BellaOnline Forums Health and Fitness Allergies & Colds Sinus infections revisited

I don't know what it is about Seattle but I'm beginning to associate visiting the city with sinus infections. Two months ago when I was there, I nursed my daughter through her first sinus infection. Now on a return visit, I came down with a sinus infection. I told my daughter I didn't want to make this a tradition, especially as I broke my two-years-plus record without a sinus infection. Actually, I think I had the sinus infection before I flew to Seattle but didn't realize it. I was having the tell-tale headaches that just wouldn't let up but chocked it up to our horrible allergy seasons. I think that was wishful thinking. But it's amazing how much better I feel after taking just a couple of days of antibiotics. I will continue to be dedicated to my daily saline nasal rinses and will add a nasal allergy spray to prevent a reoccurrence.

I use raw garlic as a broad spectrum antibiotics when my chronic stuffies get sinus-infection-y. So far, it's worked everytime since I started it with no need for antibiotics! I'm stinky, but infection and antibiotic-free.

Nicki :-)

I use sinus irrigation with normal saline every day and I stopped having sinus infections altogether.

Nicki - the garlic cure is wonderful. Whenever I feel like I'm starting to get something, I crush fresh garlic, mix it with butter and put it on toast, or just mix it with salsa or something just to get it down. It has to be fresh tho and uncooked to retain its antibiotic properties.

My doc explained that the reason I get sinus infections is because I have very narrow sinus passageways. Daily sinus irrigation and garlic, etc., help reduce the number of infections I get. I've started adding the Neti Wash Plus with zinc to my Neti Pot and a nasal spray as a precaution so I don't (cross my fingers) get any sinus infections.

I get sinus infection, what can I buy otc that will help with this infection?

I cant stand the smell of garlic.

You can try several things including regular saline nasal irrigation with a Neti Pot or pre-bottled saline nasal spray. Try using some kind of nasal spray regularly as well. Sinol is an all-natural one that some people report success with. (I'm now using Fluticasone, the generic Flonase, because the OTC stuff didn't work well for me.)It's important to make sure your ears are draining and not getting plugged with wax. I've always used Q-tips for cleaning my ears but my doctor said to just use a few drops of mineral oil instead every few weeks. If you do get a cold with congestion, try using Mucinex. It's supposed to help keep your sinuses draining. Those are some things I've tried, not always with perfect success but at least with a lot fewer sinus infections.

The most effective remedy that I have found for sinus infections is raw, organic apple cider vinegar. I do 2 TB in a glass of warm water. And I drink it through a straw because acv can be hard on tooth enamel. For me, this remedy has been amazing.