If frequent throat inflammations, sinus stuffiness and infections, or earaches, trouble you incessantly you must be aware that popular medicines can be just as unpalatable as the illness. Opting for nonprescription or prescription medications do not bring about much relief as the fallouts of taking them can cause quite a nuisance. Perennial consumption of antibiotics can cut down their efficacy, and even cold formulas that are non-drowsy in nature have other niggling side effects. Moreover, frequent consumption of cold and sinus medications is also a costly affair.
Try some home remedies to ease out the condition. Blend in approximately half a teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water for a salt water gargle. Moderately warm water is even more helpful in loosening sinus congestion, but the water must not be hot to make you feel uncomfortable. Gargle with this warm saline solution a few times each day for approximately 20 seconds. Continue with the gargling and rinsing until the symptoms lessen.
Sinus congestions or infections can also be relieved by dropping a few drops of the saline solution in the nose. The head must be tilted back and with the help of a clean sterilized dropper the saline solution drops can be administered to each nostril. Certain home remedies such as nasal irrigation and steam inhalation with or without essential oils are also quite beneficial in easing the uncomfortable symptoms of sinus congestions.
A sinus congestion that lasts for more than four weeks is known as acute sinusitis and in most cases the initial stages of congestion usually starts off as a common cold, caused by a virus. Sinus congestions if left neglected without proper treatment can become chronic and severe, and may recur causing prolonged durations each time, sometimes lasting longer than 8 weeks. Sinus congestions that do not go away for more than four weeks maybe due to secondary complications arising from infections of the upper respiratory tract, allergic reactions, deviated septum or other structural conditions, and sometimes even fungi. If you believe you have acute sinus congestions it is essential to visit your primary care provider or healthcare professional. In some cases, people who are prone to sinus infections have compromised immune functionalities, and hence all areas must be explored by the doctor for immediate treatment.
Some doctors are of the opinion that diet sensitivities play an important role in causing sinus congestion and hence avoiding certain possible offending foods such as dairy products including milk, butter and cheese; wheat products containing whole and refined flour, oranges, and sugar, can help in preventing the development of mucous.