expected from it. In this way, you will get closer to an effective cure for your condition.

There are a lot of treatments available to cure your sinusitis at home. These are always the best cures to apply, because of their convenience of use and practicality. Take advantage of these home cures first before getting out of your way to avail of other cures.

Let Your Immune System Take Over

When sinusitis strikes you, give yourself a break by taking lots of rest and sleep. You have a built in immune system that serves as your protector from sickness. Simply relax and let your body heal itself, and you might just realize that your sinusitis is gone in no time.

Clean Up

Allergies that developed into sinusitis might be due to having too much allergens in your area - whether it be at home or work. Have your carpets and upholstery checked and cleaned regularly to avoid the build up of dirt, dust and other harmful particles in your surroundings.

Humidify

Nasal congestion can be alleviated by moisturizing your nasal passages and sinus cavities. There are several ways for you to do this:

• Use a nasal spray or irrigator to directly moisturize the insides of your nose and nearby passages. The humidification of your nasal passages will aid in relieving facial and sinus pressure since it makes your sinuses feel fresh and free from blockage. Nasal sprays also help in clearing infectious organisms and excess mucus from unwanted areas in your upper respiratory tract.

• You can inhale steam from a hot bath, from a bowl of hot water, or even just from the running hot water in the sink to bring in moisture inside your body.

• Alternately, drinking hot beverages can produce the same dampening effect that will serve to humidify your nasal passages.

• Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air. A dry atmosphere can also dry up your nasal passages, cause you discomfort and make your sinusitis worse.

Watch your diet

You just need to adhere to the do’s and don’ts below while you have sinusitis. There is no need to follow these even when you have healthy sinuses:

Do’s

• Spicy food, particularly with cayenne pepper – to relieve nasal congestion

• Garlic – to thin out mucus

• Citrus juice, tea, and/or other hot beverages – to moisturize your sinuses and nasal passages, thin out mucus, and speed up excess mucus discharge.

• Foods rich in Vitamin A – to keep your skin and mucus membranes in good shape

• Foods rich in Vitamin C – to restore your immune system to a healthy state as well as to aid in nasal decongestion

Don’ts

• Dairy products such as eggs and milk

• Sugar

• Wheat

• Over processed food