The Vitamins And Supplements You Should Take If You Have Sinusitis
Having a sinus infection is far from enjoyable, to say the least. Known as sinusitis, sinus infections occur when the tissues in your nasal and sinus cavities become swollen and inflamed, according to WebMD. If you have a sinus infection, you may experience symptoms that first mimic a common cold, but then become more indicative of sinusitis. Notable symptoms of sinusitis include fever, fatigue, cough, post-nasal drip, nasal drainage and runny nose, congestion, and general feelings of weakness (via MedlinePlus).
There are four types of sinusitis that are commonly diagnosed, and each lasts for at least two weeks (per WebMD). Acute sinusitis is the type that seemingly comes out of nowhere and might begin with symptoms like congestion or a runny nose. Acute sinusitis generally lasts from 2 to 4 weeks. Subacute sinusitis is a step above acute sinusitis and lasts from 4 weeks to 3 months. If sinusitis lasts for longer than 3 months, or 12 weeks, then it is classified as chronic sinusitis. If a person experiences sinusitis multiple times each year, they may be diagnosed with recurrent sinusitis.
No matter the type of sinusitis, having a sinus infection is anything but fun. There are several vitamins and supplements that can help ease the symptoms of sinusitis and help your body fight inflammation.
Four fantastic supplements for fighting sinusitis
When you have a sinus infection, you probably want to do everything you can to make it go away. Livestrong reports that the best things to take when you have sinusitis are vitamin C, vitamin D, ginger root, and probiotics. Vitamin C is likely the best-known vitamin for immunity and combating colds, which are often the precipice for sinus infections. Since sinusitis is characterized by inflammation of sinus tissue, vitamin D is a good defense against inflammation. Like its alphabetical neighbor, Vitamin D boosts immunity and helps fight off infections.
A 2022 study published in StatPearls found that ginger root has anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce the inflammation of tissue, which can help reduce sinus infection symptoms. You can make a recipe with fresh ginger, take a capsule of powdered ginger root, or drink ginger tea to ease symptoms of sinusitis (via Senior Lifestyle). The steam of hot tea combined with the power of ginger can ease inflamed and irritated mucous membranes.
To round out your sinusitis-fighting supplements, probiotics can protect your sinuses from worsening inflammation, and sometimes prevent sinus infections altogether (per Medical News Today). A probiotic called Lactobacilli produces lactic acid, which can actually prevent the growth of microorganisms and bacteria that cause painful sinus infections. You can find over-the-counter probiotic supplements, beverages like kombucha that are packed with probiotics, and even probiotic nasal sprays made specifically for fighting sinus infections.