With allergy season here, and cold season not quite over, we are seeing a lot of people with sinus pain, pressure and infections in our office. While it is highly recommended you see your provider at Atlanta ENT if you think you have a sinus infection, you may be wondering what you can do to help ease the congestion and pain in the meanwhile. While no home remedy is 100% effective, these tried and true methods may help bring temporary relief.
- Eat plenty of garlic. Garlic has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties and has long been thought to help with sinus pressure.
- Drink plenty of fluids. Fluids help to thin the mucus, so increase your water consumption while recovering from a sinus infection or when generally congested.
- Wear eucalyptus oil. Diluting eucalyptus oil with water and dabbing it to your cheekbones can help clear your sinuses. Not everyone tolerates the smell well, though.
- Gargle with lemon balm. Boil dried lemon balm leaves in water for about ten minutes. Sieve the leaves from the water, allow the mixture to cool and use as a gargle.
- Steam, steam and more steam. Whether in a hot shower, or by boiling water and inhaling the vapors, steam has long been considered an effective remedy for nasal and chest congestion.
Remember, these remedies may not be effective for everyone, and you should make an appointment with Atlanta ENT to rule out a sinus infection before relying on home remedies.
Please note: These remedies are recommended around the web, but we do not have experience with any of these home remedies.
Ramie A. Tritt, MD, President of Atlanta ENT
