How To

How to Cure Sinus Infections

Typical Neti Pot

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By rdander
eHow Community Member

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(18 Ratings)

Sinus infections can sometimes linger for long periods of time resulting headaches, sinus pressure, and nasal blockage. The most common method to clear up a sinus infection is with an antibiotic medication, which can take up to 10 days. Antibiotics require a Doctors visit, and a prescription to acquire the medicine from your local pharmacy. Another effective and natural method is to use a nasal rinse. There are a couple different types of nasal rinses on the market. One product to help both prevent and clear up sinus infections is the Neti Pot. The Neti Pot (a ceramic or glass pot) is used for nasal irrigation which clears out mucus, pollen, and other debris. In addition, the nasal passage becomes moisturized during the nasal flushing. Another method is to use the NeilMed Sinus Rinse Kit, which uses a squeeze bottle instead of a ceramic pot to flush out debris and mucus from the nasal passage. Both products use a water and salt solution so the nasal flush is both gentle and pain free. Below are general instructions for using the sinus rinse methods to prevent and cure sinus infections.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Neti Pot or NeilMed squeeze bottle.
Salt Solution packets or Sea Salt & Baking Soda

Step 1

Neti Pot

Use the Neti Pot kit or NielMed Sinus Rinse one to three times daily in order to flush out mucus from the nose to clear up your sinus infection.
Step 2

NeilMed Squeeze Bottle & Salt Packets

Initially the discharge from the nasal flush will be yellow to greenish in color if you have a sinus infection. Once the color of the discharge changes to a clear color, you can lessen the number of times you rinse per day.
Step 3

When your sinus infection has cleared up (usually within 3 to 5 days after you start nasal flushing regularly), continue to perform nasal rinses at least once a day to prevent future sinus infections.

Tips & Warnings

You can make your own salt solution to use with the Neti Pot or NeilMed bottle. Simply use 1 tbsp of Sea Salt and 1/2 tsp. of baking soda mixed into the water of your Neti Pot or NeilMed bottle.
The nasal rinses can also be used to clear up allergies.

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