The Best Home Remedies for a Sinus Infection to Ease Pain, Congestion and Pressure
Find out why adding fresh garlic to a facial steam may speed healing
With cold and flu season comes an increased risk of sinus infections, which can trigger a runny nose, sinus pressure, congestion and postnasal drip, among other bothersome symptoms. Fortunately, you don’t have to just suffer through. There are plenty of easy, effective home remedies for a sinus infection that can help you feel better fast. Here are the top home treatment options our experts recommend.
What is a sinus infection?
“A sinus infection, or sinusitis, happens when your sinuses—the little air-filled spaces in your skull—get swollen or inflamed,” explains Raj Dasgupta, MD, Chief Medical Advisor for Fortune Recommends. “This can lead to stuffiness, facial pain and sinus pressure. It can be a short-term issue [acute sinusitis] or drag on for weeks [chronic sinusitis].”
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The symptoms of sinusitis can be similar to cold symptoms, and the two conditions often go hand-in-hand. “Most commonly, sinus infections start after a cold virus,” Dr. Dasgupta says. “Other times, bacteria can take over if your sinuses are already blocked.”
Other factors can increase your likelihood of developing a sinus infection, too. “Allergies or irritants like smoke can also trigger them, and if your nasal passages have structural issues—like a deviated septum—that can make you more prone to sinus infections, too,” Dr. Dasgupta adds.
How to treat a sinus infection
Treatment for sinus infections depends on the cause of the infection, explains Omar Ahmed, MD, a Houston Methodist otolaryngologist who specializes in disorders of the sinus.
“Viral infections are often treated with rest, time and symptomatic treatment such as saline rinses and Flonase, while bacterial sinus infections are treated with antibiotics,” Dr. Ahmed explains. “Depending on how chronic the infection is, antibiotics may be given for 10 to 21 days.”
If you suspect you may have a sinus infection, make an appointment with your doctor. They’ll be able to determine the cause of the infection and recommend the best plan of treatment. In the meantime, over-the-counter and home remedies can help ease your sinus infection symptoms.
The best home remedies for a sinus infection
To help ease sinus infection symptoms like nasal congestion, facial pain and more, try these simple home remedies.
Irrigate your sinuses
Using a Neti pot or nasal sinus rinse to flush out your sinuses is a helpful home remedy, especially if you have allergies and tend to get frequent sinus infections.
“A daily nasal saline rinse can be a game changer, and keeping the sinuses clear can significantly limit the need for antibiotics,” says Dahlia Philips, MD, Medical Director of MetroPlusHealth’s PIC Special Needs Plan. “Nasal saline rinses are over the counter and easy to use. They work by flushing the passages out before any build up occurs.”
Nasal rinses are safe to use multiple times per day, but it’s important to follow the instructions to avoid creating further irritation, says Dr. Philips. Use only distilled water or water that has been boiled for at least a minute (then cooled), and be sure to mix in the saline packets that come with the Neti pot to ensure that the water is the correct pH for your sinuses.
Check out the video below for a quick tutorial:
Try a warm compress or garlic steam
Warm, moist air can help ease the inflammation that makes sinus infections so painful, Dr. Dasgupta explains. “Using saline nasal sprays can keep your nasal passages moist, and steam from a hot shower or bowl of hot water can also be really soothing,” says Dr. Dasgupta. “Plus, warm compresses can ease the pressure in your face.”
To create a warm compress, soak a clean cloth or hand towel in hot water. Let it cool to a comfortably warm temperature, then wring it out slightly before draping it over your sinuses (i.e. over your nose and under your eyes).
Prefer to try a steam instead? Boil water and pour it into a heat-safe bowl. Hold your head over the steam about 12” away (so it feels warm but not hot), then drape a towel over your head to trap the steam as you breathe deeply.
Tip: For an extra boost of bacteria-fighting power, try adding a few spoonfuls of chopped garlic to the hot water. “There is some thought that using garlic in steam inhalation can have some antimicrobial properties,” Dr. Ahmed says.
Savor spicy foods
It may sound strange, but spicy foods can offer relief from bothersome sinus infection symptoms like nasal congestion. “Eating spicy foods with capsaicin, which is found in chili peppers, can temporarily open up blocked sinuses promoting mucus flow,” says Dr. Ahmed. “Other foods like wasabi or horseradish have similar effects.”
Rest and hydrate
We know you already know this, but it bears repeating: Getting plenty of fluids and allowing your body time to rest is one of the best home remedies for a sinus infection. “Getting rest and staying hydrated can boost your immune system,” says Dr. Ahmed. “I cannot stress the importance of this enough.”
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