What Is Sinus Infection?
A sinus is a membranous cavity present in the bones of the nose, eyes, and cheeks. The membranes function as a filter for germs by producing mucus. Sometimes, these cavities can become clogged or congested, causing an inflammatory response. This can cause pain in your forehead and along your cheeks and nose. In most cases, sinusitis (inflammation in the sinus cavity) is caused by a viral infection in the upper respiratory tract, while in rare cases, it may be caused by a bacterial infection (3). There are many methods that one can adopt to treat sinus infection. Antibiotics, decongestant nasal sprays, steroidal nasal sprays, nasal rinse, etc. are some of the treatment used. However, these medications have certain drawbacks:
These options can only be used for a short period of time and may not tackle the root cause of the infection (4). People are more likely to become immune to these treatments, making them less viable.
However, some studies suggest that using hydrogen peroxide solution can help clear sinus infection. Let us see how it can be used for this.
Why Use Hydrogen Peroxide For Sinus Infection
Here’s why hydrogen peroxide is ideal for treating sinus infection:
1. Can Relieve Congestion
Studies show that hydrogen peroxide can help clear the effete matter from the sinus cavity and hence clear the congestion (2).
2. Can Get Rid Of Infection
Hydrogen peroxide has antibacterial properties (5). The oxygen released from hydrogen peroxide can help in eliminating the microbial infection.
3. Prevents Re-Infection
Rinsing your sinus cavity with hydrogen peroxide can prevent germs from re-infecting the damaged areas, thus giving your nasal membranes the time to heal. When the nasal membranes are healthy, they are more capable of resisting infection.
4. Is Economical
It is cost-effective as compared to other treatment methods. One bottle of hydrogen peroxide can be used multiple times.
5. Non-Addictive
Many other treatments, like steroidal nasal sprays, can be addictive and can cause the body to become tolerant. This means that you might progressively need a higher dosage as time passes to get the same effect. Hydrogen peroxide does not make your body dependent or addicted to it.
How To Use Hydrogen Peroxide
You could use hydrogen peroxide as a spray. Mix four parts of filtered water with one part of 3% hydrogen peroxide and irrigate the nose with this solution as required. You could also use it as a nasal flush. Stand over the sink and squeeze or pulse some hydrogen peroxide solution into one nostril until it comes out of the other nostril. Repeat the same for the other nostril. You can blow your nose out to help clear the sinus cavities.
Precautions
There are a few things you should keep in mind when dealing with hydrogen peroxide:
Using hydrogen peroxide in concentrated forms can be fatal, so make sure you dilute it for medicinal use (6). Make sure you use gloves and eye protection when handling hydrogen peroxide as it may cause stinging and irritation (6). Keep it out of reach of children and tightly packed in a cold place.
What is the fastest way to get rid of a sinus infection? Antibiotics, decongestants, nasal irrigation, and nasal drops are some of the quickest ways to improve a sinus infection. What is a natural antibiotic for sinus infections? Garlic, ginger, onions, and eucalyptus essential oil are popular natural antibiotics that can help with sinus infections. Can I beat a bacterial sinus infection without antibiotics? Yes, you can treat a bacterial sinus infection with mild to moderate symptoms with home remedies and self-care and get rid of it in a couple of weeks without the use of prescription antibiotics. How do you know if a sinus infection is serious? Swelling around the eyes, severe pain in the eyes, ears, throat, jaws, or head, disorientation, fever, thick, yellow, green, or cloudy discharge, and persistent post nasal drip, stuffiness, and headaches are some symptoms of a serious sinus infection.
