Sinusitis is a very common disease. The sinus lining is inflamed by the presence of a virus or bacteria, leading to the production of mucus. The American hospital Cleveland Clinic has taken stock of the effective remedies to treat this stuffy nose problem.
- The sinuses are bony cavities found in the face and skull. They are lined with a mucous membrane. It is the latter that can ignite in the presence of a virus or bacteria.
- There are 4 pairs of sinuses: the frontal sinuses (above the nose), the ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses (at the level of the nose) and the maxillary sinuses (at the level of the cheekbones).
Fatigue, headaches, trouble sleeping, pain between the eyes or even in the teeth… If sinusitis is a mild illness, it can really make everyday life difficult. GP Neha Vyas who works in the Cleveland Clinicshared several ways to clean infected sinuses at home, and thus free the airways.
Nasal spray to decongest upon waking
When you wake up, you have clogged sinuses and breathing through your nose is complicated. You probably have sinusitis. The first line of defense against this disease is the nasal spray. “It’s really great to start”explains Dr. Vyas. “If you feel a little congestion coming on, you can use a saline nasal spray to unclog it.”
Be careful however, the bottle cannot be shared with other people. It must remain a personal product.
Physiological serum, sea water, with or without essential oils… There are many types of vaporizers. Do not hesitate to ask your pharmacist for advice in order to take the one that is best suited to your state of health.
The neti pot to clean the nasal cavity
The neti pot is a teapot-shaped object that cleans the nasal cavity with a saline solution. If you can make it yourself, Dr. Vyas recommends using store-bought ones to avoid dosing errors. “Just be sure to use distilled, filtered or boiled water at room temperature – never tap water, which can cause infections. And if you have any questions about using a neti pot, talk to a healthcare professional.“, she adds.
The hot shower to relieve a stuffy nose
Steam is a good way to relieve congested sinuses. Jumping under a hot shower is therefore ideal, as the expert explains: “The heat and moisture from the water is a great combination and it helps open up all those clogged areas of your face.”
And if you’re pressed for time, place a wet washcloth with lukewarm water on your face. This method also helps decongest the sinuses.
Humidifier or vaporizer to make the air less dry
If the hot shower wasn’t enough to clear your nose, the other option is a humidifier or vaporizer. These devices bring a constant flow of moisture into the air. “Basically what you’re trying to do is make the air a little more humid”explains Dr. Vyas. “We noticed that drier air tends to inflame the sinuses much more than moist or moist air.”
To enhance the effectiveness of the devices, it is possible to add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil. This plant is an excellent treatment for clogged sinuses thanks to its anti-bacterial, anti-viral and expectorant properties.
A hot tea to breathe better
“You can warm the outside and inside of your body with hot decaffeinated tea or another hot drink of your choice”, suggests Dr. Vyas. The steam that escapes from the hot drink can, among other things, cause the mucus to thin out and help you breathe better.
Over-the-counter medications
If your sinus symptoms are really bothering you, you can also use anti-inflammatories to help. Dr. Vyas recommends taking over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Advil®). “They help reduce the swelling you feel in your sinuses”, she says. Seek advice from a healthcare professional before taking any treatment.
Moreover, if the sinusitis persists for more than a week or if symptoms (headache, fever, nosebleed) appear or worsen, it is then necessary to consult your doctor.
