Self-care during an attack of sinusitis

Sinusitis can be a ‘nagging’ problem, to say the least. Constant headache and facial pain along with heaviness can put anyone’s life on hold. However, like most other diseases and conditions, since we know how it is caused, what its triggers are and what happens when one suffers from it, there are ways one treat or better still, prevent it.

During an attack of sinusitis:

Get plenty of rest. Try lying on the side that lets you breathe the best. Also, keep the position of your head high with the help of a pillow. Apply a warm, moist cloth to your face several times a day.

Steam inhalation is widely recommended by doctors. Pour hot water into a bowl, and bend over to inhale the steam with a towel over your head or make a cone out of paper with the small end in the nostril. Some recommend plain steam inhalation without adding anything. Some recommend inhalation with Vicks, decongestant drops or with nilgiri (eucalyptus) oil. Steam inhalers are also available in the market. Inhale steam three to four times a day.

Drink plenty of fluids to thin the mucus. Sip hot liquids several times during the day. Avoid alcohol, which can worsen swelling in the sinuses.

Use a saline nasal spray to clean your nasal passages and help clear congestion.

Increase the moisture level inside your home. Heating systems and air conditioners in homes and workplaces make the air dry which irritates the nasal passages and worsens sinusitis. When you breathe very dry air, the mucus in your nose and sinuses won’t flow properly and your sinuses won’t drain well. You can increase humidity in your home by drying your clothes and towels indoors, placing a small container of water near heat sources during the winter. As the water evaporates the moisture content of the surrounding air increases. You could also filling your home with plants which help add moisture to the air.

Humidifiers are devices that add humidity to the air. They provide more moisture and humidity within the nose and help nasal congestion. If not used cautiously, they may create too much moisture in the air which breeds mold and fungi inside the house further aggravating sinusitis.