A sinus infection develops when the tissues in your nasal passages become inflamed. After a sinus infection develops you will experience thick, yellow, or green mucus that will cause your nose to run, along with a stuffy nose that will make it hard to breathe normally. You will also experience sinus pressure which often causes a lot of pain and discomfort as your body works to fight off the sinus infection. Here are some things you can do at home to help alleviate the unpleasant symptoms of a sinus infection. 

Drink lots of water - Drinking a lot of water while being sick is often the opposite of what most people want to do, especially if their throat hurts. However, drinking lots of water will help drain your sinuses and get rid of the symptoms of the sinus infection much faster. Another great drink is tea because it has the added benefit of providing steam near your nose when you drink it.

Flushing out your nasal passages - Flushing out your nasal passages with a simple saline solution is a great way to minimize the amount of bacteria hanging out in your nasal passages. You can buy the premade saline solution or make some at home using iodine-free salt, baking soda, and water. Once you have the solution and a neti pot to use to gently pour the water into your nose, you just tilt your head and let the water flow through your nasal passages. By flushing away bad bacteria in your nasal passages, you will help your body fight off the bacteria causing the sinus infection faster.

Steamy shower - Taking a steamy shower or creating a steam room in your bathroom by letting hot water run, you will loosen up the thick mucus that fills your nose when you have a sinus infection. Loosening up the mucus will allow you to blow it out of your nose and hopefully relieve some of your sinus pressure.

Manuka honey - Research has shown that honey has antibacterial properties, which is why it’s used for many home remedies. When you have a sinus infection, simply make a cup of herbal tea and add honey to it. 

Contact Dr. Steven Bramwit, M.D. of Stamford ENT if you have any concerns about your sinus infection or if you are getting them more often than other people.