Every year, about 37 million people in the U.S. suffer from sinusitis, which is an infection of the sinuses.

It is caused by inflammation and swelling of the sinus tissue, due to the accumulation of fluid in the sinuses, that promotes the growth of germs like bacteria, viruses or fungi. The infection eventually blocks the sinuses which restricts or even completely stops airflow.

People who are at the highest risk of sinus infections include people suffering from common cold, nasal polyps or the ones with immune system deficiencies.

Sinusitis can be of several types, as follows:

Acute sinusitis: It causes cold-like symptoms, like runny, stuffy nose, and usually goes away after 2-4 weeks

Subacute sinusitis: The inflammation lasts 1-2 months

Chronic sinusitis: the inflammation lasts more than 2 months

Recurrent sinusitis: Sinusitis attacks that occur several times annually

A sinus infection usually causes the following symptoms:

• Headaches
• Nasal swelling
• Dental pain
• Fever
• Facial pain/pressure
• Nasal discharge
• Loss of sense of smell
• Cough and congestion
• Bad breath
• Fatigue

All these symptoms of sinusitis are highly unpleasant and can significantly reduce the quality of life.  In order to relieve them, numerous people turn to pharmaceutical sinus medications, but these are linked to various side-effects.

These medications have been proven to be unsafe for children, and these are the most common side-effects they cause:

• Upset stomach
• Mood swings
• Allergies
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Irregular heartbeat
• Trouble sleeping
• Nervousness
• Hallucinations

Antibiotics, such as amoxicillin, are only used to treat acute sinusitis after other treatments like nasal steroid sprays, pain medications, and sinus rinse/irrigation have failed to do so.

Their use can lead to side effects, like rashes, diarrhea, or stomach issues, and the overuse and inappropriate use can also result in superbugs, which are bacteria that cause serious infections and are treated with huge difficulties.

On the other hand, apple cider vinegar is one of the most powerful natural remedies for sinus infections.

It strengthens the immune system, fights inflammation, relieves the symptoms and clears the sinus cavities.

All you have to do is the following:

Mix half a cup of apple cider vinegar and half a cup of water, and heat the mixture until it begins to steam. Then, remove from heat, and inhale the steam for about 5 minutes with the mouth and eyes closed. Repeat on a daily basis.

You can also drink this natural remedy, but you will get almost immediate results if you choose this inhalation method.

When it comes to the prevention of sinus infections, you should know that you will reduce the recurrent sinusitis episodes and lower the risk by avoiding things that irritate the nose.

Check if your sinusitis is caused by allergies, and if you are allergic to something that causes persistent sinus symptoms, you will need to treat it and keep the allergies under control, as a way to prevent repeated episodes of sinusitis.

Cigarette smoke makes you prone to sinusitis, since it damages the natural protective elements of the nose, mouth, throat, and respiratory system. Therefore, seek help from your doctor to quit it.

You should also wash your hands frequently, especially during cold and flu season, to avoid irritations and infections by viruses or bacteria on your hands.

Sources:
www.healthline.com
homeremediesforlife.com
www.webmd.com