You need plenty of fluids, but steer clear of cocktails, wine, and beer. Even though booze is a liquid, it makes you dehydrated. It also can cause your sinuses and the lining of your nose to swell, which makes your symptoms worse.
Does alcohol affect a sinus infection?
Don’t drink alcohol: You shouldn’t consume alcohol with a sinus infection. Alcohol dehydrates the body and can cause your nose and nasal cavities to swell when dehydrate, in turn exacerbating your symptoms.
What makes a sinus infection worse?
Dry air isn’t the only thing that can irritate your nose and make your sinusitis symptoms worse. Inhaling cigarette smoke, strong perfumes, pollutants or any airborne allergen that affects you can lead to further inflammation and greater sinus pressure. If you’re a smoker, don’t smoke when you have a sinus infection.
Does alcohol help clear sinuses?
Whiskey is an effective decongestant. The alcohol dilates the blood vessels. The steam from the hot beverages works with the decongestant benefits of the alcohol and makes it easier for the mucus membranes to deal with nasal congestion. Whiskey can also relieve aching muscles and soothe a sore throat.
What is the best thing to drink when you have a sinus infection?
Hydration. Drinking plenty of clear fluids will help the body stay hydrated during a sinus infection. People can aim to drink several glasses of water each day. Any liquids other than soda or coffee can help.
Why do my sinuses swell when I drink alcohol?
Alcohol Consumption
Nasal stuffiness occurs in some individuals after drinking because alcohol tends to expand and swell blood vessels. Because there are membranes lining the nasal cavities, when they swell after consuming alcohol, your nose may become blocked or stuffy.
How can I reduce sinus inflammation?
These self-help steps can help relieve sinusitis symptoms:
- Rest. This can help your body fight inflammation and speed recovery.
- Moisturize your sinuses. Drape a towel over your head as you breathe in the vapor from a bowl of medium-hot water. …
- Warm compress. …
- Rinse out your nasal passages.
What are the stages of a sinus infection?
Types
- Acute sinusitis usually starts with cold-like symptoms such as a runny, stuffy nose and facial pain. It may start suddenly and last 2 to 4 weeks.
- Subacute sinusitus usually lasts 4 to 12 weeks.
- Chronic sinusitus symptoms last 12 weeks or longer.
- Recurrent sinusitis happens several times a year.
How can I speed up the recovery of a sinus infection?
But there are some things you can do to try to speed up the recovery process.
- Drink plenty of water. …
- Eat foods with antibacterial properties. …
- Add moisture. …
- Clear the sinuses with oils. …
- Use a neti pot. …
- Ease facial pain with warm compresses. …
- Use over-the-counter (OTC) medications. …
- Get a prescription.
How long will my sinus infection last?
Viral sinus infections usually go away on their own within 10 to 14 days. Antibiotics don’t work for viral infections. But there are some things you can do at home to help relieve your symptoms: Drink plenty of fluids.
Does alcohol make mucus worse?
Drink Alcohol
Too much of it leaves you dehydrated and makes symptoms like congestion worse.
Is whiskey good for sinus infection?
In moderation, whiskey can dilate or widen your blood vessels. This helps with cold symptoms like congestion, by allowing more movement of the mucus membrane in your sinuses, or flushing out an infection.
What kills a sinus infection naturally?
Acetic acid, a healing compound in apple cider vinegar, works to kill bad bacteria, while also fostering the growth of good bacteria, making it work much like a natural antibiotic. Apple cider vinegar is also thought to break up mucus and clear the sinuses.
How can I get rid of a sinus infection without antibiotics?
Home Remedies: Treating acute sinusitis without antibiotics
- Inhale warm water vapor. Drape a towel over your head as you breathe in the moist air from a bowl of warm or moderately hot water. …
- Apply warm compresses. …
- Drink plenty of fluids. …
- Use a saline nasal spray. …
- Use a neti pot.