A sinus infection, also called sinusitis, is an inflammation of your sinuses—or air-filled cavities found within your cheekbones, behind your forehead and eyebrows, and on both sides of and behind your nose. Sinus infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Symptoms include headache, facial pain, tooth pain, ear fullness, nasal congestion, and/or runny nose.
Several natural at-home sinus infection remedies exist. These treatments can help alleviate symptoms while sinusitis runs its course. If your infection lasts more than seven days or you have a consistent fever of 102 degrees or more, see a healthcare provider to determine if you need antibiotics or further treatment. Learn more about how to get rid of a sinus infection.
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Sinus infections can be acute or chronic. Acute sinus infections can last from 10 days to eight weeks. Chronic sinus infections can last for months; they may appear to get better, then come back.
"I usually give people seven days to see if symptoms resolve," said Prachi Jindal, MD, primary care physician with UnityPoint Clinic Family Medicine–Medical District in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. "If they have a consistent fever of more than 102 and are not responding to ibuprofen, then [the sinus infection] may be bacterial."
To alleviate acute and chronic symptoms, you can try home remedies.
1. Nasal Irrigation Devices
Nasal irrigation devices, or nasal rinses, can help dislodge backed-up mucus and remove dust and pollen in your sinuses.
One of the most well-known devices is called a neti pot, which is a small teapot-shaped container, available at any pharmacy or online. Follow packaging instructions to use safely, and keep your neti pot clean. "Using that twice a day would be really helpful. It basically moisturizes and loosens secretions which, overall, provides patient comfort," Dr. Jindal told Health.
Other devices include:
- Battery-operated water devices
- Bulb syringes
- Saline nasal sprays
- Squeeze bottles
Hot steam operates on the same principle as sinus rinses. Boil some water, then drape a towel over your head and the pot so you can breathe in the rising steam. Don't get too close to the steam so you don't burn yourself. Another alternative: Linger in a hot shower or sit in the bathroom with the door closed and the water turned as hot as it goes.
Like nasal rinses, hot steam can moisten your nose, dislodge mucus, and alleviate some of the sinus pain or pressure.
A variation on the hot steam protocol is to put a few drops of eucalyptus oil in the shower to open up your airways and quell inflammation.
3. Humidifiers and Vaporizers
The steam from a humidifier can moisturize a whole room and, with it, your nasal passages. Humidifiers and vaporizers, like cool-mist humidifiers, can relieve sinusitis symptoms and other respiratory ailments.
Avoid ramping up the humidity too high, and keep your humidifier clean. Left untended, dirty humidifiers can be nesting spots for mold and bacteria, both of which can actually cause sinus infections.
Putting a warm compress on your face, specifically over your eyes, nose, and forehead, can lessen some of the pain from pressure in your sinuses. The simplest type of warm compress is a washcloth or towel dampened with warm water.
5. Stay Hydrated
Drinking lots of fluids—preferably water—can help you feel better. Staying hydrated can thin your mucus, making it easier to drain. Steer clear of alcohol, which could have the opposite effect and dehydrate you.
Sleeping flat means mucus can collect in your sinuses, aggravating symptoms. Use an extra pillow or put something under your mattress to lift your head up.
Other Treatments
The type of sinus infection (viral, bacterial, fungal) and its cause will determine what kind of treatment your healthcare provider recommends. Treatments can include:
- Antibiotics: Bacterial sinus infections may require antibiotics.
- Antihistamines: If allergies are contributing to your getting sinus infections, your healthcare provider may recommend an antihistamine.
- Oral nasal decongestants: Over-the-counter decongestants can provide temporary relief.
- Surgery: A last resort, with prolonged sinus infections, your healthcare provider may determine you need surgery to clear your sinuses.
- Topical nasal corticosteroids: Your healthcare provider may prescribe these to treat inflammation.
- Topical nasal decongestant sprays: These should only be used for three to four days to help shrink swollen nasal passages.
While you can't fully prevent sinus infections from developing, you can try to avoid some of their common causes. This can include:
- Staying hydrated to improve your overall health
- Trying to avoid known allergens
- Taking measures to stay healthy and prevent colds, such as eating balanced meals, exercising regularly, and washing your hands often
- Quitting smoking and trying to avoid secondhand smoke
When To Contact a Health Provider
Sinus infections can sometimes go away on their own and with home remedies. However, you should see a healthcare provider if symptoms:
- Are severe
- Improve but then come back worse
- Include a fever that lasts three to four days
- Last more than 10 days
Sinus infections, known as sinusitis, can cause headaches, ear fullness, nasal congestion, and face pain. They can be acute or chronic and may be caused by a virus, bacteria, or fungus.
The type and cause of your sinus infection can determine which treatment you need. However, to alleviate symptoms, you can try at-home remedies like nasal rinses, warm compresses, staying hydrated, and more. See a healthcare provider if your symptoms do not start to go away or worsen.
