I've always enjoyed the changing of the seasons, especially when the long, hot days of summer finally draw to a close. Unfortunately during this changing weather I find myself more susceptible to allergies, sinus infections and other respiratory ailments. For the last three years I've been recording information about every illness I contract, and 7 of the 10 illnesses have been either allergies or respiratory infections. Knowing when you get sick, how long your illnesses last, and the symptoms experienced are important metrics for improving your overall wellness. The goals of my documentation are to reduce the number of illnesses I contract by documenting risk factors and improve my recovery times by determining effective treatments. This approach can help me document the total number of days spent sick each year, and with success I should be able to reduce that number.

In the sidebar I have included a table showing how I record information about these illnesses. Omitted from this table is the column recording my attempts to identify the reason for contracting the illness. As seen in the chart, these infections typically last 7 to 10 days, while the most recent incident is a notable exception and the focus of this post.


While the symptoms were typical of a sinus infection, the difference was the techniques I used to treat the infection, and the speed at which I recovered. While I cannot definitively conclude that it was my revised treatment that sped recovery, the techniques I employed are low-cost, low-risk and were successful in treating my symptoms. More data is needed to definitively prove that these techniques can speed recovery in a majority of people.

My first new treatment was the Neti Pot, a simple device used to irrigate your sinus cavities. These specially designed containers are filled with a mixture of salt and warm filtered water and used to rinse water through your sinuses. To ensure safety from microorganisms, the water should be filtered or boiled and cooled. To use the Neti pot, make a good seal between the spout and your nostril, lean your head forward and to the side. Once you begin pouring, you will feel water filling the upper sinus cavity first, and then slowly draining into the lower sinus cavity and finally out the other nostril. After the initial pouring, switch sides and begin pouring the other direction. Care should be taken to keep your head leaning forward, otherwise water will run down the back of your throat, potentially making you cough. If you are very congested, water may not flow freely between your sinus cavities. Have patience, and give the saline solution 30-45 seconds per rinse to break up the mucus and expand the sinus cavities. I generally will rinse from both directions two or three times. Between rinses, blow your nose with great vigor to help free the mucus from its bondage. By the third rinse I have always been able to pour the saline freely in both directions without blockage. Warmer solutions will work better to break up congestion, but make sure the water temperature is comfortable.

I've owned a Neti pot for only 6 months thus far, and I'm absolutely thrilled with it. As someone who loves good food and beverages few things are more annoying for me than being unable to taste my food. In my most recent sinus infection, the Neti pot was able to clear my sinuses for several hours, plenty of time to enjoy a meal. Used right before bed the Neti pot was able to improve my sleep by allowing me to breathe through my nose. Personally, I purchased the NeilMed Neti Pot from CVS for $15. While it was a bit overpriced for a small plastic container, the prepared salt/baking soda packets are quite convenient. Of the treatments mentioned in this post, I give the Neti pot the most credit for my improved recovery time. Overall, I think a Neti pot is an essential component of the home remedy toolbox.

Similar to the Neti pot is the technique of steam inhalation. If you frequently suffer from respiratory conditions, you might consider buying an electric steam inhaler. For myself, I find that a tea kettle works well enough. My technique is to put some water in the tea kettle and put the burner on medium heat. Allow the water to approach boiling and then cut the heat back a bit. The goal is to have the kettle steaming but not whistling. Once the right burner temperature has been achieved, use the palm of your hand to find a safe and comfortable distance. Once a safe distance has been determined, begin by inhaling the steam with your mouth and exhaling through your nose. Take large breaths, to the extent that you are comfortable filling your lungs with steam. The steam loosens phlegm, making it easier to expel and more likely to be drained into your digestive tract. I usually spend 5 to 10 minutes inhaling steam, and find that it works well in conjunction with the Neti pot. While the Neti pot rinses the sinus and nasal cavities, the steam inhalation works to help clear the lower respiratory tract.

My third component to battling sinus infections involves consuming food that naturally clears the sinuses and contains antibacterial properties. Some of my favorites include garlic, horseradish, mustard, curry, peppers, ginger and citrus fruits. Now I wouldn't recommend trying to combine all of these into a single dish, but used judiciously I believe that these items can relieve symptoms, and based on my anecdotal experience, may contribute to a decreased recovery time. Some of my favorite dishes involving these ingredients include garlic bread, all manner of curries, sushi with wasabi, fresh squeezed orange juice, and hot ginger tea. Ongoing experiments are still being conducted on this front!

Ultimately, you will have to determine what combination of treatments works best for you and your family. I encourage readers to treat each illness like a science experiment and document the results. While I find that this combination has worked well for me, every individual is different. For this type of article, the typical caveats apply. I am not a doctor, this article should not be construed to be medical advice, and please refer to the documentation included with any Neti pot or steam inhalers. It is my hope that this article helps the ease the suffering of people with sinus infections.