How to Get Rid of Sinus Infection?

You are the proud owner of your very own sinus infection. A sinus infection (more commonly known as sinusitis) is an inflammation of the nasal passages and sinuses. It can be categorized as acute or chronic.

The sinuses are four major pairs of cavities in the human skull. They are air-filled, hollow and they help insulate the skull and reduce its weight, as well as allow the resonance of voice within it, among others. The four major sinus pairs are the frontal sinuses (found in the forehead), the maxillary sinuses (found behind your cheek bones), the ethmoid sinuses (found between your eyes) and the sphenoid sinuses (found behind the eyes).

Sinus infections occur when bacteria enters any of the sinuses due to the disruption of the normal host defenses inside the sinuses. When this happens, the sinus linings become inflamed, thickening with fluid that obstructs the nasal passage. The obstruction, in turn, disrupts the normal process that removes whatever bacteria are normally present in the nasal passage.

When these bacteria begin to multiply and invade the sinus linings, you get the normal symptoms of a sinus infection. While you can have your sinus infection treated by a doctor, there are several self-medications you can do to alleviate your condition. Treat the infection with zinc.

A lot of sinus infections are set off by viral infections. Studies indicate that zinc may have important effects on the human body's immune system, and it may also directly have an effect on viruses. A recent study on a nasal gel that contains zinc glutamate has shown that it has shortened the severity and duration of the cold by about two days.