{"id":61282,"date":"2023-11-09T09:30:35","date_gmt":"2023-11-09T14:30:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=61282"},"modified":"2026-03-10T21:02:01","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T01:02:01","slug":"home-remedies-for-sinus-infection","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/home-remedies-for-sinus-infection\/","title":{"rendered":"9 home remedies for sinus infections"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019ve ever had a sinus infection, you know how painful it can be. Symptoms like a stuffy nose, pressure or pain behind the eyes, headaches, a cough, and a sore throat, can have you looking for quick relief. The good news is there are a few ways to ease your symptoms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Sinus infections, or sinusitis, occur when the sinuses become infected with a virus or bacteria, making it difficult for mucus to drain. This is a common medical condition: Sinus infections affect about 35 million <\/span>Americans annually<\/span> and are responsible for almost 16 million hospital visits each year. If your sinus infection is caused by bacteria, you may need an antibiotic to recover, but medications are not always needed. If a virus is causing your sinus issues, antibiotics will not work but there are a number of natural remedies you can try.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

9 home remedies for sinus infections<\/span><\/h2>\n

No matter the type of sinus infection you have, there are ways you can relieve the facial pressure and start feeling better. If you have a virus, these common remedies can help you kick the infection; if you have a bacterial infection, you will need to visit your provider for an antibiotic\u2014but these can help alleviate symptoms of a sinus infection in the meantime. Read on to learn more about these 9 home sinus infection treatments.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Rinse your nasal passages<\/span><\/h3>\n

Nasal irrigation, or sinus rinsing, is a simple and effective home remedy to help decrease symptoms of a sinus infection. <\/span>Danny Wong<\/span><\/a>, MD, an otolaryngologist at Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital explains that performing a nasal irrigation will help to clear dried mucus, which could be blocking the sinuses. \u201cIt also helps clear mucus away from the nostril, allowing for easy breathing,\u201d he says.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

To do a <\/span>sinus rinse<\/span><\/a> at home, you will need a neti pot, a bulb syringe, or a squeeze bottle filled with <\/span>saline solution<\/span><\/a>. You can buy saline solution<\/a> over the counter or <\/span>make it<\/span><\/a> at home by mixing 1 to 1 1\u20442 heaping teaspoons of pickling\/canning salt (which contains fewer additives than table salt) and 1 teaspoon of baking soda with distilled water. If you don\u2019t have distilled water, you can boil, then cool, tap water. You should never use tap water straight from the sink as it can contain harmful microorganisms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Once your neti pot is ready, lean over the sink, tilt your head to the side, and gently squeeze the saline solution into one side of your nose. The water should flow into one nostril and come out the other. Repeat with the other side. This will help flush the nasal passages and remove nasal discharge, crusts, mucus, allergens, and other debris.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Studies show that nasal irrigation is safe and effective for pregnant women with allergic rhinitis; there was <\/span>no report of side effects<\/span><\/a> in the fetus or mother.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Inhale steam<\/span><\/h3>\n

Steam inhalation is a simple and inexpensive home remedy for sinus infections. \u201cSteam inhalation, such as the steam in a shower, can help relieve pressure in the sinuses,\u201d Dr. Wong says. It relieves sinusitis by moistening mucous membranes which thins thick mucus.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There are a few<\/span><\/a> ways to use this home remedy: Turn on a hot shower, stand or sit in the bathroom, and inhale the steam from the hot water. Or, pour freshly boiled water into a bowl, drape a towel over your head while leaning over the bowl, and inhale the steam for about 15 minutes. You should do this several times a day to help relieve symptoms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Although a large <\/span>study<\/span><\/a> concluded that steam inhalation may not be effective for sinus infections, it\u2019s still recommended home remedy by the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control. Additionally, this treatment is safe for pregnant women, according to the <\/span>American Pregnancy Organization<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Drink lots of fluids<\/span><\/h3>\n

Dr. Wong recommends staying hydrated<\/span> as a natural home remedy for sinus infections. <\/span>As well as being vital to your overall health, prioritizing hydration and <\/span>drinking enough water<\/span><\/a> can help loosen the mucus secretions, allowing you to breathe through your nose more easily.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>How much water should you drink a day?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

4. Eat anti-inflammatory foods<\/span><\/h3>\n

A healthy diet consisting of fruits and vegetables is essential to healthy living. Most importantly, <\/span>incorporating<\/span><\/a> anti-inflammatory foods such as green tea, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, apples, honey, and salmon in your diet will go a long way. These foods will not necessarily cure sinus infections but complement other therapies by providing benefits such as solid immunity and reduced inflammation. It\u2019s also important to limit or avoid meat, unhealthy fats, and processed foods\u2014all of which can increase inflammation.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Use a warm compress\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

A warm compress increases blood supply in the part of the body where it is applied and also relieves stiffness. In the case of sinus infections, this home <\/span>remedy<\/span><\/a> can be used to clear the nasal passage and relieve sinus pressure and pain. All you need to do is place the warm compress over your forehead and nose for a few minutes.<\/span><\/p>\n

6. Rest more often<\/span><\/h3>\n

When you\u2019re sick with a sinus infection, it\u2019s important to give your body the rest it needs to heal. That means making sure to get the z\u2019s you need. <\/span>Research<\/span><\/a> has shown that getting enough rest is essential for your immune system to mount a defense against infections and inflammations. Additionally, lack of sleep has been associated with systemic inflammation. When your body is dealing with that, it\u2019s easier for you to get sick and stay sick.<\/span><\/p>\n

7. Use a vaporizer or humidifier<\/span><\/h3>\n

Another simple home remedy for sinus infections is using a vaporizer or humidifier to add moisture into the air as dry air can irritate the sinuses. \u201cHumidifiers in the bedroom will help with sinusitis to help keep mucus flowing,\u201d Dr. Wong says. \u201cThe main premise of clearing sinusitis is to make the mucus less thick.\u201d Just be sure to use a cool-mist humidifier if you have children or pets, and clean the devices regularly to avoid the spread of mold.<\/span><\/p>\n

8. Sleep with your head elevated<\/span><\/h3>\n

It can be difficult to sleep with a sinus infection that stuffs up your nose. <\/span>Sleeping<\/span><\/a> flat on your back increases nasal congestion and may cause throat and palate obstruction in some people, all of which may contribute to difficulty breathing. Propping your head up with extra pillows is the best sleeping position if you have a sinus infection\u2014it will help reduce congestion and promote better breathing. Plus, the effect of gravity also helps with mucus drainage.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

9. Introduce gentle exercises<\/span><\/h3>\n

Physical exercise opens up the blood vessels and improves airflow. <\/span>Opening<\/span><\/a> the blood vessels increases blood circulation, which may loosen sinus congestion and pressure. Hence, consider adding light exercises like walking, jogging, and yoga to your routine and <\/span>avoid<\/span><\/a> strenuous physical activities that could intensify sinus symptoms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There are some home remedies that aren\u2019t just ineffective\u2014they may actually exacerbate your symptoms. For example, a popular remedy on TikTok says to put <\/span>garlic in your nose<\/span><\/a> to clear the sinuses. However, it is not evidence-backed, and it is not effective for sinus infections. Worse still, it causes mucus buildup. When you read about a \u201ccure\u201d that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Always consult a healthcare provider if you\u2019re unsure.<\/span><\/p>\n

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