4 Types of sinusitis medication that you need to know the benefits of

Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses that are in the nasal passages. Many consider sinusitis to be a minor health problem. But in fact, if this condition is not treated properly, the infection can spread to the eyes and even the brain. Fortunately, you can treat this disease with natural remedies and simple home remedies.

Natural sinusitis remedies that are easy to find at home

The sinuses are the cavities that are located behind your forehead, nasal bones, cheeks and eyes. These cavities can become inflamed, often caused by bacterial and viral infections. This inflammation is known as sinusitis.

Sinusitis causes several symptoms such as facial pain, nasal congestion, coughing, and reduced ability to smell. However, you can actually reduce these symptoms by using ingredients that are easily available, maybe even readily available in your home.

The following are various natural or herbal ingredients that you can use as medicine to treat sinusitis symptoms:

1. Ginger

Ginger is often processed into a healthy drink which can have a warm effect on your body. It turns out that behind that, ginger is also useful for relieving sinusitis with the help of natural anti-inflammatory which can reduce inflammation in the sinuses.

A study from International Journal of Preventive Medicine revealed that ginger contains high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substances, and is believed to be able to boost the immune system.

If you want to try ginger-based natural sinusitis remedies, processed ginger tea can be one of the best choices. Because the steam produced from ginger tea is able to relieve the respiratory cavity from mucus congestion.

2. Garlic

Garlic is a traditional spice that is widely used in food preparations. In fact, it's rare for Indonesian dishes to not use garlic as its basic spice. It turns out that this ingredient also has good benefits for your health as a natural sinusitis remedy.

Garlic is not only useful for relieving sinus infections naturally, but also for preventing them in the first place. A study from The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews states that garlic contains antimicrobial and antiviral properties which are believed to be able to prevent colds, one of the risk factors for sinusitis.

Garlic is known for its spicy taste and sharp aroma. For that, you can consume it together with a mixture of tomato juice and lemon juice that is heated in a saucepan for a few minutes. Consume this drink twice a day.

3. Omega-3 fatty acids

Consumption of omega-3 fatty acids is also recommended for those of you who want to treat sinusitis without drugs. What are the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids for sinusitis sufferers?

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that contain anti-inflammatory properties, so they are good for the body to fight inflammation. In addition, consumption of this type of fat can help boost the body's immune system and prevent allergies that trigger sinusitis.

Some types of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids are:

• fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna and sardines
• nuts and seeds, such as almonds, kidney beans, green beans, and flax seed
• avocado

4. Essential oil

Certain essential oils can be a natural sinusitis remedy to relieve and eliminate the infection. Several studies have shown that there are certain essential oils that can relieve sinusitis symptoms.

One type of essential oil that is believed to reduce the inflammatory effects of sinusitis is eucalyptus. Based on an article from Alternative Medicine Review , eucalyptus oil is rich in cineole, which is effective against various types of bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Plus, eucalyptus is also believed to boost the immune system and reduce the effects of inflammation on the body.

Not only eucalyptus oil, other types of essential oils such as oregano also contain active ingredients carvacrol and isoeugenol which are believed to be effective against inflammation.

5. Honey

Do you also experience coughing and sore throat when you have sinusitis? This condition is usually caused by mucus from the sinuses draining down the back of the throat. As a result, you may feel an uncomfortable sensation in your throat, which is sometimes accompanied by a cough and hoarseness.

Apparently, you can use honey as a remedy to treat this one sinus infection symptom. Honey is believed to be a natural suppressant to reduce cough symptoms.

This is reviewed in an article from Cochrane . According to the study, giving honey can help reduce coughs and improve sleep quality. However, further research is needed regarding the effectiveness of honey for coughs in sinusitis.

Other natural ways to treat sinusitis at home

Apart from using natural ingredients or herbal remedies, you can also try simpler home methods to treat sinusitis. Here are a few examples:

1. Drink lots of water

The main key to dealing with sinuses apart from taking medication is to meet your fluid needs every day. Drinking lots of water can help thin the mucus or mucus that has built up in your sinuses, so you can pass it easily.

Apart from plain water, you can also get fluid intake from fruit or vegetable juices that contain lots of water. Avoid alcoholic beverages and caffeine, as this can put you at risk of becoming dehydrated.

2. Compress warm water

You can also try compressing with warm water to treat sinus infection symptoms without medication. Use a towel or cloth that has been moistened with warm water. After that, place the towel on your nose and forehead.

The purpose of a warm compress is to relieve the pressure in the sinuses, so that the pain in your head will be lessened. In addition, compresses can also provide more moisture to the sinus cavity. This will help loosen the mucus and make it easier to pass.

3. Keep the sinuses moist

Sinusitis can also sometimes be caused by an unbalanced humidity, for example, too dry or humid. Therefore, you can try wearing humidifier to keep your home moist.

Usage humidifier The right one can also help relieve nasal congestion due to sinusitis, without the need to use drugs.

When using humidifier in your house it is not possible, you can also use a basin filled with hot water. Well, the steam that comes out of the hot water is what you can use as a moisturizer for your sinus cavities.

You are also advised to add essential oils to the basin filled with hot water. Dissolve 2-3 drops of essential oil in water, then bring your face closer to the steam from the basin. Cover your face with a towel, then breathe in through your nose. Make sure you close your eyes while doing this method.

Sinusitis medicine that you can get at the pharmacy

Natural sinusitis treatment will certainly not work effectively if it is not accompanied by medical drugs. Well, below are various kinds of drugs that you can buy with and without a doctor's prescription.

1. Water saline

Use of salt water or saline proven effective in treating various types of nasal disorders, including sinusitis. Water function saline is to maintain nasal hygiene, reduce the number of germs, and flush other irritants that accumulate in the nose.

Water saline available in the form of a spray and you can get it at a pharmacy without a doctor's prescription. However, you can also make water yourself saline at home with a mixture of 400 ml of boiled water, 1 teaspoon baking soda , as well as 1 teaspoon of salt.

2. Corticosteroids

Sinusitis can also be treated with corticosteroid drugs. These drugs can usually be used in the form of nasal sprays, oral medicines, and injectable drugs.

Corticosteroids are effective at reducing inflammation and swelling in the sinuses. In addition, corticosteroids are also able to shrink nasal polyps, which are often the cause of sinusitis.

However, it is important to know that corticosteroid drugs can only be used with a doctor's prescription. This drug is generally also given only for cases of chronic and severe sinus infections.

3. Decongestants

If you want to reduce the symptoms of nasal congestion due to sinusitis, decongestants are the right choice of medication. This medication helps thin mucus or mucus, so that it is easier for air to pass through your nose and you can breathe easily.

As with corticosteroids, you can only use decongestants by prescription. Inappropriate use of decongestants has the risk of causing side effects that you certainly don't want.

4. Pain relievers

You can treat headaches or pain due to sinusitis with over-the-counter pain relievers. You can choose drugs such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, and aspirin.

5. Antibiotics

If your sinusitis is chronic, you are advised to receive treatment with antibiotics.

Remember, you can only take this drug with a doctor's prescription. The use of antibiotics that are not in accordance with the doctor's direction has the risk of causing sinusitis symptoms to recur.

Sometimes, natural home remedies are sufficient to treat sinusitis symptoms that are both mild and acute. However, sinusitis symptoms sometimes last longer than usual and get worse. If you have tried the methods above and the symptoms of sinusitis do not subside, visit your doctor immediately for further tests.