A sinus infection is a very unpleasant thing that masks itself as a cold or allergy but then simply does not let up or go away. No matter what you use to treat your upper respiratory issue, it does not get better. The pain, pressure, congestion, and discharge may continue for weeks or even months with no abatement or resolution in sight. While you could ask your doctor for something stronger, the side effects of prescription medication are not something everyone wants to deal with. There are some alternative treatments that can help, but should you use them? The following treatments, and a gauge on when to use them, will help you make the right call.

The Neti-Pot

A neti-pot looks like a small watering can with a long water spout. Sometimes they also resemble teapots with long spouts. They are used to irrigate your sinus cavities with water, usually hot water, but there are a few issues with using neti-pots.

The issues are:

• Neti-pots have to be properly sanitized after every use, or else your sinus problem will likely reoccur and contribute to a worse sinus infection.
• You should use only hot water in a neti-pot, but make sure the water is not too hot, or else the water will burn your nose and sinuses.
• Neti-pots should not be used if the discharge from your nose is yellow or green; they will have little effect at clearing the sinus infection once the mucus changes to these colors.

Still, if you already know you suffer from frequent sinus infections, you can use the neti-pots to ward off the infections the minute your sinuses start to hurt or become congested. The hot-water irrigation can flush bacteria that may otherwise turn into a really nasty infection from your sinuses.

Steam Bath

A better alternative treatment for a sinus infection is to place your head in a steam bath. Set a large bowl of scalding water on a level surface, preferably your kitchen table, and then lean over the bowl, face down, as close to the water as you can stand. Place a towel over your head and the bowl and let the steam rise into your face and nostrils. This is most effective for mild to moderate sinus infections because you are in the best position to drain your nasal passages and allow the steam to open your sinuses. Repeat this every two to three hours while your sinuses are swollen, painful, and in the beginning stages of a new infection.