Should You Use Hot or Cold Compress for Sinus Infection

Published November 30, 2023

Sinuses are cavities residing in the bones around your face and above your eyes. Colds and allergies can make them swollen. Both can fill them up with mucus. 

A sinus infection, or sinusitis, is born by a virus or bacteria. Over-the-counter medications are often enough to manage them. Yet, the pressure, pain, and other symptoms can be harsh. Fortunately, there is another effective sinus infection treatment. What is it you ask? Heat. 

If you are asked whether you prefer a hot or cold compress for a sinus infection, go for heat. Heat is a natural nasal decongestant. The cold from an ice pack can thicken mucus in your sinuses. The cold is supposed to make your symptoms worse. 

In this article, we’ll talk about all the ways to manage sinus infections. We’ll have you experiencing wellness and relief in no time. Let’s get started. 

What Is Sinus Infection?

Sinusitis, or sinus infection, is an inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining your sinuses. Sinuses are structures inside your face. They are typically filled with air. Bacterial and viral infections, along with allergies, can irritate them. When this happens, they become blocked and filled with fluid. This causes pressure and pain in your face, nasal congestion, and other symptoms. 

Sinusitis is also sometimes referred to as rhinosinusitis. 

Symptoms of Sinus Infection

1. Postnasal drip 
2. Runny nose with thick mucus 
3. Stuffy nose 
4. Facial pressure (especially around your nose, eyes, and forehead). It worsens in times of moving and bending over. 
5. Pressure or pain in your teeth 
6. Ear pain or pressure 
7. Fever 
8. Halitosis or bad breath 
9. Bad taste in your mouth 
10. Cough 
11. Headache 
12. Tiredness 

Causes of Sinus Pressure

Viruses, bacteria, fungi, and allergens. All can be born with sinusitis. Specific triggers for it include: 

1. The common cold
2. The flu (influenza) 
3. Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria 
4. Haemophilus influenzae bacteria 
5. Moraxella catarrhalis bacteria 
6. Nasal and seasonal allergies 

Should You Use Hot or Cold Compress for Sinus Infection

A warm or hot compress can help break up the congestion in your sinuses. The heat is an effective treatment. It is a natural decongestant. It can open up blocked passages in your nose. It relieves sinus pressure. It eases pain. 

Heat can be used in various forms: 

1. Warm compresses 

A heated towel on your face can support alleviate pressure. Apply it to your cheeks and forehead. In doing so, you’ll find it eases the swelling and throbbing sensation. Before bedtime, lie back on a bed and keep the cloth on your face for five to ten minutes. 

2. Steam it out 

The steamier, the better. A shower or a cup of warm tea works wonders. When you breathe in the steam, the heat loosens the mucus, and the moisture relieves dryness. A hot shower is also healing for stuffy sinuses, as the steam quickly passes through your lungs and nasal passages. 

3. Steam treatment 

Hot water and tea are an excellent mixture for steaming out your sinuses. Begin by boiling water and adding herbs, such as thyme or chamomile. Let it cool for a minute or two. Pour the liquid into a bowl. Put a towel over your head. With your face over the bowl, deeply breathe. The warm steam will eventually alleviate your symptoms. 

4. Spice it up 

The heat doesn’t always yield from the temperature. Spicy foods have also been proven to aid in clearing congestion. Wasabi, jalapeno, spicy ginger, onion, and garlic work for even severe congestion. 

5. Care for your cilia

The tiny hairs in your nasal passages transfer bacteria and toxins toward the throat to be swallowed and digested. Thick mucus can harm this movement.

Hot compresses increase blood flow and loosen mucus. Thus, it can help enhance cilia movement. 

Natural Remedies of Sinus Infection and Sinus Headache

1. Flush the infection out with a Neti pot. 

This method must only be performed using distilled water. It includes flushing your sinus massages with a water and salt solution. Using non-distilled water could trigger more bacteria in your body. It is also vital to sterilize your neti pot before each use. 

A neti pot is a small container used to rinse the nasal cavity. Tilt your head sideways over a sink after blending the provided salt solution with distilled water. Then, put the pot’s spout in the upper nostril. Finally, pour the solution in while breathing through your mouth. 

2. Stay hydrated 

When you are ill, you must drink adequate liquids to prevent dehydration. When you sense oncoming sinus pressure, drink lots of water, juice, or warm soup. Simultaneously, avoid beverages with caffeine or alcohol, as they can contribute to dehydration. 

You can also hydrate your nasal passages using a humidifier or sitting in a steamy space. Steam is effective in breaking up mucus and clearing out your sinus cavity. Be sure to clean your humidifier frequently, using a dash of vinegar or water to avoid mold and bacterial growth. 

3. Rest up 

Aside from these suggestions, it is exceptionally critical to give your body time to rest and recover anytime you encounter pain or pressure due to a sinus infection. Resting will help you fight disease and even fast-track the recovery process. Furthermore, resting in a quiet, dark environment may support finding sinus relief. 

How Probiotics Can Help With Sinus Infection?

Oral probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help promote a healthy balance of microorganisms in the body. Some studies suggest that they may also play a role in managing chronic sinusitis, a persistent inflammation of the sinuses. 

Specific probiotic strains can help reduce the number of goblet cells that produce mucus, aiding in reducing mucus production and alleviating sinus infection symptoms. 

Bionaze is a specific oral probiotic supplement that supports the sinus, ear, nose, mouth, and throat. It mainly improves sinus and nose health. Its clinically studied probiotic strains help improve breathing and postnasal drip. It enhances overall well-being by helping you maintain a healthy balance of bacteria. It mainly cares for the upper respiratory area. 

Bionaze’s patented strains also boost the immune system. It promotes proper drainage and viscosity. Thus, lessening phlegm.