by Angel Edwards

Created on: January 08, 2011   Last Updated: January 18, 2011

This winter, the number of people suffering from sinus infections seems to be on the increase. With immunity down due to the cold weather and the holiday season causing the spread of germs across the country, this is hardly surprising. Sinusitis is an infection caused by blockages in the nasal passage brought on by allergies, flu, or the common cold inflaming the air-cavities.

Diagnosing Sinusitis

Symptoms of sinusitis include a headache, a sensitive bruise like feeling across the forehead, earache, over tiredness, dizziness, discolored snot and feelings of nasal blockage, and sometimes a sore throat and cough too.

Most sinus infections can be cured at home and you are unlikely to need to see a doctor and should attempt to cure it using simple remedies to clear the nasal passages first.

Here are my top 5 remedies for a sinus infection

1. Steam. This is possibly the most effective of the remedies. Boil the kettle and poor the boiling water into a glass mixing bowl, then, place your head over the bowl and cover your head with a tea towl or cloth so that you are completely enclosed in the steam (ask someone for help if you need it). This should help to loosen up your nasal passages and and relieve the blockage.

2. Spicy food. Spicy food can really help to clear a blockage. If you don't like curry or any other spicy meals, you can always fry up a mixture of spices and take it like a medicine, add chilli, cumin, oregano, tumeric and garlic to a frying pan then a a teaspoon of oil (or more if needed) and fry untill it creates a paste. Then just eat it. It might not taste great, but it certainly clears those nasal passages.

3. Nasal spray. There are multiple different brands, just go into your local chemist and ask them to advise you on the best brand. These can work fantastically, but they can cost a lot, and they may have some un-wanted side affects.

4. Paracetamol. Although this does not help to clear your nasal passages, they can help to relieve the pain and make your sinus infection easier to cope with.

5. Drink plenty of liquids. This will help to think the mucus and thus relieve the infection. Hot drinks too have the added benefit of steam to clear your sinuses.

If you are still suffering in 5 days, I do advise that you visit your doctor as they can provide you with anti-biotics to cure the infection, but you may be asked to pay for these if you are not under 18.

I hope this has helped, and get well soon!

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