Hydrogen Peroxide for Treating Sinus Infection – Does It Work?

Published June 10, 2023

Hydrogen peroxide is a commonly used household product known for its antiseptic properties. It has various applications, such as a wound or burn disinfection, teeth whitening, or mouth rinse. However, can you put hydrogen peroxide in your nose? When using this mild antiseptic for sinus infection, there are certain considerations to remember. 

Hydrogen peroxide acts as a disinfectant, oxidizer, and bleaching agent. Hydrogen peroxide may kill bacteria by producing oxygen; by doing so, the environment of bacteria that don’t need oxygen stops them from growing.

Can Hydrogen Peroxide be Used in the Nose for Sinus Infection?

You can use hydrogen peroxide in nose for sinus infection as a spray. To create the solution, combine one part of 3% hydrogen peroxide (household use) with four parts of filtered water; this solution helps irrigate the nose whenever necessary.

Another option is to employ this household remedy as a nasal flush. Stand over the sink and gently introduce the hydrogen peroxide solution into one nostril, allowing it to exit through the other nostril. Repeat the process for the opposite nostril. Blowing your nose afterward can aid in clearing the sinus cavities.

Benefits of Using Hydrogen Peroxide

Rising evidence indicates that hydrogen peroxide can be utilized as a potential treatment for sinus infections:

• The cleansing properties of hydrogen peroxide can effectively clear sinus congestion by assisting in the removal of mucus and debris from the sinus cavity.
• Furthermore, hydrogen peroxide exhibits antibacterial properties, which can aid in the elimination of microbial infections that contribute to sinus-related issues.
• Regularly rinsing the sinus cavity with hydrogen peroxide can help prevent reinfection while allowing the nasal membrane to heal and recover.
• An additional advantage of hydrogen peroxide is its affordability, as a single bottle can be used for multiple treatments of a sinus infection.
• Unlike steroidal nasal sprays, hydrogen peroxide is non-addictive, offering a safer alternative for long-term use.

Precautions and Safety Measures

You may ask, “Is hydrogen peroxide safe to use inside the nose?” Yes, but when handling hydrogen peroxide for sinus infections, consider the following precautions:

• It is important to exercise caution when using concentrated forms of hydrogen peroxide, as they can pose a severe risk and even be fatal. Therefore, it is essential to dilute hydrogen peroxide appropriately for medicinal purposes.
• When handling hydrogen peroxide, wearing protective gloves and eye protection is essential. This safety measure is necessary because direct contact with hydrogen peroxide can cause stinging, irritation, and potential harm to the skin and eyes.
• Skin contact with hydrogen peroxide at household strength is generally not highly dangerous, but it may lead to minor skin irritation. It can also cause temporary whitening or lightening of the skin, known as blanching.
• Ingesting 3% hydrogen peroxide can result in various adverse effects, including vomiting, nausea, mouth irritation, throat, and stomach, gastric distension, and foaming at the mouth due to the release of oxygen bubbles formed in the stomach. Internal burns can also occur.
• Drinking hydrogen peroxide, regardless of its strength, carries the rare but severe risk of gas embolism. This life-threatening complication requires prompt medical attention. Symptoms of gas embolism include chest pain, confusion, and difficulty breathing.
• Inhaling household-strength hydrogen peroxide may cause mild respiratory and eye irritation. It can also lead to a burning sensation in the nose, throat, or chest.