For the last couple of weeks, a sinus infection has been kicking my butt and not showing any signs of letting up. I have taken recommended medication, tried to rest, I am drinking plenty of fluids, and even doing breathing treatments with a nebulizer. Still, no improvement.
It was suggested that I try red light therapy for my sinus inflammation. When red light therapy is used to treat nasal symptoms, it is called rhinophototherapy. In fact, according to the National Institute of Health, “Rhinophototherapy has been used to treat both allergic rhinitis (AR) and chronic rhinosinusitis.
It has been suggested that rhinophototherapy could relieve the nasal symptoms of AR. One study has shown that after the nasal cavity was illuminated using a low-energy narrow-band red light three times a day for 14 days, the symptoms and endoscopic findings in patients with allergic rhinitis improved significantly.
When the mechanism of rhinophototherapy is not fully understood, a low-energy narrow-band light illumination has been claimed to have biochemical, cellular, histological, and functional effects. The heat generated by light illumination may alter the mucosal blood circulation in the nasal cavity.
It has been reported that rhinophototherapy has reduced nasal obstruction more successfully than an antihistamine nasal spray. Another report has also shown that rhinophototherapy could increase nasal inspiratory peak flow,”.
*Note: All content within this article is meant for informational purposes only and is in no way a replacement for professional medical or psychological advice or support. Seek immediate and appropriate care from a healthcare professional should you or a trusted loved one deem it necessary.
Can red light therapy help sinus infection?
Went to the doctors yesterday and found out that I have acute sinusitis, which is medical speak for “really bad sinus infection”. They prescribed me strong antibiotics, but I will be trying the rhinophototherapy method to see if I can speed up the recovery process of my inflamed sinus cavities. Thankfully, my gym membership includes unlimited red light therapy sessions.
The experts at The Sleep and Sinus Centers of Georgia report that, “While still considered experimental and not widely accepted as mainstream treatments, clinical observations and user reports indicate red light therapy may reduce sinus pressure, improve nasal breathing, and decrease infection episodes. Such therapies should complement rather than replace conventional medical care,”.
The Sleep and Sinus Centers of Georgia went on to further note key insights for improving sinus health through lighting, “To help optimize your home lighting for better sinus health, consider these evidence-based recommendations:
Minimize blue-white light exposure in the evening: Replace cool-white bulbs with warmer bulbs rated between 2700K and 3000K after sunset. Warm lighting supports melatonin production, fostering healthier sleep and immune function. For instance, switching your living room and bedroom lamps to warm LED or incandescent bulbs (noting incandescent bulbs are less energy-efficient and being phased out) can help.
Use warm, dim lighting after sunset: Amber or soft yellow bulbs create a calming atmosphere conducive to relaxation. Utilize table lamps or smart bulbs with adjustable brightness and color temperature to reduce physiological stress and sinus irritation.
Consider red or amber lighting in relaxation spaces: Low-intensity red or amber lights, especially in bedrooms, help preserve melatonin levels and may support sinus healing by promoting rest and tissue repair,”.
How cool is that to learn that I already instinctively do this with the lighting in my home!
Lighting for healing
We’ve talked about red light for sinus therapy; let’s see what other types of lighting are used for therapy and better health.
For example, because my sons and I have allergies, it is imperative to have the cleanest air possible in our home. Especially free from the potential growth of mold spores, as my sons also have asthma. Apparently, UV-C light (100-280 nm) effectively kills mold and prevents its growth by disrupting its DNA, rendering it unable to reproduce.
Notably, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found that, “If properly designed, ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) cleaners that use ultraviolet radiation from UV lamps may destroy indoor biological pollutants such as viruses, bacteria, and some molds that are growing on the moist interiors of HVAC surfaces (e.g., cooling coils, drain pans, or ductwork). But typical UVGI cleaners used in homes have limited effectiveness in killing bacteria and molds. Effective destruction of some viruses and most mold and bacterial spores usually requires much higher UV exposure than is provided in a typical home unit,”.
Research indicates that UV exposure for Mold spores (Aspergillus, Cladosporium) should be 100–440 mJ/cm².
Basic types of lighting are:
- Ambient lighting
- Task lighting
- Accent lighting
Other types of lighting with distinctive benefits include:
- Natural light: Our bodies are designed to process this type of light, and as a result, sunlight helps improve mood and overall health while stabilizing our circadian rhythms.
- Fluorescent light is usually in office settings and schools – bright and efficient, but harsh and causes eye strain.
- LED lighting is energy-efficient and produces less heat than other types of lighting.
- Incandescent light is what’s in a traditional light bulb and is not as energy efficient as LED or fluorescent bulbs, but it produces a warm, inviting light.
What’s really disturbing is the lighting they use in schools. Why they use this type of lighting is beyond me. The lightbulbs they use are incredibly bright, and after a while, they start to give kids headaches. Plus, the glare from the computer screen, which they stare at all day, is not good for their eyesight either.
More types of therapeutic light:
- Blue Light Therapy (400–470 nm): Targets skin-based bacteria, treats acne by reducing sebum production, and calms inflammation.
- Near-Infrared (NIR) Light (700 nm–1 mm): Penetrates deepest and is effective for chronic pain relief, muscle recovery, and joint healing.
- Green Light Therapy: Reduces hyperpigmentation, calms skin irritation, and brightens skin tone.
- Yellow/Amber Light Therapy: Enhances lymphatic drainage, reduces redness, and improves skin texture.
- Full Spectrum/White Light: Often used in light boxes to manage seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and improve mood by mimicking natural daylight.
How to use red light therapy for sinuses
In conclusion, whether you’re battling a sinus infection or simply looking to breathe easier at home, light therapy offers promising, low-risk support. Used alongside conventional treatment, red light and UV-C therapies may be quiet but powerful allies in your wellness toolkit.