A sinus infection is something many of us have experienced at one time or another. It's not just an annoying affliction, it's an aggravating one, and painful at times as well. There are a couple of different seasonal ailments that can lead to a sinus infection. Thankfully, certain supplements and methods can be useful in reducing the symptoms of a sinus infection. The Causes of a Sinus Infection Sinus infections are common enough that you probably already know the symptoms. The typical symptoms of a sinus infection (sinusitis) include pain/pressure in the nose and face, nasal congestion and mucus discharge, cough, postnasal drip, headache, fever, fatigue, and loss of smell. Sinusitis is usually acute (short term), but it can also be chronic. A sinus infection is usually the result of an upper respiratory infection such as a cold, or an allergic reaction such as hay fever. These factors lead to inflammation, which can prevent the sinuses from draining properly. This allows bacteria, viruses, or fungi to grow and flourish in the sinuses. Lifestyle factors can reduce the chances of sinusitis, however. Frequently washing your hands, eating a diet with natural, plant-based foods, exercise, and sufficient sleep can all help. Still, most sufferers will want to choose the added assistance of certain natural products to help alleviate the issue. Supplements to Help Remedy Sinusitis There are some supplements on the market which have the potential to help remedy a sinus infection. These can be a suitable alternative to regular allergy medications. Next to eating healthy and getting enough sleep, these can be helpful in alleviating sinusitis after it has set in. Bromelain is derived from enzymes present in pineapple. Bromelain can help reduce pain, especially headache, from a sinus infection,. It does so by thinning mucus, helping it to drain from the sinuses. Quercetin is a flavonoid that is available as an oral supplement. It can help by supporting the immune system, and also by working as an antihistamine. Its antihistamine effect can reduce mucus production and nasal swelling. Quercetin works better when taken in tandem with bromelain. Vitamin C has a strong antioxidant effect that can be useful in reducing the symptoms of a cold, as well as the symptoms of sinusitis. Vitamin C does this two ways: by supporting immune cells and by reducing the damage that a sinus infection can do to your cells. Ginger might help reduce the symptoms of sinusitis that occurs due to an allergic rhinitis reaction. One 2020 study showed that ginger was just as effective as some medication at reducing nasal congestion, runny nose, and itching in cases of sinusitis. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a type of dietary amino acid that works as an antioxidant. It can thin mucus, and help relieve chest pain associated with sinusitis. The use of a Neti pot is a remedy different from the others listed here. A saltwater solution administered to the nostrils by way of a Neti pot could effectively treat the symptoms of sinusitis. Research has shown that using a Neti pot can reduce nasal congestion and facial pain associated with sinusitis, especially when used in tandem with other remedies. A sinus infection is not something that you or your family member has to ride out without aids to help your recovery. Consider the above remedies as treatments to keep available in case you or a family member comes down with sinusitis this winter. It is recommended that you talk to your doctor before trying any of the above supplements for the first time.
Try These OTC Remedies for Sinus Congestion
Published by Wonder Laboratories on Dec 5th 2022
A sinus infection is something many of us have experienced at one time or another. It's not just an annoying affliction, it's an aggravating one, and painful at times as well. There are a couple of different seasonal ailments that can lead to a sinus infection. Thankfully, certain supplements and methods can be useful in reducing the symptoms of a sinus infection. The Causes of a Sinus Infection Sinus infections are common enough that you probably already know the symptoms. The typical symptoms of a sinus infection (sinusitis) include pain/pressure in the nose and face, nasal congestion and mucus discharge, cough, postnasal drip, headache, fever, fatigue, and loss of smell. Sinusitis is usually acute (short term), but it can also be chronic. A sinus infection is usually the result of an upper respiratory infection such as a cold, or an allergic reaction such as hay fever. These factors lead to inflammation, which can prevent the sinuses from draining properly. This allows bacteria, viruses, or fungi to grow and flourish in the sinuses. Lifestyle factors can reduce the chances of sinusitis, however. Frequently washing your hands, eating a diet with natural, plant-based foods, exercise, and sufficient sleep can all help. Still, most sufferers will want to choose the added assistance of certain natural products to help alleviate the issue. Supplements to Help Remedy Sinusitis There are some supplements on the market which have the potential to help remedy a sinus infection. These can be a suitable alternative to regular allergy medications. Next to eating healthy and getting enough sleep, these can be helpful in alleviating sinusitis after it has set in. Bromelain is derived from enzymes present in pineapple. Bromelain can help reduce pain, especially headache, from a sinus infection,. It does so by thinning mucus, helping it to drain from the sinuses. Quercetin is a flavonoid that is available as an oral supplement. It can help by supporting the immune system, and also by working as an antihistamine. Its antihistamine effect can reduce mucus production and nasal swelling. Quercetin works better when taken in tandem with bromelain. Vitamin C has a strong antioxidant effect that can be useful in reducing the symptoms of a cold, as well as the symptoms of sinusitis. Vitamin C does this two ways: by supporting immune cells and by reducing the damage that a sinus infection can do to your cells. Ginger might help reduce the symptoms of sinusitis that occurs due to an allergic rhinitis reaction. One 2020 study showed that ginger was just as effective as some medication at reducing nasal congestion, runny nose, and itching in cases of sinusitis. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a type of dietary amino acid that works as an antioxidant. It can thin mucus, and help relieve chest pain associated with sinusitis. The use of a Neti pot is a remedy different from the others listed here. A saltwater solution administered to the nostrils by way of a Neti pot could effectively treat the symptoms of sinusitis. Research has shown that using a Neti pot can reduce nasal congestion and facial pain associated with sinusitis, especially when used in tandem with other remedies. A sinus infection is not something that you or your family member has to ride out without aids to help your recovery. Consider the above remedies as treatments to keep available in case you or a family member comes down with sinusitis this winter. It is recommended that you talk to your doctor before trying any of the above supplements for the first time.