Can You Use Hydrogen Peroxide To Treat Sinus Infection?

Hydrogen peroxide is a blue liquid that has been used in small doses to clean minor wounds or cuts (1). Scientific evidence suggests that there is some merit to the use of hydrogen peroxide to treat sinus infection (2). In this article, we explore the causes of sinus infection and how to use it for sinus infection.

What Is Sinus Infection?

A sinus is a membranous cavity present in the bones of the nose, eyes, and cheeks. The membranes function as a filter for germs by producing mucus. Sometimes, these cavities can become clogged or congested, causing an inflammatory response. This can cause pain in your forehead and along your cheeks and nose.

In most cases, sinusitis (inflammation in the sinus cavity) is caused by a viral infection in the upper respiratory tract, while in rare cases, it may be caused by a bacterial infection (3).

Quick Tip

Traditional Chinese medicine used herbal and acupuncture therapies to treat sinus infections. Herbal medications like magnolia flower, Angelica root, xanthium powder, and peppermint were used.

• These options can only be used for a short period of time and may not tackle the root cause of the infection (4).
• People are more likely to become immune to these treatments, making them less viable.

However, some studies suggest that using hydrogen peroxide solution can help clear sinus infection. Let us see how it can be used for this.

Why Use Hydrogen Peroxide For Sinus Infection

Here’s why hydrogen peroxide is ideal for treating sinus infection:

1. Can Relieve Congestion

Studies show that hydrogen peroxide can help clear the affected matter from the sinus cavity and hence clear the congestion (2).

2. Can Get Rid Of Infection

Hydrogen peroxide has antibacterial properties (5). The oxygen released from hydrogen peroxide can help in eliminating the microbial infection.

3. Prevents Re-Infection

Rinsing your sinus cavity with an antiseptic like hydrogen peroxide can prevent germs from re-infecting the damaged areas, thus giving your nasal membranes the time to heal. When the nasal membranes are in good health, they are more capable of resisting infection. A blogger observes,“My chronic sinus infection (sinusitis) problems were cured by irrigating my nasal passages with peroxide, baking soda and kosher salt after first using antibiotics to get rid of my sinus infection (i).”

4. Is Economical

It is cost-effective as compared to other treatment methods. One bottle of hydrogen peroxide can be used multiple times.

5. Non-Addictive

Many other treatments, like steroidal nasal sprays, can be addictive and can cause the body to become tolerant. This means that you might progressively need a higher dosage as time passes to get the same effect. Hydrogen peroxide does not make your body dependent or addicted to it.

How To Use Hydrogen Peroxide

You could use hydrogen peroxide as a spray. Mix four parts of filtered water with one part of 3% hydrogen peroxide and irrigate the nose with this solution as required.

You could also use this home remedy as a nasal flush. Stand over the sink and squeeze or pulse some hydrogen peroxide solution into one nostril until it comes out of the other nostril. Repeat the same for the other nostril. You can blow your nose out to help clear the sinus cavities.

Quick Tip

Hydrogen peroxide ear drops may offer relief from ear pain or pressure caused by a sinus infection.

Precautions

There are a few things you should keep in mind when dealing with hydrogen peroxide:

• Using hydrogen peroxide in concentrated forms can be fatal, so make sure you dilute it for medicinal use (6).
• Make sure you use gloves and eye protection when handling hydrogen peroxide as it may cause stinging and irritation (6).
• Keep it out of reach of children and tightly packed in a cold place.

Check out some alternatives to hydrogen peroxide, to avoid these side effects, in the section below.

Alternatives To Hydrogen Peroxide To Treat Sinus Infection

• Saline Rinse: A saline rinse may help clear nasal passages, reduce inflammation, and flush out mucus. You will need a neti pot or squeeze bottle for this.
• Steam Inhalation: Breathing in steam from a bowl of hot water may moisten the sinus passages and relieve congestion.
• Nasal Corticosteroids: These prescription or OTC sprays reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms.
• Warm Compress: Applying a warm, moist cloth to the face may reduce the pain and pressure associated with sinusitis.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to keep your mucus thin and easy to expel.

If symptoms persist or worsen, consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment, which may also include antibiotics for bacterial sinus infections.

Infographic: 5 Benefits Of Using Hydrogen Peroxide For Sinus Infection

Hydrogen peroxide has been used in small doses to clean wounds or cuts. Recent evidence suggests that it can also be used to treat sinus infections. We have discussed the 5 benefits of using hydrogen peroxide for sinus infection in the infographic given below. Scroll down to know more!

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Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better: salt water rinse or hydrogen peroxide?

Dr. Carlos Green, MD, Otolaryngology Resident at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, says, “Salt water rinse alone works wonders and is recommended any time a common cold sets in to help relieve sinus congestion and prevent bacterial sinusitis.”

What is the fastest way to get rid of a sinus infection?

Antibiotics, decongestants, nasal irrigation, and nasal drops are some of the quickest ways to improve a sinus infection.

What is a natural antibiotic for sinus infections?

Garlic, ginger, onions, saline solution, and eucalyptus essential oil are popular natural remedies that can help with sinus infections.

Can I beat a bacterial sinus infection without antibiotics?

Yes, you can treat a bacterial sinus infection with mild to moderate symptoms with home remedies and self-care and get rid of it in a couple of weeks without the use of prescription antibiotics.

How do you know if a sinus infection is serious?

Swelling around the eyes, severe pain in the eyes, ears, throat, jaws, or head, disorientation, fever, thick, yellow, green, or cloudy discharge, and persistent post nasal drip, stuffiness, and headaches are some symptoms of a serious sinus infection.

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

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Dr. Zeel GandhiBAMS

Dr. Zeel Gandhi is an Ayurvedic doctor with 7 years of experience and an expert at providing holistic solutions for health problems encompassing Internal medicine, Panchakarma, Yoga, Ayurvedic Nutrition, and formulations. She graduated as a top ranker from Dr. D.Y.Patil College of Ayurveda and Research Centre , Navi Mumbai, and is a specialist in Panchakarma therapies. She believes that Ayurveda...more

• Carlos GreenMD, Otolaryngology(ENT) Resident

  Dr. Carlos Green, MD, is an Otolaryngology (ENT) Resident with 6 years of experience. He graduated from Weill Cornell Medical College in 2017 and specializes in head and neck surgery and drug validation in p53 deficient head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
  
  Dr. Carlos Green, MD, is an Otolaryngology (ENT) Resident with 6 years of experience. He graduated from Weill Cornell Medical College in 2017 and specializes in head and neck surgery and drug validation in p53 deficient head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Shaheen NaserHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Shaheen holds a postgraduate degree in Human Genetics and Molecular Biology from Bharathiar University. She is a Geneticist with proficiency in Biotechnology, Immunology, Medical Genetics, Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Genetic Counseling. Her passion for writing and her educational background have assisted her substantially in writing quality content on topics related to health and wellness for over three years. In her free...more

Arshiya SyedaSenior Editor

Arshiya Syeda is a senior editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer and combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She holds a bachelor's degree in literature and psychology from Osmania University, Hyderabad, and a post-graduate diploma in psychological...more

Dipti SharmaBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Dipti is a health and wellness writer specializing in holistic health practices. She graduated from Maharishi Dayanand University, Haryana, and has worked closely with Ayurvedic doctors, which has given her a deep understanding of traditional remedies and their applications. She writes articles that provide guidance on natural remedies for common health concerns, empowering readers to embrace the healing power of...more