Why Winter Is Sinus Infection Season Sinus infections spike during the winter months for several interconnected reasons. Cold, dry air dries out the nasal mucous membranes, creating cracks that allow viruses easier entry. Indoor heating systems drop humidity to 10 to 20 percent — well below the 40 to 50 percent range needed for healthy…
Can a Neti Pot Help With a Sinus Infection? Yes — and the evidence is strong. A Cochrane systematic review found that nasal saline irrigation significantly improves symptoms in people with acute and chronic sinusitis compared to no treatment or saline spray alone. The American Academy of Otolaryngology recommends saline irrigation as a key part…
Why Does Your Throat Hurt on Just One Side? A sore throat that affects only one side is more specific than a general sore throat and often points to a particular underlying cause. While a standard cold or flu typically causes symmetrical throat pain, one-sided throat pain can indicate localized infections, post nasal drip from…
Can You Treat a Sinus Infection Without Antibiotics? In most cases, yes. According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, up to 98 percent of acute sinus infections are viral and resolve without antibiotics within 7 to 10 days. Even many bacterial sinus infections clear on their own with supportive care. The home remedies below help…
The Short Answer It depends on the cause. Viral sinus infections, which account for the vast majority of cases, are contagious because the underlying virus can spread from person to person. However, the sinus infection itself does not transmit directly — what spreads is the cold or flu virus that triggered it. Bacterial and fungal…
When a sinus infection strikes, the first question most people ask is: what medicine should I take? The answer depends on whether your infection is viral or bacterial, how long it has lasted, and how severe your symptoms are. Reaching for the wrong treatment can delay recovery, waste money, and — in the case of…
If you have ever dealt with sinusitis — that miserable combination of facial pressure, thick nasal discharge, and relentless congestion — you have probably wondered whether something as simple as saltwater can really make a difference. The short answer is yes. Saline nasal spray is one of the most consistently recommended treatments for sinusitis by…
