Can You Use Hydrogen Peroxide To Treat Sinus Infection

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).

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. Moreover, you may also explore some effective home remedies for sinus infections.

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 affected 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 an antiseptic like 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 in good health, they are more capable of resisting infection. A blogger observes,“My chronic sinus infection (sinusitis) problems were cured by irrigating my nasal passages with peroxide, baking soda and kosher salt after first using antibiotics to get rid of my sinus infection (i).”

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 this home remedy 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.

Check out some alternatives to hydrogen peroxide, to avoid these side effects, in the section below.

Alternatives To Hydrogen Peroxide To Treat Sinus Infection

Saline Rinse: A saline rinse may help clear nasal passages, reduce inflammation, and flush out mucus. You will need a neti pot or squeeze bottle for this. Steam Inhalation: Breathing in steam from a bowl of hot water infused with essential oils for sinus infection, such as eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender, etc., may moisten the sinus passages and relieve congestion. Nasal Corticosteroids: These prescription or OTC sprays reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms. Warm Compress: Applying a warm, moist cloth to the face may reduce the pain and pressure associated with sinusitis. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to keep your mucus thin and easy to expel.

If symptoms persist or worsen, consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment, which may also include antibiotics for bacterial sinus infections. Which is better: salt water rinse or hydrogen peroxide? Dr. Carlos Green, MD, Otolaryngology Resident at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, says, “Salt water rinse alone works wonders and is recommended any time a common cold sets in to help relieve sinus congestion and prevent bacterial sinusitis.” 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, saline solution, and eucalyptus essential oil are popular natural remedies 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.