Achoo!
Did you catch a cold? You’re not alone. The cold weather makes a lot of people sneeze and cough. Luckily, the usual cold symptoms such as a sore throat, fever, stuffy nose, cough, and sneezing often pass in a couple of days with plenty of rest and hydration. However, it is not uncommon for a cold to turn into a sinus infection, or sinusitis, because the nasal inflammation associated with the common cold can block off the drainage channels of your sinuses. The symptoms of a sinus infection can be similar to that of a cold, but the clear indicator is facial pain or pressure that gets worse as you bend over. Today we’ll share with you some home remedies to avoid a sinus infection after the flu.
Remedies
In order to avoid a sinus infection after the flu or a common cold, you can try a couple of easy home remedies. Try taking a steamy shower or a warm bath in the evening before going to bed. The steam can help loosen the mucus from your nose and make it easier for you to breathe. Another way is to add a couple of drops of peppermint oil into a bowl of hot water and breathe in the steam. Peppermint is a natural remedy that can help soothe your nasal passages. Drinking a cup of warm peppermint tea can do the same trick. Nasal saline wash can also help keep your nasal passages clear by rinsing out the mucus from your nose.
These home remedies can provide some temporary relief from your cold, but if you notice your cold turning into a sinus infection, you should seek professional help. If you have a persistent or recurrent sinus infection then you should visit a certified ENT physician to help determine the cause of the problem.
Sinus Infection & Sinusitis Have Different Causes
Despite being commonly known as a “sinus infection”, the symptoms of sinusitis are not always caused by an infection. Repetitive sinus infections can be a sign of seasonal allergies or structural problems that make the sinus and nasal lining swell. Therefore, recurrent or persistent sinus infections don’t usually respond to antibiotics.
If you’re suffering from a persistent or recurrent sinus infection, don’t wait! The earlier you reach out for help, the earlier you’ll be able to breathe freely again. Confirm an appointment with Dr. Pasha today!
