Home Remedies For Sinus Infection on Face

Home Remedies For Sinus Infection on Face

Most people do not transmit sinus infections; most clinicians agree that except for rare instances, sinus infections are not contagious but arise from mainly viruses and bacteria that, by chance, contaminate a person who sinuses support their proliferation because of minor, and rarely, major abnormalities in the person's sinus tissue (for example, swelling, inflammation, abnormal mucus production, and rarely, facial or nasal trauma).

At some point, most of us have experienced sinus pain and pressure — and know just how unpleasant it can be. Fortunately, there are many natural sinus pain remedies that can offer relief, whether your symptoms are due to the common cold, allergies, or a sinus infection (sinusitis).

The sinuses are hollow pockets within the bones surrounding the nose. They produce mucus, which drains into the nose. If your nose is swollen due to inflammation, it can block the sinuses and cause pain, congestion, cough, post-nasal drip, and sometimes tooth or facial pain. Sinusitis can be acute — lasting up to four weeks usually after a cold — or chronic, lasting for months or even years. According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, allergies, nasal problems, and certain conditions, such as cystic fibrosis, can also cause acute and chronic sinusitis.

What is Sinus infection?
A sinus infection occurs when a pathogenic microorganism (virus, bacterium, or a fungus) grows within a sinus and causes intermittent blockage of the sinus ostium. Drainage of mucus and pus often occur when the blockage is relieved. The drainage usually goes from the nasal passages to the throat or out the nostrils. Such infections also cause inflammation (an influx of immune cells and swelling of the sinus tissue) of one or more sinuses. This can to block the openings of the sinuses and leads to discomfort.

Inflammation of the air cavities within the passages of the nose (paranasal sinuses) is referred to as sinusitis. Sinusitis can be caused by infection, but can also be caused by allergy and irritation of the sinuses.

Sinusitis is one of the more common conditions that can afflict people throughout their lives. Sinusitis commonly occurs when environmental pollens irritate the nasal passages, such as with hay fever. Sinusitis can also result from irritants, such as chemicals or the use and/or abuse of over-the-counter (OTC) nasal sprays, and illegal substances that may be snorted through the nose. About 30 million adults have "sinusitis." 

Cause of Sinus infection
Sinus infection may be caused by anything that interferes with airflow into the sinuses and the drainage of mucus out of the sinuses. The sinus openings (ostea) may be blocked by swelling of the tissue lining and adjacent nasal passage tissue, for example with common colds, allergies, and tissue irritants such as OTC nasal sprays, cocaine, and cigarette smoke. Sinuses can also become blocked by tumors or growths that are near the sinus openings.

The drainage of mucous from the sinuses can also be impaired by thickening of the mucous secretions, by decrease in hydration (water content) of the mucous brought on by disease (for example, cystic fibrosis), drying medications (antihistamines), and lack of sufficient humidity in the air. The epithelial cells have small hairlike fibers, called cilia, which move back and forth to help the mucus move out of the sinuses. These small cilia may be damaged by many irritants, especially smoke. This can prevent them from assisting the mucus in draining from the sinuses.

Stagnated mucus provides an environment for bacteria, viruses and in some circumstances (for example, AIDS or immunodepressed persons) fungus to grow within the sinus cavities. In addition, the microbes themselves can initiate and exacerbate sinus blockage. The most commonly infected sinuses are the maxillary and ethmoid sinuses.


Rarely, immunodepressed or victims of multiple traumas in disasters such as tsunamis, hurricanes, earthquakes, or tornadoes may breathe in fungi from the soil or water. Eventually, in a few days to over a week, the fungi can grow and cut off blood supply to almost any type of tissue, especially in the nose and eyes. These infections, although rare, are serious and can be deadly and require immediate medical and surgical care. Although the fungal infection may resemble common bacterial sinusitis initially, it is a disease termed zygomycosis or mucormycosis.

Symptoms of Sinus infection
Commonly the symptoms of sinus infection are headache, facial tenderness, pressure or pain, and fever. However, some patients may have fever associated with acute sinus infection. Other common symptoms include:

cloudy, discolored nasal drainage,
a feeling of nasal stuffiness,
sore throat, and
cough.
Some people notice an increased sensitivity or headache when they lean forward because of the additional pressure placed on the sinuses. Others may experience tooth or ear pain, fatigue, or bad breath. In noninfectious sinusitis, other associated allergy symptoms of itching eyes and sneezing may be common, but may include some of the symptoms listed above for infectious sinusitis. Nasal drainage is usually clear or whitish-colored in people with noninfectious sinusitis.

Natural Remedies for Sinus Infection Relief 
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water, no sugar added juices, clear broth, and hot tea.  These fluids will help to thin out mucus and help to drain it from irritated sinuses.  Avoid drinking alcohol, caffeine, and sugary beverages, as well as from smoking.  All of these substances will dehydrate your system causing mucus to thicken and clog already inflamed airways.

Try bromelain
Sold as a supplement, bromelain is a protein found in pineapple stems and has been used by prize fighters to reduce swelling for years. Some research suggests bromelain can also speed recovery of acute sinusitis. “Bromelain appears to be beneficial and helps reduce swelling in the nasal passages,” says Robert Graham, MD, MPH, an internist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. Just be sure to talk to your doctor first, as bromelain may interact with any other medications you’re taking. And be sure to follow exact dosing instructions.
Dissolve Excess Mucus
Spicy foods such as cayenne pepper or horseradish can be mixed with apple cider vinegar and lemon juice to create a mucus dissolving elixir.

Pressure Point Activation

For temporary relief of closed nasal passages when none of these other options are available to you, try a quick face massage.  These five quick steps take less than two minutes to perform and, when done correctly, will allow you to breath more easily.

Take a steam
Hot water vapor can help moisten the sinuses. “Sprinkle a few drops of eucalyptus or menthol in the shower and steam up your bathroom,” Dr. Graham suggests. “A hot, steamy shower or bath can also help to loosen up mucus and debris that is stuck inside your nose,” says Sam S. Rizk, MD, a New York City-based ear, nose, and throat doctor and facial plastic surgeon.

Drink up
Staying hydrated helps your body in many ways, including keeping your sinuses moist. Drink water throughout the day, and make sure to steer clear of caffeinated or alcoholic drinks, which can cause dehydration, Graham says. Although recommended fluid intake differs for each person, an easy rule of thumb is to drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses a day. How can you tell if you are getting enough fluids? “If the color of your urine is clear, you are hydrated,” says Graham.

Salt Water Rinse
If you are prone to sinus infections and you don’t have a Neti pot , you’ll want to get one.  This handy little device makes it easy to irrigate your nasal cavity, clearing out unwanted mucus and any inhaled contaminants that may be caught in there.  Use your Neti pot twice a day for optimum relief!

Allergy-proof your bedroom
 Allergies can make sinus pain worse and tend to flare in the evening hours. Keep allergies out of the bedroom by using dust covers on your pillows and comforter and making sure that your pet doesn’t sleep in the bedroom, says Satish Govindaraj, MD, an assistant professor of otolaryngology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.

Grapefruit Seed Extract
Grapefruit seed extract (GSE) is a natural antibiotic made from grinding dried grapefruit seeds and pulp into a fine powder.  When administered in nasal spray form (such as this one), GSE helps to clear out mucus and may prevent other microbial contaminants from taking root in weakened and inflamed sinus tissues.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Two or three tablespoons of raw, unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar added to a cup of hot water or tea taken three times daily will help thin out excessive mucus relieving congestion an sinus pressure.  Mix with lemon and honey or Stevia to taste.

Turmeric / Ginger Root
Turmeric root is a wonderful, fragrant spice commonly found in Indian and some Middle eastern dishes.  Not only does Turmeric contain the natural anti-inflammatory curcumin, this spice is also an anti-oxidant.  When combined with spicy ginger root and brewed for hot tea, this combination can help loosen mucus from clogged nasal passages, alleviate sinus pressure, and make you feel better all around.  Ginger root also has the added bonus of calming an upset stomach – a frequent side-effect of excessive nighttime sinus drainage.