Sinus Infection Relief

A sinus infection, or sinusitis, occurs when the sinus tissue becomes swollen and inflamed. The millions of Americans who get sinusitis each year spend about $1 billion in pharmaceutical cures. But how do you know you are getting the right one? While a sinus infection cure will likely only come from your doctor, some medicine is much more effective than others. Here’s a look at the best products for sinus infection relief.

NeilMed Sinus Rinse

When your sinuses get blocked up, mucus becomes a hindrance rather than a help. In a healthy nose mucus runs across tiny hairs that clean out dust, dirt, and germs so that your sinuses stay nice and clear. When you have a sinus infection, these hairs effectively become paralyzed; there is nothing to whisk away bacteria, and it sits and grows and infects.

Nasal lavaging can clear out that mucus, and send the things trapped there along with it. Neti pots are specially designed vessels that basically resemble a tiny teapot. NeilMed’s version comes with a sinus rinse that can help you clear that gunk out of your nose — which may also hydrate your sinuses and ease inflammation. For a fancier option, try a nasal irrigation system.

Advil: Sinus Congestion and Pain

While you’re waiting for your antibiotics to kick in, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories can do a world of good for the facial discomfort and associated sinus headaches(although it is important to note that long term NSAID use can have serious side effects). Advil makes a combination ibuprofen/phenylephrine HCl medication with raving reviews from its consumers.

Less expensive than most medications designed for mucus, it will also help with swelling, relieving inflammation, pain, and congestion. This particular Advil also helps with a fever, but if you have a fever for more than few days you may have more than a sinus infection.

Hydrating Products — Humidifiers, Saline, and Aromatherapy

While you need to keep your whole body hydrated, just keeping your nose moist will go a long way towards relieving sinus infection symptoms. A humidifier is a great option at night, particularly for winter sinusitis when homes are dry from running a heater.

A little aromatherapy will have a similar effect to smearing Vick’s VapoRub on your chest or upper lip. Add mint or eucalyptus essential oils to your water, or just rub them on your palms before giving your hands a hearty smell. (Make sure to wash thoroughly before touching any part of your body when your done with your herbal therapy). The minty sensation makes your nose feel like it just took a hearty inhale.

For a more portable moistener, opt for a saline nasal spray. There’s no danger of addiction, and this can safely be used year round if you are prone to sinusitis or its precursors, such as allergies.

Afrin

For a quick-fix sinus infection cure, Afrin is a great option. The name brand option can be pricy, but you can find an off brand version of the oxymetazoline HCl spray for less than $1. Two squirts of the nasal spray up either nostril will leave your sinuses completely clear for hours — whether you’re dealing with a runny nose or full on congestion.

It is extremely important not to use this product more than twice a day or for more than three days in a row. Your nose will get extremely addicted to it very quickly, and you may find yourself with more congestion than you started out with.