Cough Medicine For Sinus Infection

What Other Symptoms Might You Have If You Have A Chronic Cough

Some symptoms can be more common and less likely to be serious, such as:

• A runny or stuffy nose.
• Post-nasal drip .
• Wheezing or shortness of breath.
• Heartburn.
• Sore throat or frequent throat clearing.
• Fever .

Other symptoms might be more serious, such as:

• Weight loss without any effort.
• Coughing up phlegm or blood.
• A hoarse voice that does not go away.
• A drenching overnight sweat.

Signs And Symptoms Of Sinus Infection Or Sinusitis

Causes And Risk Factors Of Sinus Infection

The terms sinus infection and sinusitis are often used interchangeably, but sinusitis simply refers to the inflammation of the sinuses, with or without an infection. The medical term for sinusitis is rhinosinusitis because the illness affects the mucous membranes in both the sinuses and nose. Sinus infections ultimately develop because of sinus and nasal blockages that result in sinus inflammation. There are several underlying causes of sinus blockage, including various environmental, anatomical, and genetic factors. But the most common cause of the blockage is inflammation or swelling of the nasal passages because of the common cold or allergies. when a blockage occurs, mucus fails to drain properly, increases in thickness, and fills the sinus spaces. The cilia also slow down their sweeping and cleaning, making it even harder for mucus to drain. When the mucus is unable to drain, it becomes the perfect medium for microbes to grow out of control and cause an infection.

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How To Use Cold

See also Warning section.

If you are using the over-the-counter product, read and follow all directions on the product package before taking this medication.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually every 4 to 6 hours as needed, or as directed by your doctor. Drink plenty of fluids when you use this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor. The fluid will help loosen the mucus in your lungs.

If you are using a liquid form, carefully measure your dose using a medication-measuring device or spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. For some liquid products, you may need to shake the bottle well before each dose. Check the directions on the product package.

The dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often than directed without your doctor’s approval. Improper use of this medication may result in serious harm .

Tell your doctor if your condition persists for more than 5 to 7 days, if it worsens, or if it occurs with rash, persistent headache, or fever lasting more than 3 days. These may be symptoms of a serious medical problem and should be checked by a doctor.

Lemon Juice Is Thought To Help Relieve Pain

A 2019 study found that lemon juice may be used as a treatment for sinus infection.

The study did not directly compare the effects of lemon juice and other types of juice on sinus infections. It did not find that lemon juice was more effective than other types of juice in treating sinus symptoms.

However, it did suggest that lemon juice has anti-inflammatory properties. This may help with the swelling and pain of sinus infections.

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Quick Dose: Is Post Nasal Drip Contagious

The lining of your throat and nasal passage produces mucus. This is your immune systemâs first line of defense. It traps intruders like bacteria and viruses in a thick, wet substance.

When you produce normal amounts of mucus, you do not notice it dripping down the back of your throat and into your stomach. When you produce more mucus, if the mucus is thicker than normal, or if your throat is more sensitive, you may feel the mucus as it trickles down the back of your throat.

And no, it is not always contagious.

Increased post nasal drip can be caused by many things including allergies, pregnancy, certain medications like some birth control and blood pressure medications, cold weather, dry air, foods and fumes from smoke or cleaning products, inhaled irritants, inflammation in the nose and sinuses, and acid reflux.

But, post nasal drip can also be a symptom of infections, such as influenza, the common cold, or other sinus infections. In these cases, it is not the post nasal drip itself that is contagious. Rather, it is the infection causing the post nasal drip that can be contagious.

Is Postnasal Drip A Symptom Of Covid

Postnasal drip is currently not listed as a specific COVID-19 symptom by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the World Health Organization . However, people with postnasal drip can have a few of the same symptoms as people with COVID-19, such as:

• Cough

• Nausea or vomiting

• Diarrhea

Remember everybody is different, so the symptoms from COVID-19 can vary from person to person. If you have been exposed to a person with COVID-19, or think you may be having symptoms of the virus, please contact your healthcare provider to get advice on what to do next.

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How Should I Treat My Sore Throat

How you treat your sore throat symptoms will depend on whats causing them. There is some overlap with how to manage a sore throat caused by post-nasal drip and one not caused by post-nasal drip. In both cases, you should avoid pollution and irritants , gargle with warm water and salt, and use a humidifier and/or HEPA filter.

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What Decongestants And Nasal Sprays Soothe Or Cure Sinus Infections Or Sinusitis

Taking decongestants and mucolytics orally may be helpful in assisting drainage of sinus infection.

The treatment of chronic forms of sinus infection requires longer courses of medications, such as Augmentin, and may require a sinus drainage procedure. This drainage typically requires a surgical operation to open the blocked sinus under general anesthesia. In general, antihistamines should be avoided unless it is felt that the sinusitis sinus infection is due to allergies, such as from pollens, dander, or other environmental causes.

It is likely that the use of a topical nasal steroid spray will help reduce swelling in the allergic individual without the drying that is caused by using antihistamines although both are occasionally used. Oral steroids may be prescribed to reduce acute inflammation and to help with chronic inflammation in cases with or without polyps and in allergic fungal sinusitis.

In many people, allergic sinusitis develops first, and later, bacterial infection occurs. For these individuals, early treatment of allergic sinusitis may prevent the development of secondary bacterial sinusitis.

In rare instances or in natural disasters, fungal infections may develop in debilitated people. Death rates of 50%-85% have been reported for patients with these sinus infections. Treatment relies on early diagnosis followed by immediate surgical debridement, antifungal drugs, , and stabilizing any underlying health problem such as diabetes.

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What Are Other Options For The Treatment Of Rhinitis And Post

Treatment can also be directed toward specific causes of rhinitis and post-nasal drip as outlined below.

Treatment of infection

The most common nasal infection is a viral infection known as âthe common cold.â The virus causes swelling of the nasal membranes and production of thick clear mucus. Symptoms usually last several days. If âa coldâ goes on for many days and is associated with yellow or green drainage, a secondary bacterial infection is suspected. Very few patients with a common cold from a virus will go on to have acute bacterial rhinosinusitis from sinus blockage and impaired sinus function. Sinus blockage can lead to acute sinusitis or chronic sinusitis , which can be characterized by nasal congestion, thick mucus, and facial or dental pain. From 4 to 12 weeks, the symptoms are classified as subacute sinusitis or recurrent acute sinusitis.

Symptomatic treatment often involves pain relief, decongestants, mucous thinning medications, saline rinses, and antihistamine therapy.

Reflux Medications

For rhinitis that is a result of acid reflux disease, antacids can help to neutralize acid contents, whereas other medications such as cimetidine , famotidine , omeprazole , esomeprazole can decrease stomach acid production. Non-pharmacological treatments include avoiding late evening meals and snacks and eliminating alcohol and caffeine. Elevating the head of the bed may help decrease reflux during sleep.

Surgery

How Is Sinusitis Diagnosed

Your healthcare provider will ask you a lot of questions in order to develop a detailed medical history and find out about your symptoms. They will also do a physical examination. During the exam, your care provider will check your ears, nose and throat for any swelling, draining or blockage. An endoscope may be used to look inside the nose. In some cases, you might be referred to an ear, nose and throat specialist. If you needed an imaging exam, your provider would order a computed tomography scan.

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Types Of Sinus Infection

A sinus infection can appear in four different ways. Each way is based on the timeframe of the infection and how persistent it is. The four types of sinus infection are:

• Acute sinusitis comes on suddenly and lasts less than four weeks.
• Subacute sinusitis comes on like acute sinusitis but resolves within 12 weeks.
• Chronic sinusitis happens when your symptoms persist longer than 12 weeks.
• Recurrent acute sinusitis is when you have four or more acute sinus infections lasting seven days each, in a one-year span.

If your sinus infection lasts for long periods of time without any relief, even with the use of over-the-counter medicine, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor.

Suffering From Chronic Sinus Infections Give Kaplan A Call

If this isnt your first time wondering whether or not a sinus infection can make you cough, it may be time to explore your treatment options. Whether you have recurring sinus infections or a chronic post nasal drip, we can help.

Dr. Michael Kaplan of Kaplan Sinus Relief has over two decades of experience helping Houstons with sinus-related issues, including sinus issues that affect the respiratory system, snoring, and sleep apnea. We offer a variety of safe and effective sinus treatment options and are considered leaders in balloon sinuplasty.

If youd like to learn more about these treatment options or simply find relief from a chronic sinus infection, give us a call or contact us online.

More Helpful Articles by Kaplan Sinus Relief:

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Natural Home Remedies For Chronic Sinus

A sinus infection occurs when the sinuses become inflamed and swell up because of a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection. The infection can be acute or chronic lying behind your eyebrows, behind your cheekbones, and between your eyes are your sinuses air-filled cavities lined with a mucous membrane that filters and humidifies the air you inhale. This membrane produces and circulates mucus into your sinus and nasal passages to help remove dust, particles, and microbes from the air that you breathe. Tiny hair-like cells called cilia sweep the mucus to the openings that lead to the back of your throat, allowing it to slide down into your stomach.

A Word About Antibiotics

So many patients call asking for antibiotics for a cold,usually when theyve had symptoms for several days. There are a few times whenantibiotics are appropriate, for instance, strep throat or sinus infectionscaused by bacteria. But antibiotics simply dont work against viruses thatcause the common cold. Overprescribing antibiotics for viral illnesses leads toantibiotic resistance, which means the bacteria grow stronger over time andbecome tougher to beat with antibiotics.If a doctor prescribes an antibiotic for cold symptoms, its usually a short,three-day round of drugs. The patient often feels better after finishing themedication but probably would have recovered in that timeframe anyway withoutthe drug.

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How Can Postnasal Drip Be Treated

Treatment options for postnasal drip will depend on the cause. Often the problem will clear up by itself without the need for medical treatment. Antihistamines and decongestants may be helpful in cases involving a viral infection, sinusitis or allergies, although decongestants are only suitable for short-term relief. Allergic symptoms can also be relieved using nasal sprays and steroid medications.

You can also use a humidifier or vaporiser to moisturise the air or try inhaling steam from a bowl or pan of hot water . By propping up your pillows to raise your head when sleeping at night, the mucus is less likely to sit in the back of your throat and cause further irritation.

To reduce postnasal drip triggered by allergies:

• Consider using anti-allergy covers to protect your pillows and mattress
• Wash all sheets, duvet covers, pillowcases and mattress covers in hot water
• Dust and vacuum often, using HEPA air filters in your vacuum cleaner

If the mucus has an unpleasant or unusual smell, you develop a fever or wheezing or if the symptoms last for more than 10 days, seek medical advice to rule out other causes such as a bacterial infection. Seek prompt medical advice if there is any blood within the mucus.

Common Symptoms And Signs Of Sinus Infections

Signs and symptoms of sinus infections depend upon the sinuses that are affected, and whether the sinus infection is acute or chronic.

Common Sinus Infection Symptoms and Signs

• Stuffy nose or congestion

5 Chronic Sinusitis Symptoms

Chronic sinusitis may have many of the same symptoms as acute sinusitis, but the symptoms last longer or are more severe. In addition, people with chronic sinusitis may also experience multiple symptoms, for example:

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Schedule An Appointment With Independence Ear Nose & Throat

At Independence Ear, Nose & Throat, we have the expertise and experience to diagnose your symptoms and prescribe the proper ear, nose, & throat treatment to make your life easier. All you have to do is call us today at 772-888-1880, and well book you an appointment with one of our hearing health professionals.

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Untreated Sinus Infection Risks

Sinus infections often start to improve on their own after about 10 days. If your symptoms last longer without improving or if they worsen, a doctor may need to treat the underlying cause of the infection.

If a sinus infection affects a sinus cavity close to the brain, it can spread to the brain if left untreated. Though rare, an infection can also pass into the eye socket and cause vision changes or blindness. These types of infections are more common in kids.

While uncommon, a serious fungal sinus infection left untreated may pass into the bones.

Make an appointment with a doctor if you have severe symptoms, or if the following symptoms last longer than 10 days or keep coming back:

• fever
• congestion
• facial pain

Because the cause of your sinus infection can affect your treatment options, its important to see a doctor for a diagnosis. The Healthline FindCare tool can provide options in your area if youre looking for a doctor.

If you believe you have chronic or recurring sinusitis, consider asking for a referral to an otolaryngologist, also known as an ear, nose, and throat specialist. You may need imaging and other tests to determine the cause of your symptoms.

An ENT specialist can take a culture of nose drainage to better understand the cause of an infection. The ENT specialist can also examine the sinuses more closely and look for any problem in the structure of the nasal passages that could lead to chronic sinus problems.

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Pain Tenderness Or Pressure Around The Face

Some people believe that our sinuses are only in the nose. However, these sacs spread out around the entire nasal area and cover the space from the lower forehead all the way to the front of the cheekbones.

Because they cover a good portion of the face, you could feel pain all over this area. As mucus accumulates in the nasal passages, it may push on your nerves. As a result, you may feel tenderness, pressure, or heaviness in your face.

Sinus Infection Symptoms Vs Covid

COVID-19 shares many of the same symptoms as a sinus infection, making it difficult for you to determine whether you have a sinus infection or COVID.

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by an infectious virus, while a sinus infection results from inflammation of the nasal passages. COVID-19 also has far more symptoms than a sinus infection.

Additional symptoms of COVID-19 include:

• Fever and chills
• Bluish tint to the lips and face
• Loss of smell and/or taste that occurs without congestion
• Pink eye, characterized by irritation, redness, and itching of the eyes puffy eyes eye discharge sensitivity to light
• Gastrointestinal upset
• Chest pain

COVID-19 produces a dry cough without mucus, while a sinus infection produces a wet cough with mucus. COVID-19 and a sinus infection can both cause shortness of breath, though, with a sinus infection, this symptom is usually only present in severe cases.

The pain produced by a sinus infection generally presents in your head, such as throughout your cheeks, brow, and forehead. In contrast, COVID-19 causes all-over body aches, chest pain, and a wide range of gastrointestinal problems.

Cases of acute sinusitis typically last less than four weeks, while chronic sinusitis lasts for at least 12 weeks or longer and recurs often. Symptoms of COVID-19 usually appear within two to 14 days of exposure to the virus and resolve within two weeks.

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