Sinusitis? 7 ways to treat it yourself
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A sinus infection is an unpleasant condition that often flares up after a cold. For most people, it can be quite a nuisance, but fortunately there are things you can do to alleviate it. Here you can read more about exactly what a sinus infection is and what you can do about it yourself.
What is a sinus infection?
If you have a sinus infection, the mucous membrane in the sinuses around your nose, cheeks and forehead is inflamed. This is also known as sinusitis. The inflammation causes the mucous membrane to swell, making it harder for mucus to drain away. This leads to symptoms that can resemble a severe cold, such as a blocked nose and a headache.
What are the symptoms of sinusitis?
In most cases, this inflammation develops following a cold. It is therefore sometimes difficult to tell whether you are suffering from a severe cold or from sinusitis. These are common symptoms of this condition:
- A blocked nose and difficulty breathing through the nose
- Pressure or pain around the eyes, cheeks or forehead
- A headache that may worsen when bending over
- Thick or discoloured nasal discharge
- Reduced sense of smell
- Ringing in the ears
- In some cases, a fever or feeling unwell
Symptoms can vary from person to person; some people notice little sign of the infection, whilst others may be severely affected. A sinus infection can last from days to weeks, depending on its severity and the treatment. Unlike a common cold, a sinus infection is usually not contagious.
7 things to do if you have a sinus infection
1. Rinse your nose with a saline solution
A saline solution can help clear mucus and debris from your nose and open up your airways. You can buy a special nasal rinse designed for this purpose.
2. Drink plenty of water
Staying well-hydrated helps to keep the mucus in your nose thin. This makes it easier to clear and reduces the discomfort of a blocked nose.
3. Use steam or take a warm shower
Warm steam can provide relief from a blocked nose and a feeling of pressure in the sinuses. You can do this by leaning over a bowl of warm water or taking a warm shower.
4. Get plenty of rest and allow time to recover
Only when you rest does your body have the chance to recover and fight off the infection. Make sure you get enough sleep, take plenty of breaks and actually take some time off if you notice you’re feeling unwell. That way, you’ll be back on your feet sooner.
5. Keep your head elevated whilst sleeping
By temporarily sleeping with your head slightly raised, mucus can drain away more easily and you’ll reduce the pressure on your sinuses. For example, use an extra pillow or place something under your mattress.
6. Avoid smoke and irritants
Dry air, smoke and strong odours can further irritate the nasal mucosa. This often makes the symptoms worse and makes it harder to recover quickly and fully.
7. Use red light therapy
Red light therapy helps support the body in reducing inflammation and improving blood circulation. For sinusitis, intranasal red light therapy is the appropriate method, as it has a positive effect on the body via the nose.
How does intranasal red light therapy help with sinusitis?
Intranasal red light therapy involves using a small lamp administered via the nose to influence the body. It affects the mitochondria within the cells, thereby stimulating various processes in the body. These are the benefits of intranasal red light therapy for sinusitis:
- Reducing inflammation by influencing the natural processes involved
- Alleviating symptoms by supporting cellular activity and the body’s healing processes
- Supporting and strengthening the immune system to aid faster recovery and prevent any new inflammation
- Supporting the health of the nasal mucosa
Thanks to the above benefits, it not only helps with sinusitis, but also with other symptoms and conditions.
Intranasal red light therapy from IN-light
The IN-light Pro is an intranasal red light therapy device that can offer the above benefits. There have been many positive experiences with the IN-light Pro in relation to inflammation and cold-related symptoms, amongst other things. Red light therapy is non-invasive, which means it can also be used to complement other treatment methods and a healthy lifestyle.