In some cases, sinus infection and a cold are confused. However, since the treatments are different, it is important to know how to differentiate your symptoms in order to fight them properly.
Having respiratory discomfort is very uncomfortable. Not being able to breathe well affects our daily life and makes us feel tired. If you add other symptoms such as fever, headache and runny nose, the discomfort can even leave you in bed due to the weakness it causes. This could be a sinus infection and here we will tell you how to cure it.
We will take advantage of a gift from nature to combat this infection: apple cider vinegar. This type of vinegar has many health benefits, so our recommendation is that it never be missing in your pantry. But how does it act on sinus infection? We will tell you later. First, let’s define the condition.
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What is a sinus infection?
Sinus infection, better known as sinusitis or rhinosinusitis, is an inflammation of the soft tissues of the sinuses, according to this report (1) from the United States National Library of Medicine. It is classified as acute if it lasts for a few days, and chronic if it persists for more than 12 weeks.
It has various causes. Anatomically, it may be due to a deviated septum or very large turbinates. Smoking, allergies, and bacterial infections are also some of the causes. Sinus infection is often confused with the common cold; however, it is much more complex.
Differences between a common cold and sinus infection
Cold and sinus infection have several symptoms in common such as a runny nose, fever, postnasal drip, headache, and nasal congestion. However, the infection is more complex than the cold. When you are not clear if you suffer from one or the other, pay attention to the color of the secretions, therein lies the most important difference.
When you have a cold, the postnasal discharge and drip are clear and watery when you start the picture. For its part, in sinusitis, it is characterized by being thick and yellowish in color. The first condition persists for a period of 3 to 10 days, while the second lasts for more than 10 days.
Also, the cold is caused by a virus and the sinus infection is caused by bacteria. There are some cases in which the latter is a complication of the former.
How to relieve sinus infection with apple cider vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar has many health benefits. With it, you can relieve digestive discomfort or even use it as a hair tonic to make your hair look shiny.
In the particular case of sinus relief, how would you specifically act?
- Clarifies sinus cavities.
- It prevents the growth of bacteria. This is stated in this study (2) carried out by Middlesex University (United Kingdom).
- Thinns the mucosa.
- According to this study (3) by Dr. Joanna Morgan, it strengthens the immune system.
There are several home remedies or preparations that will help you to clear sinusitis in a short time. They are very easy to prepare, they will make you breathe easy and, in addition, they can prevent the reappearance of the infection.
However, before carrying it out, see a doctor first, since there is no scientific evidence to support it as a reliable treatment for this condition. It will avoid complications.
Apple cider vinegar rinse
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar (30 ml)
- 1 glass of water (200 ml)
What should you do?
- Take a pot and heat the equivalent of a glass of water. Do not let it get too hot, as you will need it warm.
- Turn off the water and add the two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. Mix well until diluted.
- To apply it you only need the help of a swab or gauze soaked in the mixture.
- Clean your external nasal cavities with it, very carefully. This will help thin the mucosa built up in the nasal passage and clean it.
- This way you will avoid the accumulation of bacteria that can worsen the condition.
Vaporizations
Ingredients:
- ½ cup of water (125 ml)
- ½ cup of apple cider vinegar (125 ml)
What should you do?
- Take a pot and add half a cup of water and half a cup of apple cider vinegar.
- Heat the mixture until it is about to boil. Turn it off and let it sit for a few seconds.
- Pour the mixture into a wide-mouthed container and tilt your face towards it.
- Put a towel behind your head to better receive all the steam and inhale deeply.
- You can repeat the procedure 2 or 3 times a day. These sprays will help you flush bacteria out of the sinus canal.
Apple cider vinegar decongestant
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar (62.5 ml)
- ½ teaspoon of ginger powder (2.5 g)
- ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper (2.5 g)
- The juice of ½ lemon
- 3 tablespoons of honey (75 g)
What should you do?
- Add the apple cider vinegar and the juice of half a lemon to a saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Turn it off and add the ginger, cayenne pepper, and honey. Mix very well and pour the preparation into a glass jar.
- Take two tablespoons of the preparation daily. This will help decrease inflammation of the sinuses, decongest the nasal cavities and fight infection.
With these natural options, you will alleviate the symptoms of sinus infection. Before starting any of these alternative treatments, remember to go to an ENT specialist or doctor for authorization.
You must treat the infection in time to avoid complications. Go ahead and try natural alternatives. Recover your breath and quality of life thanks to apple cider vinegar!