Annually, about 37 million people in the U.S. are affected by sinusitis or infection of the sinusitis. In other words, this year, one in ten people in the U.S. will experience at least one sinus infection, which will result in all sorts of unpleasant symptoms and can significantly affect a person’s life quality.
In such cases, people usually turn to pharmaceutical sinus medications, which unfortunately are followed by various side effects that can worsen the person’s initial condition.
Luckily, there’s a natural solution for sinus infections, and you probably have the ingredients in your pantry. However, let us explain in more detail, what a sinus infection is.
What Is a Sinus Infection?
Sinus infection, or sinusitis, is the swelling or inflammation of the sinus tissue. Healthy sinuses are clear and empty, and they permit breathing through the nose. But, when they fill with fluid, they cause the development of germs like fungi, viruses, and bacteria which will eventually grow and cause infection.
The result of this infection will be swelling, inflammation, and often sinuses blockage that either restricts or completely blocks the airflow.
The following four types of sinusitis have different duration and amount of frequency. They are:
- Acute sinusitis: Usually lasts 2 to 4 weeks, and includes cold-like symptoms, stuffy and runny nose.
- Subacute sinusitis: Inflamed sinuses that can last 4 to 8 weeks.
- Chronic sinusitis: Inflamed sinuses that can last more than 8 weeks.
- Recurrent sinusitis: Few attacks of sinus infection per year.
The sinusitis symptoms might appear as a nuisance at first, but over time they can grow into a serious health problem that will require medical attention. These are the usual sinus infection symptoms:
- Nasal discharge
- Nasal swelling
- Loss of sense of smell
- Facial pain/pressure
- Cough and congestion
- Bad breath
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Dental pain.
If you have immune system deficiency, nasal polyps, or even a common cold, you have chances of developing a sinus infection.
Sinus Medication – Side Effects
Although most sinus medications will provide temporary relief from the symptoms of your sinus infection, they usually cause a different range of symptoms that you have to deal with. They have been proven that isn’t safe for children’s usage, but there are many more reasons why you should avoid them. These are the symptoms triggered by common medication for sinus infection:
- Nausea
- Upset stomach
- Dizziness
- Nervousness
- Trouble sleeping
- Allergic reaction
- Irregular heartbeat
- Mood swings
- Hallucinations.
Ironically, the symptoms triggered by sinus medications are lesser but possibly more unpleasant than those caused by sinusitis. So by now, you’ve probably realized that you need to find an alternative treatment for your sinusitis.
Apple Cider Vinegar for Sinus Infections
Apple cider vinegar is known for its many health benefits, among which is treating sinus infections. It is considered that its extremely nutritious ingredients are responsible for its ability to clear the sinus cavities, thus decreasing the symptoms. Moreover, the nutrients of apple cider vinegar helps increase the immunity in our body, helping in the fight against the infection that triggers these symptoms.
The anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and immunity supporting properties of apple cider vinegar, make it an ideal natural solution for the treatment of sinus infection. To treat your sinusitis, apply apple cider vinegar in the following way:
Mix half a cup of each, water and apple cider vinegar. Pour it in a saucepan on high heat. Wait until the solution steams, and then turn off the heat. Close your mouth and eyes, and inhale the steam for three to five minutes. Be careful as the steam will be hot. Do this procedure on a regular basis for optimal effects.
Besides this method, you can also drink the solution, although the steaming method is considered the most effective one which gives quick results.
Via Vietnam Times | WebMD | NCBI | WebMD | Vietnam Times