Are There Any Other Precautions Or Warnings For This Medication
Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.
What Is Advil Cold & Sinus
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug . Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant.
Advil Cold & Sinus is a combination medicine used to treat stuffy nose, sinus congestion, cough, and pain or fever caused by the common cold or flu.
Advil Cold & Sinus may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What Are Sinus Headaches
Real sinus headaches are almost always from a sinus infection. Sinus infections are common with 10% to 30% of the population experiencing at least one sinus infection each year.
Sinus infections are also known as sinusitis or rhinosinusitis. This occurs when the sinus becomes inflamed. Common symptoms include thick nasal mucous, blocked nose and facial pain. Sinus infections may be caused by an infection, allergy or air pollution. Most cases are due to viral infection. Infections are often transmitted through coughing, sneezing, kissing, contact with contaminated surfaces, food or water or contact with infected animals or pets.
To understand how sinus headaches are confused with migraine its important to know what migraine is.
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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.
What Gets Rid Of Sinus Pressure
Treatments at Home
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What Causes Sinus Pain
Sinuses are hollow spaces in your facial bones that are lined with membranes that secrete mucus. Sinus pain is often a result of inflammation that blocks mucus from draining and leads to pain.
Sinus swelling can follow viral illnesses, including the common cold, or it can be due to mucus production from allergies or breathing in polluted air that leads to irritation. It can also happen if there are nasal blockages due to abnormal growths called nasal polyps or structural abnormalities, such as a deviated septum, that make you prone to congestion.
How Does Advil Cold & Sinus Work To Treat A Sinus Infection
Advil Cold & Sinus is one of the most popular over-the-counter treatments for colds and sinus infections. The active ingredients, chlorpheniramine, ibuprofen and pseudoephedrine are found not only in Advil Cold & Sinus but also in its generic counterparts.
Advil Cold & Sinus works to reduce the inflammation of the sinus passages and the build-up of excess mucus. The medication decreases sinus congestion and difficulty breathing by reducing swelling of the nasal tissues that restrict your airways. Advil also acts as a general pain reliever to ease the discomfort of sinus pressure. You can find Advil Cold & Sinus at your local pharmacy.
When suffering from the pain of a sinus infection we often jump at the quickest and easiest over-the-counter medication. Before reaching for the box of Advil at the drugstore at the onset of sinus congestion, take care to read the facts below concerning side effects. Even if you are not at risk for the serious side effects, it is important to remain aware of the milder, more common things you might experience before using this medication.
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How Long Does It Take For Sinus Pressure To Go Away
Most sinus infections, also known as sinusitis, do not need antibiotic treatment and resolve within 7-10 days. However, those 7-10 days can be depressing. Sinus pressure around the eyes, ears, and cheeks is one of the most irritating symptoms.
When To Use Advil Allergy Sinus
Advil Allergy Sinus is a safe, non-prescription medication for the treatment of allergy symptoms. This medication should be used by people 12 years and older who are experiencing symptoms associated with hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies, including:
- runny nose
- itching of the nose or throat
- sneezing
- minor body aches and pains
- fever
Advil Allergy Sinus is available behind the pharmacy counter of your local drugstore or grocery store. As with all medications, make sure to read all directions to ensure the proper usage and if you have any concerns, consult your physician.
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I Know What It Is Now What
Once you understand the checklist youll have a much better idea of which category you fall into. Of course, youll want to confirm this with your doctor for an official diagnosis. If you think that you are one of the majority and that your sinus headaches are actually migraine then its time to see a headache specialist. The good news is that with good treatment and support from a specialist you can significantly improve your condition.
Many people with headaches and sinus complaints self-treat with over the counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen/paracetamol. In most cases, migraine-specific medication and personalized strategies are far more effective.
A range of treatment options are available depending on the severity and frequency of your headaches.
One of the most effective types of medicinal migraine treatments are called the triptans. Ninety-two percent of people from the SAMS study were candidates for triptans, but only 12% were using them.
Triptans require a doctors prescription and can be very useful if headaches are not very frequent. For more severe and frequently recurring cases there are preventative treatment options which help prevent attacks before they occur. There are medicinal and non medicinal preventives which you should explore with your doctor.
A word of caution: migraine overall is poorly managed.
Many people still havent been diagnosed. Fewer receive quality treatment.
IF YOU HAVE MIGRAINE DO THIS NEXT BEFORE THINGS GET WORSE
How Advil Cold & Sinus Works
Treatment Options
Many people attribute the stuffiness associated with the cold or the flu to an increase in mucus which blocks their airways. While it is true that increased mucus is a symptom of the common cold, it is not always what causes you to feel so stuffed up. Instead, the true source of nasal and sinus congestion is often caused by inflammation of the tissues throughout the nose and face. When the body identifies a virus it considers a threat, it springs to defense in various ways, one of which is by causing the airways within the nose and sinuses to swell and become inflamed.
Advil Cold & Sinus is a combination of pseudoephedrine and ibuprofen . The two work together to reduce nasal and sinus congestion caused by inflammation and lessen the pain associated with the common cold or the flu.
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Why Otc Pain Relievers Arent The Answer
As we said above, these treatments are only temporary and have to be taken for as long as you are suffering and then taken again when the sinus pain comes back. Its a vicious cycle. More importantly, pain relievers only treat the symptoms and not the actual cause of your suffering. Chronic sinusitis can be caused by a number of things, which in turn cause inflammation, pain and blockage. These causes include:
- Nasal polyps
What Is The Role Of Otc Medication For Sinus Pain
There are many different OTC medications available to relieve the common complaints of sinus pain and pressure, allergy problems, and nasal congestion. Most of these medications are combination products that associate either a pain reliever such as acetaminophen with a decongestant or an antihistamine. Knowledge of these products and of the probable cause of symptoms will help the consumer to decide which product is best suited to relieve the common symptoms associated with nasal or sinus inflammation.
OTC nasal medications are designed to reduce symptoms produced by the inflammation of nasal membranes and sinuses. The goals of OTC medications are to: reopen to nasal passages reduce nasal congestion relieve pain and pressure symptoms and reduce potential for complications. The medications come in several forms.
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Can You Have A Sinus Infection With Clear Snot
But, as Kao points out, you may have perfectly clear mucus and a horrible ear and sinus infection. If you have an infection, youll probably have other signs like congestion, fever, and pressure in your face overlying your sinuses, according to Johns.
How Can You Tell If You Have Chronic Sinusitis
Does it feel like your sinus infection just wont quit? If you experience at least two of the following for 12 weeks or more even though youve been treated it may be chronic sinusitis:
- A stuffed nose
- Discharge of mucus or postnasal drip
- Pain or pressure in your face
- Problems with smell
Chronic sinus infections can be triggered by colds but are typically caused by long-term inflammation. Sometimes, when treatments to control that inflammation fail, people with chronic sinusitis need surgery to drain their mucus.
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Pharmacist Tips For Ibuprofen/pseudoephedrine
Some people have a hard time sleeping after taking ibuprofen/pseudoephedrine because pseudoephedrine can cause insomnia. If you have a hard time falling asleep after taking this medication, take it earlier in the day and not too close to bedtime.
Stop using ibuprofen/pseudoephedrine and contact your provider if you have a fever that lasts more than 3 days, nasal congestion that lasts for more than 7 days, or if there is redness or swelling in a painful area. These might be signs of a serious infection or medical condition.
If you get nervous, dizzy, or can’t sleep, or if any new symptoms appear or your symptoms get worse, stop taking ibuprofen/pseudoephedrine. Contact your provider right away because these might be signs of a more serious medical condition.
Don’t start any new medications while taking ibuprofen/pseudoephedrine, especially other NSAIDs or decongestants, without talking to your provider or pharmacist first. Doing so can raise your risk of severe side effects, including stomach bleed, heart attack, stroke, or even death. Tell your provider or pharmacist about all the medications you’re taking to make sure ibuprofen/pseudoephedrine is safe for you.
Don’t take ibuprofen/pseudoephedrine if you’re taking or have taken an MAOI, such as selegiline or phenelzine , within the past 2 weeks. This combination can cause dangerous changes to your blood pressure. If you have taken an MAOI in the past 2 weeks, contact your provider for other options to treat your symptoms.
When Tylenol Or Advil Fails
If you dont get headache relief from a dose of Tylenol or an NSAID, you might want to consider a two-tablet dose of Excedrin Extra Strength. This medication contains a combination of drugs, including:
- Acetaminophen
- Aspirin
- Caffeine
For some people, a combination of pain relievers and caffeine may work better for treating tension-type headaches than a single pain reliever. That said, combined products may cause more side effects, such as stomach upset or dizziness, although these are generally mild and short-lived.
However, remember that Excedrin contains both aspirin and acetaminophen. So, be sure to stay within recommended daily limits, especially if you combine it with other types of medication.
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What Are The Side Effects Of Ibuprofen/pseudoephedrine
With any medication, there are risks and benefits. Even if the medication is working, you may experience some unwanted side effects.
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Heart attack: chest pain or tightness, pain that radiates up to your shoulder, arm, neck, or jaw
- Stroke: chest pain, trouble breathing, weakness in one part of your body or face, slurred speech, leg swelling
- Stomach bleeding: feeling faint, vomiting blood, bloody or dark stools, severe stomach pain or discomfort
- Allergic reactions: hives, rash, blisters, swelling of the lips or tongue, difficulty breathing, skin reddening
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your doctor know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Which Painkiller Should You Pick
So which pain med reigns supreme? While theres no right answer, these pointers can help you decide.
Fever
Most research suggest acetaminophen and ibuprofen have similar results in controlling fevers, so pick what works for you.
Stomach trouble
If you have a sensitive stomach or find that ibuprofen causes heartburn or nausea, give acetaminophen a whirl.
Period pains
Ibuprofen reduces your bodys production of prostaglandins. These are the chemicals that trigger the uterus to contract and start periods each month. Ibuprofen can ease menstrual cramps and may also make menstrual bleeding lighter.
Other meds
Both ibuprofen and acetaminophen can interact negatively with some prescription and over-the-counter drugs. If youre taking medication, talk to your provider doctor or pharmacist before reaching for the painkillers.
Persistent pain
If youre taking painkillers over several days, consider alternating ibuprofen and acetaminophen to lower the risk of side effects.
Kids
Both ibuprofen and acetaminophen can control pain in kids. But ibuprofen tends to work better as a fever reducer. Be sure to follow the dosage guidelines on the label for your little ones age and weight.
Whats the takeaway? When used responsibly, ibuprofen and acetaminophen are safe choices for turning down the dial on fever and pain. And isnt it good to have options?
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How Long Does A Sinus Headache Last And Do Sinus Headaches Go Away On Their Own
Sinus headaches caused by sinus infections can last up to two weeks or more, depending on the severity of your sinus infection. Although some sinus infections go away on their own, leaving a sinus infection untreated comes with potential complications, including the spread of the infection, loss of smell, and in extreme cases, meningitis and brain abscess.
What Are The Mild And More Common Side Effects Of Advil Cold & Sinus
All medications have side-effects. Consumers taking Advil Cold & Sinus potentially have a wide range of side effects. For example, the most common symptoms experienced by sinus sufferers after taking the medication include:
- Constipation
- Sudden changes in speech or vision
Of the above side effects, the most frequent are a rapid or irregular heartbeat, persistent drowsiness and severe vomiting. Contact your doctor if you feel the onset of any of these symptoms.
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Where Are The Sinuses Located
The sinuses are named according to their location in the skull bones:
- The frontal sinuses are located over the forehead, above the eyes on both sides.
- The maxillary sinuses are located over the cheek area, in the bone known as the maxilla, located under the eyes on both sides of the face.
- The ethmoid sinuses are located in the bone that divides the eyes and nose.
- The sphenoid sinuses are located in the sphenoid bone at the center of the skull, behind the eyes.
The sinuses are lined by mucous membranes that secrete fluid and are connected to the nasal cavity by small channels or ducts. The sinuses are sometimes collectively referred to as the paranasal sinuses because of their proximity to the nose.
Inflammation due to any cause can cause a buildup of fluid and increased sinus pressure, causing the typical symptoms of a sinus headache.
Can Advil Help Clogged Ears
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Also know, what is the best medicine for clogged ears?
Check the medicine cabinet.Try an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen, to ease an earache or pain from sinus pressure. Try a decongestant . Over-the-counter tablets or nasal sprays can ease sinus blockage which in turn can relieve clogged ears.
Secondly, how can I unclog my ear? Try dripping mineral, olive, or baby oil into your clogged ear. Warm two to three tablespoons of your oil of choice, but be careful not to make it too hot. Check it on your hand or wrist to make sure it’s a safe temperature and doesn’t irritate your skin. Then, use an eyedropper to put one to two drops in your ear.
Moreover, will ibuprofen help with fluid in ears?
Sinus congestionOTC pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help to relieve pain or swelling. Additionally, nasal irrigation with a neti pot may also help.
How do you open a blocked ear?
Try forcing a yawn several times until the ears pop open. Swallowing helps to activate the muscles that open the eustachian tube. Sipping water or sucking on hard candy can help to increase the need to swallow. If yawning and swallowing do not work, take a deep breath and pinch the nose shut.
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Why Treating Pain And Congestion Is The Best Choice
Because pain and congestion are important symptoms of a cold, it makes sense to take medication that actively minimizes the impact of both, like Advil Sinus Congestion & Pain that utilizes phenylephrine, an effective decongestant, in combination with ibuprofen, to relieve the pain that often accompanies nasal congestion. The decongestant reduces swelling, which allows the nasal and sinus airways to expand to their natural state and permits oxygen to resume its normal rate of flow. As a result, cold-sufferers may feel more clear-headed and experience less discomfort than they would by only taking one or the other.