Sinus Infection Remedies
Summer colds are not fun and sinus infections are even worse. Unfortunately for me it seems like when I get a cold or my allergies go crazy, it leads to infection. It doesn’t help that we live in a state that is known for its high pollen count.
In fact, when I checked for Top Ten Worst States for Allergies, Kentucky was number one….just my luck.
Since we aren’t planning to move I’ve learned to live with my allergies and my frequent sinus infections. There are some doctor recommended ways to deal with sinus problems. Here are a few of the ones I found.
1. Try to keep an indoor environment that’s not too dry and not too humid. Dust mites love greater than 50% humidity and if you’re allergic to dust mites (I am), that’s bad news for your sinuses.
2. Knowing when to open your windows and when to keep them closed is important. If you seal up a house to tight you end up with stale air that aggravates sinus problems. Opening up the house on a warmer day to clear the air is a good thing IF it’s not a high-pollen day that will set off your allergies.
3. Drink water. Most doctors say at least a quart a day.
I wish I liked drinking water, but I don’t. I’m a coffee, tea or lemonade gal. This causes lots of problems for me and I need to make myself like water. Hopefully you don’t have this problem.
4. Nasal rinses for your nose can help, too. Many people use Neti pots to clean their nasal cavities.
The pot looks like a tea pot with an elongated spout. The devices are sold widely, for about $10 to $20, online and in drugstores and health food stores.
Do NOT use tap water. Use only sterile water.
I bought one and tried it and it did seem to help. Making myself remember to keep doing it wasn’t easy though.
These are just a few of the remedies I have tried. My sinuses are obviously still a work in progress. Yesterday I went to the doctor and got 2 shots, pills and nasal spray. Today I’m drinking more water and taking it easy. Hoping to feel better soon!
Take care of your sinuses because sinus infections are for the birds (if birds have sinuses).
