Best Over The Counter Medicine For Sinus Infection And Cough

How Can You Tell If You Have An Acute Sinus Infection

Its tempting to label every nasal issue as a sinus infection, but thats not always the case. Common symptoms of acute sinusitis include:

• Headaches and sometimes, toothaches
• Fever
• Halitosis

Many people believe that green snot means you have a bacterial sinus infection, curable only with antibiotics. Not true. Sage-colored mucus is common with viral infections and allergies and can happen when snot sits in your face for a while before being expelled.

A trip to your doctor may be necessary if you have a bacterial infection, but it can often be difficult to distinguish between that and a viral infection. If your symptoms last longer than 10 days or improve before worsening again, call your HCP.

If you suddenly experience any of these symptoms, its a sign to seek medical attention immediately, even if theyve been present for fewer than seven days:

• Abrupt vision changes
• Continual high fever

Best Medicines For Chest Congestion 2020

Congestion throughout the sinus is one thing, but congestion in the chest is a completely different problem. Giving you a heavy feeling when you breathe and a chesty quality to your cough, chest congestion can make anyone feel weak. However, for as difficult and tiring as chest congestion might feel, it is one of the most common symptoms of the common cold and flu.

Luckily, no one has to suffer through the pains of chest congestion, especially these days when affordable and accessible remedies are available. Of course, it is easy to be able to simply walk into a drugstore and ask for the best medicine for chest congestion, but choosing can be difficult with so many options available. How do you know which is the right one?

Find out how to choose the best chest decongestant by taking cues from this helpful buying guide.

What Else We Recommend

• Ricola Original Herb : While Ricola products do the trick, the herbaceous taste and fragrance can be off-putting. These are worth a try if you don’t mind an earthy, medicinal taste .
• Halls Cough Drops : Halls products use cooling menthol to soothe your throat and nasal passages. These are widely available products and very affordable.

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Fever Aches And Sore Throat

These symptoms are usually mild with a cold compared to a more serious illness, like the flu. Still, if you feel bad and canât rest, most experts agree itâs OK to take something to ease pain and lower a fever, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Fever may be a good thing. It helps the body fight off infection by suppressing the growth of bacteria and viruses and activating the immune system. Doctors no longer recommend fighting fever for most people, except perhaps for the very young, the very old, and those with certain medical conditions such as heart disease or lung disease. But if youâre uncomfortable, it’s fine to take these medications.

Young people , however, should avoid aspirin. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are best. Each type of medicine has risks, so check with your doctor or pharmacist as to which type of pain reliever or fever reducer is best for you.

Drinking lots of fluids and using salt water gargles can often ease the pain of a sore throat. Some oral medications and medicated lozenges and gargles can also temporarily soothe a sore throat. Check with your doctor before using any medications, including over-the-counter drugs, and don’t use lozenges or gargles for more than a few days. The drugs could mask signs of strep throat, a bacterial infection that should be treated with antibiotics.

What To Do About Your Stuffy Nose And Congestion

• Frequently Asked Questions

A stuffy nose can be an annoying condition that can linger for days or even weeks. There are many underlying causes for a stuffy nose , but, contrary to popular belief, the nostrils are not clogged by mucus.

This article explores the causes of a stuffy nose and the various drug and non-drug treatments. It also explains when to call a doctor if the symptoms persist or are a sign of something more serious.

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Who Shouldnt Take Decongestants

Dont take decongestants if you have high blood pressure that isnt controlled. Taking decongestants can raise your blood pressure even if it is controlled or nearly normal. You may need to look for an alternative to decongestants.

Talk to your doctor before using a decongestant if you have any of the following health problems:

• Prostate problems
• Thyroid problems

Dont give decongestants to children younger than 6 years of age. Instead, there are other ways you can treat their symptoms:

• For very young children, use a bulb syringe to remove mucus from their noses.
• Use saline spray or drops to help loosen mucus.
• Use a cool-mist humidifier. Place it in the childs bedroom. The moisture created by the humidifier will help your childs nose and throat not feel so dry.
• Use ibuprofen or acetaminophen to lower a fever. However, always talk to your doctor before giving your child any medicine.

Sinus Infection Medications: Medicines That Help Treat Sinusitis

Sydney Garrow

Sydney Garrow

Sydney is a contributing health writer and editor who enjoys shedding light on health topics, making information available to anyone who wants it, and ending stigmas or lack of access to care and treatment.

Certified by

Po-Chang Hsu, M.D.

Po-Chang Hsu, M.D.

Dr. Hsu received his medical degree from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts, and holds a Masters of Science degree from both Harvard University and Tufts University. Outside of the medical profession, Dr. Hsu loves to write, learn new languages, and travel.

7 minutes

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Help For Sinus When I Have High Blood Pressure

Many people suffer from sinus trouble, whether it is a temporary sinus problem or chronic sinusitis. Sinus congestion can cause breathing difficulties, and the extreme congestion leads to sinus headache. Prolonged sinus congestion can lead to sinus infections. There are treatments for congested sinuses, but if you have high blood pressure you must be careful about which treatments you use, as some may actually raise blood pressure.

If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.

Can A Sinus Infection Cause Tooth Pain

Yes, toothaches are an extremely common symptom of a sinus infection.

A sinus infection is accompanied by many different side effects, one of which may be tooth pain. Sinuses are hollow cavities in the skull which allow dust and mucus to drain from the nose to the back of the throat.

When your sinuses become inflamed, your mucous membranes begin to swell and trap dust particles. This disrupts the normal flow of mucus, which can create pressure in the face and sinus region. Depending on which sinus cavity is infected, you may have variations in symptoms and the location of the pain.

Tooth pain is a side effect of sinusitis due to the pressure on nasal cavities, which are very close to the upper rear teeth in your mouth. The maxillary sinus, located behind the cheekbones, is especially close to the roots of your top molar teeth. The pressure from mucus blockage in this sinus can disturb the nerves that go through the roots of the molar, causing a toothache.

Typically, pain is felt in multiple teeth as a dull ache or throbbing pain, like something is exerting a strong force down on your teeth. This can lead to sensitivity when eating and chewing, as well.

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The Right Way To Treat A Sinus Infection

5 min Read Time

Your head is throbbing, especially around your eyes. You cant stop coughing, and for some reason, your breath is terrible. Blowing your nose is a mess.

Bad news: You could have a sinus infection. Most frequently triggered by the common cold, over 30 million American adults are diagnosed with sinusitis yearly.

So, what exactly are sinus infections? How can you tell if you have one? And holy cow how can you feel better as quickly as possible?

What Are Some Other Side Effects Of Coricidin D Cold/flu/sinus

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Not able to sleep.
• Feeling sleepy.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

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To Relieve A Sore Throat Fever Headache Or Muscle Aches

Examples: Motrin Tablets Advil Caplets Aspirin Original Strength Tylenol Regular Strength Tablets

How they work: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , which include ibuprofen and acetylsalicylic acid , work by preventing the formation of prostaglandins, the chemicals in the body that promote pain, inflammation, and fever. Acetaminophen, found in Tylenol, behaves slightly differently it targets the part of the brain that perceives pain and controls body temperature. Both types are equally effective, says Kalyn, so its just a matter of balancing the benefits versus the risks.

NSAIDs will reduce symptoms for six to eight hours compared to four to six for acetaminophen, so NSAIDs can be more beneficial if you need help sleeping through the night.

Need to know: Follow package directions for dosing. The most common adverse effect with NSAIDs is stomach discomfort, so take them with food, says Kalyn. Avoid NSAIDs if you have high blood pressure, a heart, liver or kidney condition, or stomach issues such as heartburn. NSAIDs can increase the risk of ulcers, internal bleeding and damage to the heart, liver, and kidneys. Aspirin should not be taken by those on blood thinners and has been linked to Reyes syndrome, so it should not be given to people age 18 and under. Avoid Tylenol if you have liver or kidney disease.

Try: Motrin Liquid Gels, $20, well.ca

How Can I Safely Take Otc Decongestants

Before you take OTC decongestants, read the directions on the drug facts label. It will tell you how much medicine to take and how often to take it. If you have any questions, call your doctor.

Follow these tips to make sure youre taking the right amount of medicine:

• Take only the amount shown on the medicines label. Dont assume more medicine will work better or quicker. Taking more than the recommended amount can be dangerous.
• If youre taking a prescription medicine, ask your doctor if its okay to also take an OTC decongestant.
• Dont use more than 1 OTC decongestant medicine at a time unless your doctor says its okay. Multiple medicines may have similar active ingredients that add up to be too much medicine.

If using a liquid decongestant, use the measuring spoon that came with the medicine. This spoon is the right size for the dose you need. Dont use a kitchen spoon.

When using decongestants, keep a record of the OTC medicines youre using and when you take them. If you need to go to the doctor, take this list with you.

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Best Cough Medicine For Chesty Coughs

A chesty cough occurs as a result of too much mucus being produced, which may be thick and difficult to cough up. Using medicines containing active ingredients such as guaifenesin, ipecacuanha, ammonium chloride and squill can help to break up any excess mucus that may have accumulated. These ingredients are known as expectorants.

Where Are Your Sinusesand What Is Sinus Pressure

When it comes to sinus pressure, itâs essentially swelling in your sinuses in response to three different scenarios: a pressure change between the air inside your sinuses and the air outside your sinuses , when irritants invade your sinuses , or when you have an anatomical issue .

Unfortunately, you canât cater your sinus pain treatments to whatâs causing itbut the good news is that most available remedies can work to reduce inflammation and swelling in your sinuses regardless of whatâs causing it. Hereâs a guide, according to doctors, on the best ways to treat sinus pain so you can start feeling better ASAP.

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What Home Remedies Can Help Relieve Sinus Congestion

When your nose is stuffy and congested, you can keep your nasal passages and sinuses moist by:

• Using a humidifier or vaporizer
• Inhaling steam from a hot shower or pot of hot water
• Drinking plenty of fluids to thin out the mucus
• Using a saline nasal spray to keep your nasal passages from drying out
• Applying a warm, wet towel to your face to help open up your sinuses
• Avoiding chlorinated pools
• Trying a neti pot or nasal irrigator to flush out the sinuses
• Keeping your head elevated when lying down
• Avoiding blowing your nose too forcefully, which can force the mucus into your ears or other parts of the sinuses
• Applying eucalyptus oil to a tissue paper and sleeping next to it or adding it to hot water and inhaling the steam

How Can I Safely Store Otc Decongestants

Store all medicines up and away, out of reach and sight of young children. Keep medicines in a cool, dry place. This helps prevent them from becoming less effective before their expiration dates. Dont store medicines in bathrooms, including in bathroom cabinets. These locations are often hot and humid.

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Common Antibiotics For Sinus Infections

Antibiotics may be prescribed when symptoms of a sinus infection warrant such treatment. Common antibiotics for sinus infection include:

• Zithromax
• Levaquin : Although this drug is often prescribed as a first line of therapy for sinusitis, it has serious side effects and should only be used as a last resort.

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When It Comes And When It Goes

If you have allergies, youll start feeling symptoms soon after you come into contact with the stuff youre allergic to. Your symptoms keep up as long as youre still surrounded by those triggers.

Allergies can happen any time of year. They may be seasonal, which means you get them only in the spring or fall. Or they may be year-round. For instance, you might be allergic to pets or mold, which can be a problem no matter the season.

Sinusitis usually happens after youve had a cold or allergies. But certain symptoms will keep going, even after your cold goes away. Youll probably have a stuffy nose and cough for more than a week or two.

You may hear your doctor talk about two kinds of sinusitis: acute and chronic. Theres a simple way to tell them apart. If your symptoms last less than 4 weeks, its acute. If they go on for 3 months or longer, you have chronic sinusitis.

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What Are The Symptoms Of Sinusitis

Sinusitis symptoms are very similar to that of common cold or flu, and you may even develop the condition after a cold. The area where you feel pressure and pain will depend upon which sinuses have been affected, for example you may feel more pain behind your eyes or in your forehead.

Sinus infection symptoms include:

• Pain or tenderness around your eyes, forehead or cheeks
• Tiredness
• A shooting pain in your nose and forehead when you tilt your head

Young children who have sinusitis may become irritable, find it difficult to feed and breathe through their mouth. Your child may also have a cough and a stuffy nose that makes their voice sound more nasal than usual.

Otc Medicine For Sinus Congestion

When your sinuses become inflamed and congested, this means that the tiny, air-filled spaces that are connected to your nasal cavity have been blocked or are unable to drain normally. This buildup of mucus then causes a feeling of pressure or fullness in your forehead, eyes, or jaw. Luckily, OTC medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can alleviate pain caused by the pressure buildup.

Here are the most common types of OTC medication for sinus congestion:

1. Decongestant: Nasal decongestants are available in tablets, liquids, and nasal sprays and work by reducing blood flow to the sinuses, ultimately reducing nasal swelling and inflammation. Popular nasal decongestants include:

• Phenylephrine with brand names Sudafed PE, Vicks Sinex, and Pretz-D.
• Pseudoephedrine with brand names Sudafed, Dimetapp Decongestant, and 12 Hour Cold Maximum Strength.

2. Pain reliever: There are two main categories of pain relievers:

3. Antihistamines: Antihistamines are commonly used to treat allergies, but they can be used to treat stomach problems and the common cold among other ailments. Antihistamines work by blocking the effects of histamine, which your immune system releases to protect against foreign invasions. Histamines cause symptoms like inflammation, congestion, a runny nose, and sneezing. So antihistamines are designed to alleviate those symptoms. Popular antihistamines include cetirizine and fexofenadine .

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All Medicines Aren’t The Same

The role of cough medicine is to ease symptoms while your body heals.

As a glance at the drugstore shelves will show you, there are many, many brands of OTC cough medicines. But there are only three basic types:

Expectorants help thin mucus, making it easier to cough up. The ingredient guaifenesin is the only expectorant in the U.S., so look for it on the label if you need an expectorant.

Suppressants help cut the number of times you cough. The active ingredient listed is usually dextromethorphan . Other cough suppressants include camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol.

Combination cough products have more than one active ingredient. They have both guaifenesin and dextromethorphan. Cough medicines may also contain ingredients to help coat and soothe the throat.

Combination products may have medicines to ease other symptoms, that may include for stuffy nose, antihistamines for allergies or a runny nose, or painkillers. Choose a medicine that matches your symptoms.

Cough drops can also help relieve a cough and may ease a sore throat.