Side Effects Of Corticosteroids
Many potential side effects can occur if steroid treatments are used for an extended period of time. Side effects are typically mild, such as weight gain, fluid retention, and increased blood pressure, but certain patients may develop more serious complications, including diabetes, osteoporosis, and muscle weakness. Steroids that are ingested through nasal sprays or inhalers can cause side effects such as cough, hoarseness, and fungal infections of the mouth.
Over The Counter Painkillers To Get Rid Of Sinus Headaches
Though the decongestants can reduce the swelling and improve the breathing through nostrils, it cannot reduce the pain. So, to reduce the pain, there are some over the counter painkillers that are best to get rid of sinus headaches fast. These include Ibuprofen, Aspirin, and Acetaminophen and Naproxem sodium. However, for these medicines as well, prolonged intake is not recommended. You must follow the label instructions for dosage and stop taking them altogether if it is already 10 days or as your doctor prescribes.
For pregnant women, aspirin and ibuprofen are not prescribed. They can take acetaminophen instead. However, one must consult a doctor before taking any over-the-counter medications since it may have major side effects on the pregnancy and the baby.
It must also be mentioned that many of the over the counter painkillers already contain decongestants. So, if you are taking decongestants separately, make sure that you control your dosage and avoid taking too much of it through two different medicines. Most of the over the counter pain relievers help in reducing inflammation along with the pain. So, if the cause of the sinus headache is inflammation, these medicines would be able to cure them as well.
Donât Miss: Sinus Allergies At The Beach
How Long Do Sinus Headaches Last
Viruses cause most sinus infections. A viral sinus infection typically resolves on its own. Similar to how the common cold clears up by itself, your sinus headache should feel better within about a week. If it doesnt go away, see your healthcare provider. You may have a bacterial or fungal sinus infection that requires medication.
You May Like: Puffy Under One Eye Sinus
Read Also: How To Get Rid Of A Sinus Migraine Headache
Neilmed Sinus Rinse Starter Kit
For effective removal of accumulated mucus, NeilMed Sinus Rinse Starter Kit can be an ideal product. This formulation allows users to achieve a deep rinse, cleaning out most of the accumulation to free out the airways. Whats more, the rinse also incorporates safe ingredients, making it a safe solution for users as young as 2 years of age.
The rinse is highly effective, providing relief from congestion for up to 6 hours after use. The only concern that some users have with the product is that it can be a hassle to use, especially when you are out or away from home.
Types Of Prescription And Otc Allergy Medications
Treating allergies can be difficult . From researching ingredients in scent-free lotion to keeping a journal of your symptoms it can feel overwhelming. But the truth is, you may need to try a different allergy medicine, or a combination of several, to find relief. Allergy medicine options include oral antihistamines, decongestants, combination drugs, corticosteroids, and other OTC allergy medications. While most OTC medicines can provide temporary relief, we also offer alternative options for long-term relief and allergy prevention with immunotherapy . Immunotherapy is a preventative approach to treating allergies by gradually increasing your tolerance to allergens through allergy shots or allergy drops.
Were here to make it easier for you to find the best allergy treatment that works for you. Here are the differences among several types of allergy treatments, including prescription and OTC allergy medicines, how they work, and what issues they alleviate.
Recommended Reading: Allergy And Sinus Medicine Non Drowsy
How Long Will It Take For My Allergy Medicine To Work
When youre experiencing allergy symptoms, you want to feel better and fast. But because each product works differently and treats specific symptoms, its important that you select the allergy medicine that will help you the most.
If youre looking for fast congestion relief, oral and nasal decongestants can start working in 15 to 30 minutes.
Antihistamines usually start working within 1 to 2 hours, depending on the product youre taking. You can also find antihistamine nasal sprays, like Astepro , that work in as little as 15 minutes.
Nasal steroids, on the other hand, take the longest to provide a benefit sometimes even a few weeks. Thats why theyre better for symptom prevention instead of treating symptoms as they happen.
Also Check: How To Tell A Migraine From A Sinus Headache
Allergy Relief Comes With Variety
Sams Club features more than five OTC allergy medicine brands online and in-store. We carry sinus relief medications, nasal irrigators, humidifiers, nasal strips and more to help you breathe better despite allergy flare-ups. Choosing your preferred product of choice as well as meeting any allergy need from which you are suffering is made easy with diversity. Whatever your needs, you can be sure to stock up your medicine cabinet with the best OTC allergy medicine for everyone in your household.
Also Check: Why Does My Sinus Smell Bad
Recommended Reading: Do You Get Medicine For A Sinus Infection
Five Ways To Relieve Sinus Pressure
The pain, facial pressure and congestion of sinus infections affect more than 26.9 million Americans roughly 11 percent of adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Most sinus infections, also called sinusitis, do not need to be treated with antibiotics, and will usually go away within 7-10 days.
One of the most annoying symptoms is the sinus pressure around the eyes, head and cheeks. Fortunately, there are several home remedies and medications that can help provide relief.
Recommended Reading: Migraines Caused By Sinus Problems
Best Nighttime Allergy Medicine: Benadryl Allergy Ultra Tabs
Type: Antihistamine
Active ingredient: Diphenhydramine
Dose frequency: Every 4â6 hours
Trying to get some shut-eye without waking up to a scratchy throat in the dead of night? Thereâs a solid chance that Benadryl can help. This household name is known not only for its allergy relief propertiesâcourtesy of diphenhydramine, an antihistamineâbut for causing marked drowsiness, which can be helpful if your allergy symptoms tend to keep you up at night.
Shop this and other Benadryl products:
- Active ingredient: Naphazoline, pheniramine maleate
- Dose frequency: Up to four times a day
Formerly known as VISINE-A, these antihistamine eye drops relieve both redness and irritation caused by allergies. Thatâs a more comprehensive package than youâll get with a lot of eye drops, since they often focus more on lubrication and redness relief than tackling allergic reactions directly.
Read Also: The Best Antibiotic For Sinus Infection
How Is A Sinus Headache Diagnosed
A sinus headache can sometimes be confused with a migraine or tension headache. If youve recently had a cold, allergies, or other symptoms that are usually associated with sinusitis that can indicate that your pain may be from a sinus headache. But if pain is your only symptom, its probably not a sinus headache.
If an underlying issue is causing your sinusitis and sinus headaches, your doctor may recommend more testing. For example, if allergies are causing your issues, allergy testing may be recommended.
What Is The Best Allergy Medication
The best choice of allergy medication is one which relieves symptoms without interfering with everyday tasks. Many allergy sufferers are finding that the newer, non-sedating antihistamines meet both these important parameters. It’s also important to find an allergy medication that can safely be used for the long term, since for many, allergies last an entire season if not the entire year. And finally, allergy medications should minimally react with other medications.
Don’t Miss: Things To Help With Sinus Drainage
Allergies And Their Symptoms
Allergies refer to a chronic condition involving an abnormal reaction to an ordinarily harmless substance called an allergen, according to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology. If that sounds vague, its because it isallergens and reactions to those allergens are incredibly wide-ranging.
Allergens can include aeroallergens , food allergens , animal dander, latex, certain medications and insect stings. Allergy skin tests are an efficient and accurate way of determining allergic sensitivities.
If youre allergic to a particular allergen, your body mistakes that otherwise harmless substance as a harmful intruder, triggering the immune system to produce immunoglobulin E antibodies in an effort to protect your body from the intruder. Those antibodies cause your cells to release histamine and other chemicals, thus resulting in an allergic reaction. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include:
- Itching
- Sneezing
- For food allergies: vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory symptoms or even anaphylaxis
For our ranking, we only included medications that treat symptoms of aeroallergens.
Can A Sinus Headache Be Prevented
- Good handwashing and hygienic practices can help prevent colds and upper respiratory infections.
- Smoking cessation can also decrease your risk of airway infections.
- For people with allergies, avoid allergic triggers to help prevent sinus infections.
- Keep the body well hydrated and humidify the air since these can help promote efficient drainage of fluids from the sinuses.
You May Like: What Is Used To Treat Sinus Infection
Don’t Miss: Best Daytime Sinus Cold Medicine
Can You Take Sinus Decongestants If You Have High Blood Pressure
Phenylephrine is not considered to be safe if you have high blood pressure. Sinus decongestants that contain pseudoephedrine may actually raise your blood pressure and counteract the blood pressure medication that youre on. If you have high blood pressure, you should speak with your doctor about which decongestant they recommend for you.
Is It Safe To Take Sinus Decongestants While Pregnant
It depends on the active ingredient. OTC pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine should only be used during pregnancy under your doctors supervision. They should not be used during the first trimester, only after, and even then, only with your doctors recommendation.
Talk with your doctor before using drugs containing these ingredients if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Research in animals has shown adverse effects on the fetus when the mother takes these drugs. There havent been enough studies with humans to be certain how the drug might affect the fetus. These drugs should only be used if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk.
You May Like: I Ve Had A Sinus Infection For 2 Months
Can You Take Sinus Decongestants With High Blood Pressure
Phenylephrine is not considered to be safe if you have high blood pressure. Sinus decongestants that contain pseudoephedrine may actually raise your blood pressure and counteract blood pressure medication that youre on. If you have high blood pressure, you should speak with your doctor about which decongestant they recommend for you.
Alternative Methods For Sinus Pressure Headache Relief
Fortunately, there are several different alternative treatments for sinus pressure and pain. Irrigating your sinuses with a saltwater mix can help alleviate irritation and inflammation caused by a lack of humidity. It can also help flush out the sinuses if you have been suffering from a cold or the flu. There are a variety of over-the-counter saline nasal sprays to try, or you can use an old-fashioned neti pot or a bulb syringe to do the job.
Warm and cold compresses can also offer relief. A warm compress over the nose and eyes can help loosen the mucous and alleviate pressure, and a cold compress can help resolve any excess inflammation. Start with a hot compress, and leave it on your face for about three minutes, then follow that with a cold compress for about 30 seconds. Alternate the compresses a total of three times and repeat four times a day.
Another way to relieve sinus pressure headaches is to add a bit of spice to your diet. Capsaicin, the ingredient that makes spicy food hot, also has anti-inflammatory properties. A bit of hot sauce in a bowl of soup or on your dinner can help loosen up the sinuses and allow them to drain.
Recommended Reading: How Can I Get Rid Of A Sinus Headache
Ear Pressure Causes And Treatments
Keith Alexander, MD is board-certified in Otolaryngology. He provides services in adult and pediatric ear, nose and throat disorders, and treats allergy and sinus patients of all ages. He specializes in functional and cosmetic nasal surgery, including rhinoplasty. Dr. Alexander can be reached at 278-1114.
Lexington Clinic is Central Kentuckys largest and oldest medical group. With 180+ providers in more than 30 specialties, we have been taking care of 600,000+ visits annually in the Lexington community since 1920.
1221 South Broadway
Xyzal Allergy Pills 24
- Relieve allergy symptoms when theyâre at their worst: taking xyzal at night prevents suffering in the morning when pollen is at its worst.
- Contains: one 80-count bottle of xyzal allergy pills, 24-hour allergy relief, original prescription strength.
- Starts working in one hour: xyzal gives you rapid relief from allergy symptoms, including sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, runny nose, itchy nose and throat.
- Take once for all-night, all-day relief: xyzal allergy provides 24-hour relief that is as effective at hour 24 as it is at hour 1.
- Maximum strength relief: xyzal is full prescription strength available without a prescription.
Recommended Reading: Whatâs The Best Thing To Do For A Sinus Infection
Don’t Miss: How Often Take Advil Cold And Sinus
Treatment For Allergy Headaches
If your allergy headaches persist, your allergist may recommend one or more of the following treatments to offer relief.
- Pain Relievers: Advil and Tylenol can offer short-term relief for sinus pain.
- Oral & Nasal Decongestants: Available in over the counter medications, these can treat nasal congestion and relieve pressure which causes sinus headaches.
- Antihistamines: Histamines are natural chemicals in your body responsible for your bodys response to allergens. Antihistamines help block these chemicals to reduce allergy symptoms. Both OTC and prescription antihistamines are available.
- Intranasal Corticosteroids: These medications are extremely effective at treating allergic rhinitis and help reduce sneezing, itching, nasal congestion, and runny nose.
- Immunotherapy : If you dont respond well to medications or experience side effects, allergy shots may be recommended by your allergist for a more permanent solution to an allergy problem.
If youre experiencing sinus headaches and pain due to allergies, speak with your allergist for treatment options. Contact the professionals at the Allergy & Asthma Specialists of North Florida to schedule an appointment today.
Seasonal Allergy Medicines For Kids
To combat symptoms, most allergists recommend starting with the simplest over-the-counter treatment and adding more medications as needed. “We want to keep children on the lowest amount of medication possible to control symptoms so they have the least possible side effects,” says Edith Schussler, M.D., a pediatric allergist at Weill Cornell Medicine, in New York City. Check out the best types of allergy medicines on the market today.
Recommended Reading: When To Call Doctor For Sinus Infection
Keep Sniffles And Itchy Eyes At Bay With These Options
Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the bestproducts, and articles are reviewed by healthcare professionals for medical accuracy. Youcan learn more about ourreview process here.We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.
Verywell Family / Sabring Jiang
From pets to pollen, allergies are the worst. Unfortunately, its often difficult to avoid the stuff youre allergic to. Who can resist an adorable puppy or a lovely stroll in the park? To get your watery eyes, runny nose, and all other symptoms under control, you need a reliable over-the-counter allergy medicine.
Even though there are dozens of options available to treat allergies, the various options can be overwhelming. Allergy medications may promise instant relief, but theyre not all the samesome may induce drowsiness, while others may only treat specific allergies. Take into consideration your individual symptoms, which may be treated best by specific ingredients or forms, from liquid and sprays to tablets.
Whether youre looking for natural ingredients or a non-drowsy pill that will keep you going throughout the day, these are the best OTC allergy medicines.
What To Look For When Buying Otc Sinus Decongestants
When youre figuring out which decongestant to buy, youll need to determine whats causing your congestion.
If its allergies, youll probably want a product that contains an antihistamine ingredient like diphenhydramine. Antihistamines target your bodys immune response to allergens like pollen. Antihistamines usually make the person taking them a bit drowsy, so keep in mind taking them at any time other than bedtime may have you needing a nap.
If you have cold or flu symptoms, you may be looking for a product that includes phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine. These ingredients work by shrinking your blood vessels, which can help you breathe more easily and reduce the symptoms of a sinus headache or a stuffy nose.
However, both of these ingredients can cause you to feel restless and can make it difficult to fall asleep. These types of drugs can also make you nauseous. Generally, phenylephrine may have fewer serious side effects than pseudoephedrine. You should always consult a doctor before taking these meds if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Some OTC sinus decongestant formulas include both antihistamines and decongestant ingredients, and some add pain relief ingredients such as ibuprofen to their formula. Its best to treat for symptoms that you have, not for additional symptoms that you dont have.
Treating your congestion with OTC products doesnt always provide relief. You should seek professional medical care if you experience any of the following:
Recommended Reading: How Long Does Advil Sinus Congestion And Pain Last
Zyrtec 24 Hr Childrens Allergy Syrup
This medicine is our #1 pick for your kids. If your child is dealing with allergies like sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, etc. you need something to act fast. Childrens Zyrtec is recommended for children 2 years old. According to parents, this medicine even has a kid-approved flavor.
Pros:
- Comes with a symptom-tracking app.
- Can be used for kids as young as 2 years old.
Cons:
- Might not work well for children with extreme allergies.
- Causes drowsiness in some children.