In the US alone, more than 30 million people get a sinus infection each year. That amounts to more than $1 billion spent on over-the-counter medications and about 16 million doctor visits annually just for sinus infections.1
With about 10% or more of Americans getting sinus infections per year, there’s a solid chance you’ve experienced at least one in your life so far. And if not, you may in the future.
Although there are several options, sometimes there’s nothing you can do but wait for a sinus infection to go away. However, certain supplements for sinus infection may be able to help.
This article will explain sinus infections, including causes, risk factors, and potential remedies. It will also look at how supplements can help with sinus infections and the best ones to take.
What is a sinus infection?
Sinus infections may also be referred to as sinusitis or rhinosinusitis.
When you have a sinus infection, the sinus cavities in your face become inflamed and filled with fluids. This fluid build-up becomes the perfect place for bacteria and viruses to grow.2
In many cases, a sinus infection starts as a common cold before becoming sinusitis. You may suspect a sinus infection when you start to feel certain symptoms, such as:
- Pain or pressure in your face (cheeks, forehead, nose, ears, eyes)
- Headache
- Congestion
- Fever
- Cough
- Postnasal drip
- Reduced smell or taste
- Fatigue
- Toothache
- Bad breath3
These symptoms stem from the blockage of the normal flow of mucus from the sinuses to the back of the throat. When you’re healthy, your sinuses are responsible for sending unwanted substances to the back of your throat and, eventually, to your digestive system.
Certain people are more likely to experience sinus infections. People with structural issues with their sinuses or a history of seasonal allergies, asthma, smoking, a weak immune system, or a previous cold have higher risks of getting sinus infections.2
Fortunately, there are ways to get rid of and prevent sinus infections.
Sinus infection options
To prevent a sinus infection, the CDC recommends keeping your hands clean, avoiding contact with people who have colds, avoiding smoking, and using a humidifier at home.2
Remedies for sinus infections vary greatly and may depend on the severity of your situation. While a medical diagnosis isn’t always necessary, a doctor can help you determine if you have a sinus infection after all.
If your sinus infection is mild, you may feel better by using a warm compress on your face, saline nasal spray, or a steam bath. Sometimes, though, medications are needed for a sinus infection. These medications may include over-the-counter pain relievers, decongestants, prescription allergy medicine, or even antibiotics (in severe cases).
Supplements are another potential option for sinus infections.
Can supplements help with sinus infection?
With thousands of dietary supplements on the market, you may be wondering if any can help with a sinus infection. The answer is, maybe.
A quick Google search on “foods and supplements for sinus infections” will yield more answers than you’ll ever be able to read. But if you click on just a few you may see several different foods, nutrients, and supplements discussed for their perceived positive (or negative) roles in sinus infections. The truth is that very few of these claims have been researched by legitimate scientists.
Currently, research on supplements for sinus infections is pretty scarce. Some studies have been done that looked at specific nutrients for sinus infections. Other studies have focused on potential herbs and dietary supplements that may alleviate sinus infection symptoms.
One study focused on the effects of the Mediterranean diet on acute sinusitis in children. The Mediterranean diet is rich in anti-inflammatory nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, plant-based proteins, and fruits and vegetables. What the researchers found was that following this type of diet decreased the incidence of acute sinusitis as well as the need for antibiotics in those who did get sinus infections.4
This research shows that nutrition may indeed have an impact on whether you get a sinus infection. (Nutrition impacts most aspects of your life, after all.) Since solid nutrition may help with sinus infection prevention, it stands to reason that supplements may help as well.
Top supplements for sinus infection
Overall, more research is needed on supplements for sinus infection. However, we can certainly learn from the studies that have been completed.
A mix of laboratory research and human trials have been performed on various supplements, herbs, and nutrients that may be useful for anyone with a sinus infection. Below is a look at 9 of the best supplements for sinus infections based on current research.
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Probiotics
Recent research has found a possible link between the health of your gut and your likelihood to get sinus infections. There is a theory that dysbiosis (an imbalance in the gut microbiome) may indirectly lead to the development of sinusitis.5
Probiotic products contain live “good” bacteria that can get your microbiome back in check.
One review looked at human and lab studies on the use of probiotics for sinus infections. Per the review, in vivo and in vitro studies have had better luck at proving any beneficial role of probiotics on sinusitis. However, one small human trial concluded that applying topical probiotics to the nasal cavity improved sinus infection symptoms.6
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Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a micronutrient that is vital to a laundry list of bodily processes, including inflammation and immunity, which are two key factors in the development of sinus infections.
Research has shown that vitamin D has immunomodulatory effects. It can not only reduce the production of pro-inflammatory molecules, but can also suppress the activation of cells associated with chronic sinusitis.7
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Bromelain
Bromelain is an enzyme found in the stems of pineapples. It is used as an herbal remedy for many health issues, including sinus infections.
A review of bromelain’s uses in healthcare highlighted its potential role in sinusitis and found that it may reduce inflammation and congestion. Bromelain may also help the body produce less mucus and increase mucus drainage. According to the review, bromelain has shown an ability to reduce several sinusitis symptoms in a few small human trials.8
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Quercetin
Quercetin is a phytonutrient and flavonoid. It acts as an antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties. Due to these properties, researchers have studied quercetin to see if it could ease sinusitis.
In one such study, rats were induced with nasal and sinus inflammation. Some of the rats were given 80 mg/kg of intranasal quercetin for one week. Quercetin was found to reduce nasal inflammation in these rats, suggesting that the phytonutrient may work on humans as well (but more research is needed).9
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Vitamin C
Vitamin C, an antioxidant, seems to come up as an alternative for almost any respiratory illness or infection. And while there is no direct evidence that vitamin C will reduce sinus infection symptoms, plenty of research supports its use in other similar illnesses.
An extensive review of vitamin C concluded that the antioxidant has been proven effective in preventing various infections. Certain studies have also found vitamin C to shorten the course of the common cold (a risk factor for sinusitis). However, more research is needed on vitamin C for sinus infections.10
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Curcumin
Curcumin is a compound found in turmeric, a popular spice in Asia and India. Curcumin is a known anti-inflammatory agent and, thus, has been studied for its potential role in sinus infections.
While human trials on curcumin for sinus infections are scarce, animal and lab research has been performed. In one animal study, rats were induced with sinusitis and divided to be given a placebo, saline, antibiotics, or curcumin. The rats who were given curcumin showed signs of decreased inflammation and congestion, suggesting similar results may be possible in humans.11
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Ginseng
Sinusitis is a type of upper respiratory tract infection. Ginseng is a popular herb that is commonly used for both upper and lower respiratory tract infections in traditional Chinese medicine and other forms of alternative medicine.
A literature review found that various species of ginseng may have beneficial effects on respiratory tract infections like the common cold, the flu, COVID-19, and sinusitis. Per the review, Panax species of ginseng are rich in phytochemicals that are thought to have antioxidant and anti-oxidative stress properties. These properties may inhibit the formation of respiratory illnesses like sinusitis.12
Key takeaways
Sinus infections are a common illness experienced by more than 30 million Americans each year. The symptoms of a sinus infection can vary but typically include congestion, facial pain or pressure, and postnasal drip (among others).
In many cases, a sinus infection will go away on its own or with the help of simple practices like nasal irrigation or a steam bath. Sometimes, though, prescription medications are necessary.
Various supplements for sinus infections may also be able to help as well. These herbs and supplements may alleviate sinusitis symptoms or prevent the illness altogether. However, research is limited so it’s important to do additional research or talk to a healthcare provider before using these and other supplements for a sinus infection.
About Brittany Lubeck
Brittany Lubeck is a registered dietitian and nutrition writer. She has a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics, a Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition, and began her career as a clinical dietitian. Brittany has always enjoyed research and loves that she can help people learn more about nutrition through her writing.
Sources:
1. “Sinus Infection.” American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Acaai.org.
2. “Sinus Infection (Sinusitis).” Centers for Control and Prevention. Cdc.gov.
3. “Sinusitis.” American Academy of Family Physicians. Familydoctor.org.
4. Calatayud-Saez, M., B. Calatayud, & A. Calatayud. “Effects of the Traditional Mediterranean Diet in Childhood Recurrent Acute Rhinosinusitis.” Sinusitis 2 (2021): 101-115.
5. Cho, D.Y., R.C. Hunter, & V.R. Ramakrishnan. “The Microbiome and Chronic Rhinosinusitis.” Immunology and Allergy Clinics of North America 2, no. 40 (2020): 251-263.
6. Kingsland, James. “Friendly nasal bacteria may protect against sinusitis.” Medical News Today. Medicalnewstoday.com.
7. Skrobot, A., U. Demkow, & M. Wachowska. “Immunomodulatory Role of Vitamin D: A Review.” In: Pokorski, M. (eds) Current Trends in Immunity and Respiratory Infections. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology 1108 (2018): 13-23.
8. Chakraborty, A.J., S. Mitra, et al. “Bromelain a Potential Bioactive Compound: A Comprehensive Overview from a Pharmacological Perspective.” Life (Basel) 4, no. 11 (2021): 317.
9. Tiboc-Schnell, C.N., G.A. Filip, et al. “Quercetin attenuates naso-sinusal inflammation and inflammatory response in lungs and brain on an experimental model of acute rhinosinusitis in rats.” Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 4, no. 71 (2020).
10. Hemila, H. “Vitamin C and Infections.” Nutrients 4, no. 9 (2017): 339.
11. Birdane, L., C. Cingi, et al. “Evaluation of the efficacy of curcumin in experimentally induced acute sinusitis in rats.” Ear, Now & Throat Journal 12, no. 95 (2016): E21-E27.
12. Alsayari, A., A.B. Muhsinah, et al. “Pharmacological Efficacy of Ginseng against Respiratory Tract Infections.” Molecules 13, no. 26 (2021): 4095.