Friday, April 12, 2024

Does Vicks Help With Sinus Infection

How To Use Vicks Nyquil Sinus Capsule

Steam clean your sinuses using a Vicks Vaporizer

See also Warning section.

If you are taking the over-the-counter product, read and follow all directions on the package label. If your doctor has prescribed this medication for you, take as directed by your doctor. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food or as directed by your doctor. If stomach upset occurs, it may help to take this medication with food or milk. 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 the liquid form of this medication, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. If your liquid form is a suspension, shake the bottle well before each dose.

If you are taking the extended-release capsules, swallow them whole. Do not crush or chew extended-release capsules or tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Also, do not split extended-release tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing.

If you are taking the chewable form of this medication, chew it thoroughly before swallowing.

How To Relieve Sinus And Nasal Congestion

  • Give yourself a sinus relief massage.
  • You can use your fingers to gently massage your sinuses to get nasal congestion relief. For example, place your index fingers on both sides of your nose where the nose and cheek meet , and apply moderate pressure for 2 to 3 minutes. You can also use your index fingers to apply pressure on the bridge of your nose, right between your eyebrows hold for 2 to 3 minutes. This sinus massage will bring comfort to your nasal passages.

  • Irrigate your sinuses.
  • Flushing out your sinuses with salt water can help clear out mucus and other irritants and reduce inflammation of the mucous membrane, resulting in better drainage. This can be done with a neti pot, syringe or various other products that can be found in drug stores. When using a nasal rinse, be sure to use sterile or previously boiled water, and rinse and dry the device thoroughly after each use.

  • Take a decongestant.
  • Over-the-counter nasal decongestants reduce blood flow to the nasal membranes, which decreases swelling and congestion. They can help open up your nasal passages and decrease pressure in your sinuses. For fast relief, try Sinex⢠Severe All-in-One Sinus Liquicapsâthe non-drowsy formula contains a powerful pain reliever and phenylephrine, a safe and effective decongestant.

  • Try a nasal spray.
  • Can Saline Spray Help With Your Sinus Infection

    Posted on by Coastal Ear, Nose & Throatin Sinusitis

    Facial pressure and pain, pounding headaches, and congestion are all typical hallmarks of a sinus infection, which is also known as sinusitis. There are many treatments available both OTC and by prescription, but how exactly does saline spray help sinus infections?

    Recommended Reading: Can Flonase Help A Sinus Infection

    Which Medications Help Drain The Sinuses

    Home remedies that open and hydrate the sinuses may promote drainage. Please refer to home remedies for information about how to:

    • Increase daily fluids
    • Take expectorants and pain relievers
    • Irrigate the sinuses with saline

    If environmental allergies cause sinusitis, antihistamines may help reduce swelling of the mucous membranes. Allergens stimulate white blood cells in the blood and tissues to release histamine into the circulation, which causes nasal congestion.

    • Some of the older sedating OTC antihistamines are no longer recommended because they tend to dry out and thicken the mucus, making drainage more difficult.
    • Non-sedating antihistamines such as fexofenadine , cetirizine , levocetirizine , loratadine , or desloratadine do not seem to dry out the mucosa. If nasal congestion is severe, a decongestant can be added .

    Sinus Infection Vs Covid

    Nyquil For Sinus Infection

    Some sinus infection and COVID-19 symptoms may overlap. Both illnesses can cause a fever, headaches, nasal congestion, fatigue or a sore throat. Symptoms unique to COVID-19 include body aches, nausea, shortness of breath and vomiting. Learn the difference between the cold, flu and COVID-19 based on your symptoms.

    You May Like: What Antibiotic Is Prescribed For Sinus Infection

    What Causes Chronic Sinus Infection

    Multiple factors acting together usually contribute to chronic sinusitis.

    People with allergies are more prone to develop chronic sinusitis. About one in five people with chronic sinusitis also have asthma. This is because the linings of your nose and sinuses are in continuation with the linings of your lungs. These people are also likely to have nasal polyps .

    A bacterial or viral infection can also trigger the condition. The infection is often low grade. The bacteria confine themselves in stubborn biofilms, making it difficult for your immune system or antibiotics to find and attack them.

    An overlap of additional factors such as smoking, environmental pollutants, and deviated septum, further complicate the picture of chronic sinusitis.

    It would be more appropriate to say that if youre already prone to allergies and nasal polyps, it becomes easier for harmful bugs, especially fungi to penetrate your sinuses. Likewise, a weak immune system makes you more susceptible to catch bacterial, viral, or fungal sinus infection.

    A sinus that is inflamed and swollen can no longer sweep away the excess mucus and harmful agents due to the blockage of tiny hairs that facilitate this function.

    Recommended Reading: What Antibiotic To Use For Sinus Infection

    Do These Things Work For Kids

    Sinus infections make everyone miserable, children as well as adults!

    Most of the tips above also work for kids, but antihistamines arent recommended for young children.

    Young children cant blow their noses well, so helping them thin and clear the mucus from their nose is beneficial.

    A nasal aspirator or a product like the Nose Frida can be a lifesaver in helping young children breathe through their nose.

    A warm bath can help clear the sinuses and take a childs mind off their illness.

    Kids are often fascinated by the condensation that forms on surfaces in a steamy room. To occupy them while a hot shower runs in the bathroom, try tracing pictures with them on the mirror!

    Also Check: Does Advil Relieve Sinus Pressure

    Symptoms Of A Sinus Infection

    The primary symptoms of a sinus infection could be initially mistaken for the common cold, including a stuffed up nose and a decrease in your senses of taste and smell. However, other symptoms such as pain or pressure around the sinuses, achy teeth, and thick yellow or green mucus indicate that your cold has progressed into a sinus infection. Additionally, cold symptoms that last longer than a week may be a sign you have sinusitis. Other symptoms associated with a sinus infection include:

    • Headache
    • Phlegm-producing cough or a cough that gets worse at night

    Inhale Diffused Eucalyptus Oil

    Vicks Vaporub Steaming, Best Remedy For Sinus Infection (Watch The Video)

    Eucalyptus oil has a strong odor that often helps patients find instant relief from sinusitis. Research has found that cineole, the main ingredient in eucalyptus oil, helps people recover from sinus infections more quickly than those who dont use eucalyptus oil. You can inhale eucalyptus oil through a diffuser, or rub some on your temples and chest to open your breathing passages. You can even use food-grade eucalyptus oil and place a drop on the roof of your mouth.

    Recommended Reading: Can You Take Tylenol Cold And Sinus While Pregnant

    What Is The Function Of The Sinuses

    The human skull contains four major pairs of hollow air-filled cavities called sinuses. These are connected to the space between the nostrils and the nasal passage . Sinuses help insulate the skull, reduce its weight, and allow the voice to resonate within it. The four major pairs of sinuses are:

  • Frontal sinuses
  • Maxillary sinuses
  • Ethmoid sinuses
  • Sphenoid sinuses
  • The sinuses contain defenses against viruses and bacteria . The sinuses are covered with a mucous layer and cells that contain tiny hairs on their surface that help trap and propel bacteria and pollutants outward.

    Acute sinusitis typically lasts less than eight weeks or occurs no more than three times per year with each episode lasting no longer than 10 days. Medications are generally effective against acute sinusitis. Successful treatment counteracts damage done to the mucous lining of the sinuses and surrounding bone of the skull.

    Chronic or recurring sinusitis lasts longer than eight weeks or occurs more than four times per year, with symptoms usually lasting more than 20 days.

    Should You Have Sinus Surgery

    Chronic sinus problems can be linked to problems with your nasal passages, such as nasal polyps or a deviated septum. If there is a specific structural issue that is causing your chronic sinusitis or sinus headaches then an ENT specialist may be able to correct it surgically. In order to find out if sinus surgery is a good idea, youll need to be assessed by an ENT specialist. The doctor will check that surgery is possible and then discuss the risks and benefits with you in detail. Having the procedure could permanently improve your breathing and prevent sinus problems.

    Recommended Reading: How Long Until Sinus Infection Goes Away

    Vicks Versus The Virus

    MIT Medical answers your COVID-19 questions. Got a question about COVID-19? Send it to us at , and well do our best to provide an answer.

    Ive heard that putting Vicks VapoRub under your nostrils helps to keep germs out. Is this something that might help to keep someone from getting infected with COVID19?

    This is a great question! Alas, like so many things in life, theres a kernel of truth in this rumor, but it wont work in practice and could actually make you very sick.

    The active ingredients in Vicks VapoRub are camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol, which work together to suppress coughs and produce a warming sensation on the skin that is soothing when youre sick. In fact, VapoRub catapulted to popularity during the pandemic flu of 1918 and has been a popular over-the-counter remedy for respiratory illnesses ever since.

    If youre feeling ill from any respiratory ailment, using VapoRub on your chest or in a vaporizer may soothe your symptoms. Your healthcare provider can also advise you on other methods to soothe congestion and body aches. But if youre looking for good ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19, we would suggest that you put down the Vicks, and reach for the hand soap instead.

    This news story has not been updated since the date shown. Information contained in this story may be outdated. For current information about MIT Medicals services, please see relevant areas of the MIT Medical website.

    How Do You Get Rid Of A Sinus Infection Naturally

    Sinex Severe with Vicks Vapocool Nighttime Congestion Relief Liquid ...

    If youre wondering how you can clear your sinuses without the use of medication, then there are remedies that you can try. As with common colds and infections, you should get plenty of rest and make sure that you stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. You can also try to soothe the swelling and open your sinuses by holding a clean and warm flannel over your face. Make sure that you use clean water to dampen the flannel and then hold the flannel over your face for a few minutes you can do this as many times as day as you need.

    Inhaling steam can also help to clear your sinuses, although children should not do this as they can be at risk of being scalded by the hot steam.

  • You can either fill a bowl or your sink with hot water
  • Then youll need to hold your head above the water.
  • Taking deep breaths breathe in the steam.
  • If you want to intensify the experience you can drape a towel around your head that also covers the edge of the bowl or sink, this will help to trap in the steam.

    Another way to fight the infection and ease the congestion is to clean your nose with a solution of salt and water:

  • To make the solution youll need to mix a pint of boiled water that has been left to cool with a teaspoon of salt.
  • Before you touch your nose its important that you wash your hands, this will stop the spread of bacteria and infection.
  • Pour a small amount of the salt water into your hand , and sniff the water into one nostril and then into the other.
  • Recommended Reading: Can A Sinus Infection Make Your Teeth Hurt

    Get Your Antibiotics Fast

    No one likes being sick, and having a sinus infection can be very uncomfortable. Getting antibiotics as fast as possible is crucial to healing, and is made possible with PlushCare. Our online doctors can diagnose your sinus infection, write a prescription, and send it to your local pharmacy in 15 minutes. PlushCare can help you effectively, quickly, and easily treat your sinus infection.

    What Are Vicks Steam Inhalers

    Vicks steam inhalers are devices that deliver steam into a persons nose and throat. This may ease irritation and congestion.

    The company states that its steam inhalers can provide symptomatic relief in up to 15 minutes. Additionally, people can use Vicks VapoPads, which release a menthol scent when the devices are in use.

    Before purchasing Vicks steam inhalers, individuals may wish to consider some potential pros and cons of these devices:

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    Treatment #: Nasal Irrigation

    Flushing your nose with a neti pot is a process called nasal irrigation, or nasal lavage. Despite how painful it may seem, nasal irrigation is a safe, well-tolerated method to reduce sinus inflammation. A saline solution, typically 0.9% non-iodized sodium chloride and purified or filtered water, is often used to flush out mucus from congested sinuses and to keep the mucous membranes moist.

    Evidence suggests that nasal irrigation provides relief to people suffering from hay-fever and the common cold. It could also be an effective treatment for allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis. If you are a longtime sufferer from sinus infections, you may want to read Why Do I Keep Getting Sinus Infections?

    Can Vicks Vapor Rub Help Tinnitus

    What Vicks VapoRub Can Do For Your Sinuses, Airway, Chest & Lungs | Dr. Mandell

    Vicks Vaporub is NOT intended to be a Tinnitus treatment product. If you are looking for treatment options, heres an OTC Tinnitus supplement that will help cure Tinnitus. There are many rumors about Vicks Vaporub for Tinnitus being an effective treatment option But, is it true? Can Vicks Vapor Rub help Tinnitus? How do you apply Vicks for Tinnitus? How should you NOT apply Vicks Vaporub for Tinnitus? We clear this all up below.

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    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
  • Sneezing
  • 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:

  • Pain that is worse in the late morning or when wearing glasses
  • Pain and pressure in the face worsens when leaning forward
  • Chronic sore throat and bad breath
  • Chronic toothache or increased tooth sensitivity
  • Increased facial discomfort throughout the day with an increased cough at night
  • The 5 Best Humidifiers For Sinus Problems

    We only recommend products we love and that we think you will, too. We may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was written by our Commerce team.

    Sinus pain can be agonizing. Unlike a common cold, which at least has the decency to pass when you sleep it off and take the right medications, managing chronic sinus pain is a bit trickier. Luckily, investing in one of the best humidifiers for sinus problems can help.

    Unlike acute sinusitis, which is usually caused by infection, chronic sinusitis often has more complicated symptoms, and the causes can be multifactorial or difficult to determine, says Dr. Vinh Nguyen, a family medicine physician at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California.

    Nguyen says sinus problems aren’t always related to infections. Abnormal anatomy of the nose or the sinuses can contribute to chronic sinusitis. These include nasal polyps, sinus polyps, or a deviated septum. Environmental allergies are also much more common in people with chronic sinusitis. Also, a small number of people have chronic sinusitis, because of immune system problems. If you have chronic sinus pain or congestion, you should see your doctor to get a further evaluation.

    So, what can you do to help? Well, for one thing, make it a habit to sleep with a cool-mist humidifier in your room.

    Read Also: How To Cure Sinus Inflammation

    Inhale Menthol And Camphor

    Another inhaled odor that can help open up sinus passages is menthol, which is an ingredient in popular ointments that are used specifically to treat a stuffy nose. These ointments also contain eucalyptus oil and camphor, which combine with menthol to create a powerful scent that immediately relieves sinus pressure. This ointment can be rubbed on your chest and under your nose to deliver its soothing benefits. Unlike eucalyptus oil, this ointment should not be placed in the mouth.

    Are Steam Inhalers Safe To Use

    10 Unlikely Uses For Vicks VapoRub That Will Solve Your Biggest ...

    While steam inhalers are generally safe to use, has found that those who use steam inhalers are at risk of scalding injuries when the user comes into contact with hot water.

    People should read the manufacturers instructions before using their device.

    If a person sustains a burn, they should immediately do the following:

  • Remove the heat source.
  • Run the burn under lukewarm or cool water for 20 minutes.
  • Remove any clothing or jewelry that is not stuck to the skin.
  • Keep your body warm.
  • Read Also: Can You Pass A Sinus Infection To Others

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