How to Treat a Sinus Cold

A sinus cold can be irritating and uncomfortable. Since sinus colds are highly contagious, you'll want to limit your interactions with the outside world and spend plenty of time in bed while you are sick. If left untreated, a sinus cold can develop into other health problems, including a sinus infection or sinusitis. To prevent further illnesses from developing, you'll need to follow some simple steps to treat a sinus cold.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Sleep
• Chicken Soup
• Cold medicines
• Soap
• Corticosteroid nasal spray
• Antihistamine nasal spray
• Decongestant nasal spray

1. Give yourself a steam treatment to relieve sinus congestion. Boil a pot of water and breathe the steam it creates. For extra healing power, try adding essential oils or dried herbs, such as chamomile, eucalyptus or peppermint, to the water as it boils.
2. Prepare a healing bowl of chicken soup. It might sound like an old wives' tale, but good old chicken soup is rich in an amino acid known as cysteine. Try making your own chicken soup instead of using a canned brand, and make sure to add plenty of spices and peppers to help clear your sinuses.
3. Get plenty of nourishing sleep. Allow your body's natural immune system to do its part to help you recover from a sinus cold. Confine yourself to the bed for several days while you eat chicken soup and administer medications.
4. Make sanitation a priority. A sinus cold will compromise your body's immune system, making you vulnerable to other viruses or infections. Wash your hands with soap and water throughout the day to prevent the spread of germs.
5. Drink plenty of bottled or purified water throughout the day. Experts recommend drinking at least 8 glasses a day while suffering from a sinus cold. Water will help to loosen phlegm and relieve sinus congestion.
6. Take a decongestant medicine to help relieve sinus pain and pressure. While these medications won't address the root cause of your sinus cold, they'll help to curb the painful symptoms while your body recovers. Some decongestant medicines may cause drowsiness, dizziness or upset stomach, so make sure to read the warning labels.
7. Get temporary relief from sinus congestions by using a decongestant nasal spray. Several varieties of sprays are available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Nasal sprays can include antihistamines and corticosteroids to help treat symptoms.

Tips & Warnings

• While nasal sprays can help to fight sinus congestion, they can also contribute to sinus problems if used for more than 3 consecutive days.
• Don't consume any dairy products while attempting to treat a sinus cold. Milks, cheeses and ice creams can contribute to mucous buildup, causing increased sinus congestion and discomfort.