Before we get into how to get rid of sinus infection let us see what the sinuses are and some of their functions. The four different sinus cavities are known as frontal, maxillary, ethmoid, and sphenoid which are located in separate parts of the skull. These four paranasal sinuses are located behind the eyes, forehead, between the nose and eyes, and at the center of the skull. Sinuses are air-filled cavities that filter the air we breathe protecting our body from harmful foreign objects. They are covered with a layer of mucus membrane which also helps in cooling the air we breathe in. Now that we know what the sinuses are let us look at some of the causes of infection and then look at the remedies.
Causes of Sinus Problems
As we know that sinuses are air filled cavities located in our skull, the opening of these cavities is known as the ‘Ositum’. If the opening of the sinus is blocked for any reason, mucus and air get blocked inside the cavities causing problems. One of the most common causes of sinusitis is inflammation brought on by the common cold and flu.
The mucus is a haven for bacteria and sometimes harmful bacteria flourishes on the mucus produced by the sinuses causing problems. People who smoke are at risk of sinus infection because the smoke can lead to inflammation of the sinuses. The smoke also damages the cilia which is responsible for nasal drainage.
Allergies are also the leading causes of sinus infection and people who have issues with pollen at home need to be extra careful. Lifestyle choices like swimming in polluted water and mountaineering are also some of the contributors to sinus infection.
Remedies for Sinus Infection
If you want to know how long to get rid of sinus infection, there are two major categories, acute sinusitis, and chronic sinusitis and the remedies for the two will vary along with the recovery time. Some people who experience sinus pain without congestion are most times put on an antibiotic course as part of the sinus infection treatment. If the sinus cavities which are located behind the cheekbones are infected you will have sinus pain in the jaw and to deal with this your doctor will put you on sinusitis antibiotics.
As we know that common cold is one of the most common causes of sinus infection, sinus pressure home remedies can help. If you are wondering how to get rid of a sinus infection without antibiotics, home remedies like taking a hot shower and then inhaling steam from a pot of boiling water for 5-10 minutes with a towel over your head will help against congestion. If you want to know how to get rid of a sinus infection naturally, dab your kerchief with eucalyptus oil and drink ginger tea for sinus relief.
If you have a chronic sinusitis problem your doctor may order a CT scan to check for cysts and polyps in your sinuses. If you have a chronic sinusitis problem and are wondering how to get rid of sinus infection, your doctor might prescribe steroid sprays as a remedy. Over the counter, nasal sprays and anti-inflammation medicine will also give sinus pain relief, but if your question is how to get rid of a sinus infection when pregnant, it is advisable to consult your doctor.
Most over the counter decongestants and expectorants will help you clear phlegm, mucus, and other things blocking the respiratory tract. A weak immune system leaves your body susceptible to infections which can lead to sinus infections, so boost your immunity by taking vitamin C and vitamin E supplements. Also, scroll through cure sinus infection naturally for some quick and easy remedies.
Hope this article has helped you answer the question of how to get rid of sinus infection, also remember it is advisable to consult a physician or an ENT doctor if you have a sinus problem.
