Sinus Infection: The weather in India constantly changes, making sinus or sinusitis a common problem. It’s often caused by changing weather and high pollution. This condition affects millions of people worldwide. Although it’s not a serious problem, you can control it by taking certain precautions. Sinusitis occurs when the hollow spaces around the nose, called sinus cavities, become inflamed and this inflammation prevents mucus from draining out, causing pressure on the face, pain, and difficulty breathing. However, with proper care, you can control it. In this article, we’ll explore the main symptoms of sinusitis, its causes, and some home remedies.
Symptoms of Sinus
- When you have a sinus infection, your nose gets blocked or starts running and thick yellow or green mucus starts coming out of the nose.
- This makes it difficult to breathe.
- You feel a headache when you bend forward.
- You feel mucus dripping down your throat, which is also called postnasal drip.
- You experience a persistent cough and sore throat.
- Sometimes you have a fever and often feel tired.
- You feel pain and pressure in the face or heaviness in the cheeks.
Causes of Sinus
Sinus infection can be caused by many reasons –
- Infection – It can be caused by viral infections like cold, cough or bacterial infection. Allergy – Due to allergy to dust, pollen, soil, pet hair or dandruff.
- Structural problem – Sometimes due to problems like crooked nose bone or nasal polyps.
- Climate change – Often climate change can cause sinus, this problem increases rapidly in extremely dry weather or cold weather.
- Weak immune system – This problem occurs quickly in people whose immune system is weak or who have diabetes or cancer and who are HIV positive.
Home Remedies for Sinus
Sinus infection isn’t a serious illness. You can easily manage it at home with a few simple steps:-
- Drink plenty of fluids, including lukewarm water and herbal tea, which thins mucus.
- Steam inhalation can significantly alleviate this problem ,Heat a bowl of water and inhale steam. This thins mucus, opening your nasal passages. You can also add celery, mint, or eucalyptus oil to the steam inhalation.
- You can also soak a towel in hot water and apply it to your forehead and cheeks around your eyes for a short time. This provides relief from sinus pain and pressure.
- You can also make basil tea, ginger tea, and mint tea. If you prefer, add honey to it to provide sinus relief.
- If you have sinus problems, give your body adequate rest so it can prepare itself for infections.
- Avoid things you’re allergic to, and also protect yourself from dust, smoke, and harsh chemicals.
When to consult a doctor
If you’ve had a sinus infection for more than 10 or 15 days and you experience any symptoms, such as pain, difficulty breathing, a high fever, swelling around the eyes, a stiff neck, or blurred vision, consult your doctor. He or she will provide appropriate advice and a proper diagnosis.
