Remedies for Chronic Sinus Infection

Several remedies can help relieve the symptoms of chronic sinusitis (sometimes referred to as a chronic sinus infection). Some of these options include:
 
  • Inhaling steam from a vaporizer, hot cup of water, shower, or bath, which can soothe inflamed sinus cavities
  • Nasal irrigation with a saline solution or saline nasal spray, which you can buy in a drugstore
  • Gentle heat applied over the inflamed area three or four times a day for 5 to 10 minutes
  • Drinking plenty of fluids (try to avoid alcohol and caffeine)
     
A variety of devices can be used to irrigate the nostrils, including bottle sprayers, bulb syringes, and Neti pots. Nasal irrigation kits are available over-the-counter (OTC). The saline mix itself can also be purchased, or you can make your own solution.
 
Nasal irrigation could be performed on an as-needed basis, or up to as many as four times a day. How often the nose is irrigated will vary based on the person's particular situation and how severe the symptoms are.
 
(Click Sinusitis (Sinus Infection) Treatment or Chronic Sinusitis for a more in-depth discussion of home remedies for chronic sinus infections. These articles also describe the medications that may be used.)
 

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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
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