Nebulization is a great home treatment for sinusitis, whether acute or chronic, dry or with secretion, as it helps to humidify the airways and fluidize secretions, unblocking the airways and making breathing easier.
Ideally, nebulization should be done 2 to 3 times a day, for approximately 15 to 20 minutes and, preferably, in the morning and before bed.
There are different ways to nebulize, the most common of which include breathing the steam from shower water, nebulizing with saline solution or breathing the steam from some types of herbal tea, such as eucalyptus.
1. Misting with shower water
A good form of home treatment for sinusitis is inhaling water vapor from the shower. Just stay in the bathroom with the door closed and leave the water in the shower very hot, so that it generates a lot of steam. Then, just sit comfortably breathing in the steam, there is no need to get wet.
It is important that this procedure is done for about 15 minutes, several times a day. Symptom relief is immediate and can help the patient fall asleep more easily.
But this is not a very economical procedure, as a lot of water is used. Furthermore, if the bathroom is not properly clean and has mold or mildew, this procedure is contraindicated due to the risk of inspiring fungi and bacteria that are harmful to the body, which can aggravate sinusitis.
2. Nebulizing with herbal tea
Inhaling herbal steam is also another form of natural treatment for sinusitis, which can alleviate its symptoms, bringing a better quality of life.
Simply prepare chamomile, eucalyptus or orange peel and lemon tea, wait for it to warm a little and then breathe in the steam for approximately 20 minutes. Care must be taken not to breathe in very hot air, as this can cause burns to these tissues.
A good way to use these teas is to inhale, placing the tea in a basin, placing it on a table and sitting in the chair, leaning slightly forward to breathe in the steam. See how these nebulizations should be done by watching the following video:
3. Nebulization with saline
Nebulization with saline solution is a great aid in the treatment of sinusitis, as in addition to facilitating breathing, it can be used to administer inhaled medications prescribed by the doctor.
To nebulize at home, you must place around 5 to 10 mL of saline solution in the nebulizer cup, position the mask close to your nose and then breathe that air. You should keep your eyes closed and be sitting or lying comfortably on a bed.
You can do this nebulization for 20 minutes or until the serum runs out. It is not recommended to nebulize while lying down, due to the risk of aspiration of secretions. Discover other uses of saline solution.
4. Nebulizing medicine
Nebulization with medicines, such as Berotec and Atrovent, is generally diluted with saline solution, and should only be done if prescribed by a doctor.
You can also nebulize with Vick Vaporub, placing 2 teaspoons of Vick in a basin with 500 mL of hot water and inhaling the vapor. However, its use should only be done under the guidance of a doctor, because in some cases, Vicks can increase nasal mucus or inflame the airways. This medicine should not be used in pregnant women, breastfeeding women or children under 2 years of age.
When nebulization should not be performed
There are no contraindications for nebulization with saline solution and it can be done on babies, children, adults and even during pregnancy. However, when it comes to using medications, you should always speak to your doctor before starting treatment. Furthermore, before using medicinal plants to treat sinusitis, you must also inform your doctor, due to the risk of drug interactions and toxicity.
See more about the treatment of sinusitis and how to identify signs of improvement.
