Home / Health / 7 Natural Remedies And Foods To Alleviate Sinus Congestion

7 natural remedies and foods to alleviate sinus congestion

7 natural remedies and foods to alleviate sinus congestion

Are you experiencing symptoms of sinus congestion (caused by nasal polyps), such as nasal congestion, headache, and facial pain? You don’t have to suffer any longer. Numerous natural remedies can help reduce congested sinus symptoms without resorting to expensive prescriptions. From steam inhalation techniques to effective meal plans and homemade herbal teas, this blog post will provide some easy and economical tips for reducing the effects of your sinus congestion.

What is sinus congestion?
Sinus congestion, also known as sinusitis or rhinosinusitis, is a condition of sinus inflammation, blockage, or nasal polyps. It results from an inflammation caused by an allergic reaction, a viral infection, or an obstruction in nasal passages due to airborne particles, such as pollen.
Usually, mucus is present in the nasal passages as part of the body’s natural defense against invading organisms, such as bacteria and viruses. Mucus is a semi-solid, slippery substance produced by mucous membranes. However, when the mucus becomes thickened and blocked due to an infection, it can form a barrier to airflow. Infection-fighting cells present in the passage may also thicken mucus. Consequently, mucus may trap bacteria, viruses, and other particles entering your sinuses, leading to congestion/blockage.
The symptoms of sinus congestion may include a cough, runny nose, facial pressure (feeling of heaviness on the face and head) or pain, headache, fatigue, foul smell in the nose, and sometimes, fever.
Fortunately, there are many ways to alleviate the symptoms, like drinking warm fluids and inhaling steam. Moreover, consult a healthcare professional for specific advice on finding relief.

Seven natural remedies to relieve sinus congestion

Steam inhalation
Steam inhalation is an inexpensive natural remedy to relieve sinus congestion. You can reduce inflammation by breathing in steam, which promotes mucus drainage, clearing your nasal passages. It enables you to breathe easily and makes your nasal polyps less intense.
Steam inhalation typically involves covering your head with a towel and sitting or leaning over a bowl of warm water. Inhale the steam for 10-15 minutes and repeat a few times daily. Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil, ginger, or chamomile to the water for more soothing and effective steam inhalation.

Nasal irrigation
Nasal irrigation is a simple process of flushing the nasal cavity and sinuses out with a saline solution and a rinse bottle (called a neti pot). This process helps reduce inflammation, remove mucus, and relieve pressure and pain.
Insert the nasal irrigation device into your nostrils carefully, then lean back and let the solution flow evenly through both sides. You may regulate the speed at which the solution flows to ensure each nostril is taken care of. Allow a few minutes for saline solutions to comfortably rest in place. Finally, give one final blow through the nose when you’re done to expel any remaining drops.

Hot or cold compresses
A hot compress is a cloth (heated in hot water) applied directly to sinus congestion. The heat will ease the inflammation in the surrounding tissues and help loosen up any mucus blocking the airways. It also helps reduce any discomfort caused by the congestion. For example, you can make hot compresses with a microwavable hot pad, a hot water bottle, or a cloth in a pan of hot water.
On the other hand, cold compresses may also relieve sinus congestion. A cold compress may help reduce swelling and shrink the nasal polyps, making breathing easier. Cold compresses are created by dipping a towel or cotton swab into cold water or an ice-filled bag. Apply it directly to the tissue around the sinuses.

Spicy foods
Spice up your meals to help with sinus congestion. A compound in spicy foods called capsaicin helps reduce mucus production and combat congestion. Thus, it would be best to consider incorporating different types of chilies, hot sauces, or spicy curries into your meals. Another option is adding cayenne pepper to savory food items for flavor and relief from nasal stuffiness.
Alternatively, boiling hot peppers and garlic together in water for 10 minutes creates a potent concoction. You may consume it multiple times daily to clear out the passages.
Additionally, hot ginger tea is a great way to soothe the symptoms of nasal polyps. Ginger has a mildly spicy taste and helps dilate the airways, making it easier for air to pass through. It also has antibacterial properties to eliminate bacteria and relieve congestion.

Hydration
Many people don’t realize that hydration can effectively relieve sinus congestion. Drinking plenty of fluids, such as water or non-alcoholic beverages, can help break up the mucus in your nose, making it thin and keeping your throat moist. Additionally, it may help reduce inflammation and draw more moisture into the airways so you can breathe more easily.
Moreover, you must consider adding essential oils, like tea tree oil or eucalyptus oil, to a warm and steamy shower. The oil-infused steam may help open your nasal passages and relieve sinus pressure and nasal polyps.

Warm fluids
Drinking warm fluids can be a great way to help relieve the symptoms of sinus congestion. Teas and hot water provide warmth and moisture to your airways. This helps alleviate blockages that cause difficulty breathing. The heat from the liquids also dilates blood vessels, helping reduce sinus pressure. In addition, several warm fluids, such as herbal teas, coffee, broths, or soups, can be beneficial in clearing your nasal passages and soothing your throat.
However, one thing to remember when drinking warm fluids is to ensure they are not too hot. You must be able to drink the liquid comfortably for it to benefit your body. A temperature around 104 degrees Fahrenheit (scale of temperature) must be ideal.

Saline sprays
A saline spray is a type of nasal spray prepared with salt and water to help cleanse and moisturize your nasal passages. When using a saline spray, the salt and water mixture is either blown directly into the nose or dispersed through a mist-generating device. The natural saline solution helps to flush out mucus, irritants, and bacteria that can cause nasal polyps.

Wrapping up
In conclusion, sinus congestion can often be uncomfortable to experience and difficult to eliminate. However, with a careful selection of the best natural products, you can soothe the pain and congestion brought on by sinusitis. Steam inhalation and nasal irrigation are excellent ways of clearing nasal polyps and promoting faster drainage, while other foods and natural remedies may help reduce swelling and inflammation. Furthermore, using these remedies can help avoid the side effects of prescriptions and maintain your budget.

Recommended

Afib – Types, causes, symptoms, and management

Afib – Types, causes, symptoms, and management

Atrial fibrillation (Afib) occurs when the usually stable and regular electrical impulses in the heart’s upper chambers (atria) begin firing chaotically, causing them to quiver or twitch (fibrillate). This can cause blood accumulation and clotting in the atria. These clots can reach the lungs through the blood vessels and cause pulmonary embolism or can reach the brain, resulting in a stroke. Let’s look at the forms, signs, and causes of Afib and its treatment options: Types of atrial fibrillation Afib can be classified as one or more of these: First-diagnosed Afib: Regardless of symptoms or the number or length of episodes, this refers to individuals diagnosed for the first time with Afib. Asymptomatic Afib: This condition is also called silent Afib, given the lack of signs or symptoms. A random electrocardiogram (ECG) could reveal asymptomatic atrial fibrillation. Paroxysmal Afib: Two or more episodes of the conditions that spontaneously resolve within a week are categorized as paroxysmal Afib. Persistent Afib: This refers to two or more episodes of atrial fibrillation that last seven days or more. Long-term persistent Afib: If the condition persists for more than a year, it is referred to as long-term persistent Afib. Permanent Afib: This is a chronic condition that cannot be managed using common treatment options.
Read More.
How to reduce sugar intake and manage blood sugar

How to reduce sugar intake and manage blood sugar

It is a known fact that too much sugar can be devastating for your health. When blood sugar is high, the body produces more insulin, which can lead to several health complications, including prediabetes and diabetes. So, you must cut down on sugar. Choosing healthy snacks and increasing fiber and probiotic intake can help. Moreover, regular exercise is essential. Here are a few tips to lower sugar intake and manage blood sugar levels naturally. Avoid carbohydrates A high intake of carbohydrates has a substantial impact on blood sugar levels. The body breaks down carbohydrates into sugars like glucose, which enters the blood. While the body requires glucose for energy, an excess can be harmful. As the amount of glucose increases, so does the amount of insulin produced by the body, leading to a greater risk of lifestyle disorders. Some foods with an abundance of carbs to stay away from are potato chips and donuts. Control your portion size If you are dealing with frequent blood sugar spikes, monitoring portion size can help. When you eat a large meal, blood glucose increases suddenly. To avoid this, eat smaller meals. You can opt for five to six small meals per day instead of two or three large ones.
Read More.
11 management options to keep anxiety at bay

11 management options to keep anxiety at bay

People with anxiety disorders regularly and excessively experience fear and panic in everyday situations. If unchecked, anxiety can impair normal functioning and degrade the quality of life. One must consult a health expert if anxiety is affecting their social life. But first, ensure that any physical health issues are ruled out before consulting them. Most individuals with anxiety disorders need medication or therapy, but coping strategies and lifestyle decisions can also be helpful. Stop and take a breath When you experience an anxiety episode, take a moment to think about what is making you feel uneasy. Usual anxiety symptoms include concerns about a recent or distant event. For example, you can worry that something wrong will happen to you in the future. Or, you can still be upset about something that has already happened in the past. But, whatever your concerns, most anxiety issues stem from not focusing on the present. The next time you feel nervous and get distracted from the present moment, sit down and take some deep breaths to reclaim your composure. You can regain balance and return to the present moment by pausing and taking a few deep breaths. If you have the time, consider advancing this practice by experimenting with breathing techniques.
Read More.
Breast cancer – Causes, types, and management

Breast cancer – Causes, types, and management

Cancer that originates in the breast tissue is called breast cancer. It is the second most common cancer among women in the country. The condition is seen in women more than men. Fortunately, advancements in screening and breast cancer treatment have enabled dramatic improvements in survival rates over the years. The symptoms include changes in the texture and shape of the nipples, discharge from the nipples, and a lump in the breast.  Read on to learn the causes, types, and management options of breast cancer.  Causes of breast cancer Breast cancer occurs when abnormal breast cells divide and multiply more rapidly than healthy cells. These abnormal cells accumulate to form a lump or mass. Doctors have not been able to know the exact cause of breast cancer. However, multiple factors can trigger the chances of developing the disease, and they include: Family history and genetics The risk increases if you have parents or close relatives who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Having gene mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, which are passed down from parents to children, also increases the risk. Age The risk of breast cancer increases with advancing age.  Gender The risk of developing breast cancer is higher in women than in men.   Personal history of breast conditions The risk increases when an earlier biopsy has indicated atypical hyperplasia of the breast or lobular carcinoma in situ or if cancer has been detected in one breast.
Read More.
10 best laundry detergents and their features

10 best laundry detergents and their features

Detergents are available in multiple forms, such as pods, powder, and liquids, and choosing the best one can be tough. In addition to daily wear clothing and regular laundry items, you could have some garments that require specialized products for effective cleaning. Some members of your family might have sensitive skin and need mild chemical-free products. So here is a list of the best detergents that can make your laundry task hassle-free.  Gain Laundry Detergent Among the list of laundry detergents that are known for their fragrance is Gain Laundry Detergent. The liquid not only cleans your clothes but also gives them a delicate fragrance that can last for up to 6 weeks or until the garment is worn. This detergent can be used in all washing machines, including highly efficient ones. The detergent also has Oxi Boost, a combination of surfactants, enzymes, and pre-treaters that aid in eliminating stains and odors that could be two weeks old. Moreover, this product is available in multiple sizes to cater to the needs of every household. Persil ProClean Laundry Detergent Among the laundry detergents that excel in stain removal is Persil Proclean. This concentrated liquid offers deep cleaning and has stain-fighting enzymes.
Read More.
Things to know about chronic kidney disease

Things to know about chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease   occurs when there is a gradual failure of kidney function due to illnesses, genetics, etc. The kidneys’ main role is to filter waste matter and flush out excess bodily fluids, but advanced kidney failure causes fluids, electrolytes, and waste to build up in the body. Various factors must be understood to manage the condition, including the causes, symptoms, prevention tips, and more. Read on to learn more about chronic kidney disease. Causes of chronic kidney disease The main causes of chronic kidney disease are as follows: Diabetes When the body’s sugar levels are too high and become unmanageable, bodily organs stop functioning as normal. The first to be affected are the kidneys, leading to diabetes, which, in turn, affects the nerves, eyes, and heart.   High blood pressure This is when blood pressure against the walls of the blood vessels increases, and can lead to chronic kidney disease, heart attacks, and strokes. Hence, chronic kidney disease can also be caused by uncontrolled high blood pressure.   Genetics Chronic kidney disease can also be passed down through the genes. Therefore if someone in your close family has the condition, it is likely to be passed down to you.   Autoimmune disease Lupus nephritis is an autoimmune disease that causes swelling of the small blood vessels, which are responsible for flushing waste out of the kidneys.  Birth disorder Sometimes, certain malfunctions of the kidneys develop in the mother’s womb and can cause infections and kidney damage later on in the person’s life.   Other causes Kidney stones or tumors can cause kidney damage or failure if not treated in time.  Glomerulonephritis It is a group of diseases that can cause inflammation in the filtering segments of the kidneys.
Read More.