Sinus infections are a common respiratory issue affecting millions of people per year, and while not highly threatening, they can cause discomfort and disrupt daily life. More often than not, patients turn to medication or nasal sprays to alleviate discomfort. Still, now, with the advent of alternative treatments, many are looking for complementary therapies that can improve their symptoms. One such treatment that is being explored for sinus infection is infrared saunas.
Explore what sinus infections are, and how infrared saunas can mitigate their symptoms with the team at Sun Stream Saunas NZ!
Understanding Sinus Infections
Sinus infections, also known as sinusitis, occur when viruses, bacteria, fungi, and allergens cause inflammation or swelling in the nasal cavities. This can be triggered by the common cold, the flu, or nasal / seasonal allergies. Common symptoms include a stuffy nose, facial pressure, headache, fever, mucus dripping down your throat, and cough.
The body can overcome the source of the inflammation without medical treatment in around three weeks. However, the condition can also become chronic or long-term, as a result of allergic or nasal structure complications.
Sinusitis has four types based on its duration. Acute sinusitis usually lasts less than four weeks, subacute for 4 to 12, and chronic for at least 12 weeks. Meanwhile, recurrent acute sinusitis returns at least four or more times in a single year, with each episode lasting less than two weeks.
How to Tell Between a Sinus Infection and Cold?
Colds and sinusitis share similar symptoms, but they’re set apart by the duration of the symptoms. Most people can recover from a cold within five to seven days. On the other hand, sinusitis can continue to persist for four weeks or over three months for chronic cases.
How Can Infrared Saunas Help Treat Sinusitis?
Research directly tackling the relationship between infrared saunas and sinusitis is currently limited. However, there is a good amount of scientific evidence supporting the use of infrared saunas for health benefits that can help mitigate sinusitis symptoms, specifically reducing inflammation and promoting relaxation.
Inflammation is one of the most prominent symptoms of sinusitis, causing discomfort and even pain for patients. Fortunately, the anti-inflammatory benefits of infrared saunas can help reduce this.
In 2006, a study explored the effects of infrared saunas on nasal congestion. Researchers found that patients who received far infrared light exposure experienced a significant reduction in congestion and inflammation compared to its placebo group. While the study was specifically conducted on rhinitis patients, the outcome stays relevant, being an address toward symptoms common for both rhinitis and sinusitis.
Additionally, some studies suggest that infrared saunas can help the autoimmune nervous system relax by lowering cortisol levels. Consequently, this aids in the prevention of congestion. However, there are a few short-term studies that refute this, so more research is needed to fully understand this function.
Key Takeaway
Infrared saunas provide a myriad of health benefits that can potentially help manage sinusitis symptoms, including sinus congestion and the pain associated with it. However, it’s important to note that while it may provide relief, it is only intended to complement medical treatments rather than replace them. It is also important to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating it into your routine to ensure you are able to maximise its benefits.
To know more about the benefits of infrared sauna for overall health and wellness, explore our Sun Stream blog. For more questions or inquiries about our infrared sauna products, don’t hesitate to contact us anytime. We are happy to help!