Saturday, March 23, 2024

Good Medicine For Sinus Cold

Whats The Best Medicine For Sore Throat Fever Aches And Pains

Lymphatic Drainage and Sinus Massage for Allergy, Cold Congestion, and Sinus Pressure Relief

Lozenges and numbing throat sprays contain active ingredients such as benzocaine , and phenol . They provide pain relief from a sore throat by acting like local anesthetics .

Acetaminophen is a commonly used fever reducer and pain reliever. This medicine is safe for use by most people. It is present in combination products like Vicks Dayquil Cold & Flu Relief and Tylenol Cold + Flu Severe . An overdose of acetaminophen can be harmful to the liver, so its important to take no more than the recommended daily maximum dose .

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , such as aspirin, ibuprofen , and naproxen , can be used to reduce fever, inflammation, and other symptoms such as headache, sinus pain, and muscle pain. Other cold and flu medicines like Excedrin contain acetaminophen, aspirin , and caffeine, which work together effectively to relieve pain.

When To Seek Medical Care

See a doctor if you have:

  • Severe symptoms, such as severe headache or facial pain.
  • Symptoms that get worse after improving.
  • Symptoms lasting more than 10 days without getting better.
  • Fever longer than 3-4 days.

You should also seek medical care if you have had multiple sinus infections in the past year.

This list is not all-inclusive. Please see a doctor for any symptom that is severe or concerning.

Other conditions can cause symptoms similar to a sinus infection, including:

  • Seasonal allergies

What To Do For Sinus Pressure And Pain At Home

Here are the top 10 at-hometreatments to help ease your sinus pain and inflammation to get rid of your sinus infection faster.

  • Flush. Use a Neti pot, a therapy that uses a salt and water solution, to flush your nasal passages. Nasal irrigation using the Neti pot has been a tried-and-true sinus treatment method for centuries. I have patients who swear by Neti pots and use them daily or weekly to keep their sinuses flowing well. Remember to use distilled water only.
  • Spray. Use an over-the-counter nasal decongestant spray that contains salt water to help keep your nasal passages moist, unblock congestion and treat inflammation. Some sprays, like Afrin®, can only be used for a maximum of three days. If you exceed three days, you will get “rebound” or worse nasal congestion. Other nasal sprays, like fluticasone, are more effective the longer you use them.
  • Hydrate. Drink a lot of fluidswater and/or juiceto help thin your mucus. Avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, which can cause dehydration.
  • Rest. Get plenty of rest to help your body fight infection and speed up recovery. While you sleep, prop yourself up with a couple of pillows. Staying elevated can help you breathe more comfortably.
  • Steam. Breathe in steam from a pot or bowl of warm water or take a hot shower. You also can place a warm, wet towel on your face, followed by a cool towel. to help ease sinus pain and open your nasal passages.
  • Read Also: Best Otc Sinus And Cold Medicine

    What Types Of Cold Medicine Can You Take While Pregnant

    Most medicines taken during pregnancy cross the placenta and reach the fetus. So, it’s essential to know what is safe and what you should avoid, as well as what some natural remedies are.

    The American Pregnancy Association recommended getting plenty of rest during the day and night, drinking lots of fluids, and trying some natural remedies.

    For instance, per the American Pregnancy Association, to reduce congestion, try some of the following:

    • Place a humidifier in your room
    • Elevate your head during rest time
    • Try nasal strips

    Additionally, to soothe a sore throat, gargle with warm salt water, drink warm tea, or suck on ice chips.

    Regarding OTC medications, the American Pregnancy Association advised keeping the number to a minimum during pregnancy. The safest options for pregnant people include the following:

    • Tylenol can work for fevers, headaches, and body aches.
    • Most cough drops are generally considered safe to help ease a cough.
    • Anesthetic throat lozenges can relieve a sore throat.

    Cold medicines that you may need to avoid, however, include:

    • Some pain relievers and fever reducers, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen
    • Afrin and other non-steroidal nasal decongestant sprays containing oxymetazoline
    • OTC herbal remedies like echinacea

    Always get your cold medicines approved by your pharmacist or healthcare provider to be safe. Some healthcare providers may advise avoiding all drugswhether prescribed or OTCduring the first trimester.

    Throat Irritation And Cough

    Pin on Audra

    As discharge from your sinuses drains down the back of your throat, it can cause irritation, especially over a long period of time. This can lead to a persistent and annoying cough, which can be worse when lying down to sleep or first thing in the morning after getting up from bed.

    It can also make sleeping difficult. Sleeping upright or with your head elevated can help reduce the frequency and intensity of your coughing.

    Read Also: How To Relieve Sinus Headache

    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:

    Other Remedies For Symptom Relief

    Staying hydrated can help thin mucus to ease congestion.

    Drinking hot liquids such as tea and broth may help relieve your symptoms. Breathing in moist air may also help relieve the discomfort that comes with nasal congestion. Try breathing in steam from the shower, a bowl of hot water, or a mug of tea.

    If your voice is hoarse, rest it by avoiding yelling, whispering, and singing.

    Placing a warm compress over the inflamed area can help reduce pressure and provide relief.

    damages the natural protective elements of your nose, mouth, throat, and respiratory system.

    If you smoke, consider quitting. Ask a doctor if you need help or are interested in quitting. Quitting may help prevent future episodes of both acute and chronic sinusitis.

    Wash your hands frequently, especially during cold and flu seasons, to keep your sinuses from becoming irritated or infected by viruses or bacteria on your hands.

    Using a humidifier during the cooler, dryer months may also help prevent sinus infections.

    Talk with a doctor to see if allergies are causing your sinusitis. If youre allergic to something that causes persistent sinus symptoms, you will likely need to treat your allergies to relieve your sinus infection.

    You may need to seek an allergy specialist to determine the cause of the allergy. The specialist may suggest:

    Keeping your allergies under control can help prevent repeated episodes of sinusitis.

    Read Also: Why Am I Always Getting Sinus Infections

    Tips To Help You Get Relief From Your Head Cold

    Oh, your aching head! If youâre suffering from unbearable nasal congestion and headache, you probably have a head cold. The reason youâre so stuffed up? When you have a head cold, the membranes lining your nasal passages become swollen and produce excess mucus to flush out whatever is causing the irritation, whether itâs a virus or an allergen. You might experience pain in your forehead, under your eyes or in your upper teeth.

    The key to getting rid of a head cold is to reduce sinus swelling and help mucus drain from your sinuses. Although it might seem counterintuitive, keeping your nasal passages moist is the best way to clear out congestionâdry sinuses will only result in further irritation.

    Try these simple tips to clear up a head cold and help relieve headache and sinus pressure.

  • Use a humidifier.
  • Since breathing in dry air will dry out your sinuses, itâs best to add moisture back into your environment by using a cool-mist humidifier or steam vaporizer. You can also try breathing in steam from a hot shower. Doing so can help soothe the irritated membranes lining your nasal passages.

  • Reach for a warm compress.
  • A great way to ease a headache and sinus pressure is to place a warm compress on your forehead and nose. If you donât have a compress, try moistening a washcloth with warm water and applying it to your face several times a day. This will help relieve nasal congestion and relieve your head cold symptoms.

  • Irrigate your sinuses.
  • Try a nasal spray.
  • Try: Vicks Sinex Severe Sinus And Nasal Spray

    Kali Iodatum – Homeopathic Medicine To Relieve Colds With Sinus Pain

    Just like oral decongestants, Vicks Sinex works by shrinking swollen nasal membranes. But thanks to the direct contact of the active ingredient, oxymetazoline, relief lasts longer: 10 to 12 hours. As it starts to work, it may cause temporary stinging, burning, or sneezingbut youll be breathing more comfortably in no time.

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    How Do You Get Rid Of A Sinus Infection Fast

    You can treat a sinus infection at home or with OTC medications for symptom relief, and/or a prescription antibiotic medication, in the case of a bacterial infection. Stay hydrated, use a humidifier, and sleep at an incline to help resolve your sinus infection quickly. Consult your healthcare provider to see if you need an antibiotic.

    Runny Nose And Postnasal Drip

    When you have a sinus infection, you may need to blow your nose often because of nasal discharge, which can be cloudy, green, or yellow. This discharge comes from your infected sinuses and drains into your nasal passages.

    The discharge may also bypass your nose and drain down the back of your throat. You may feel a tickle, an itch, or even a sore throat.

    This is called postnasal drip, and it may cause you to cough at night when youre lying down to sleep, and in the morning after getting up. It may also cause your voice to sound hoarse.

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    Start Treating Your Symptoms Right Away

    Since viruses cant be cured, treating colds is primarily aimed at improving symptoms.

    Its important to remember that with colds and other viruses, taking an antibiotic wont help you feel better any faster, says Dr. Woodard. In fact, taking an antibiotic unnecessarily can do more harm than good.

    The overuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance, which can make subsequent infections more difficult to treat.

    Get plenty of rest, stay hydrated and rinse out your sinuses with saline irrigation, which can help thin mucous and flush it from your nasal cavity, he says.

    Best Cold Medicine For Sinus Headache

    NeoCitran Extra Strength Cold &  Sinus Night

    When symptoms of congestion hit your sinuses, you can feel cranial pressure and stuffed up in your nasal passages. This sinus headache is typically the main symptom people associate with a head cold.

    To treat a sinus headache, decide if youd like to treat the pain from your sinus blockage or the actual blockage itself.

    Ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce your pain. A decongestant like pseudoephedrine can to help relieve your congestion but has been known to produce a side effect of restlessness or nervousness.

    Also Check: Over The Counter Medication For Sinus Congestion

    Medicines That Help Relieve Sinus Congestion

  • Decongestants help reduce swelling in the nasal passages and ease sinus congestion and pain. Do not take decongestants for more than 3-5 days. Avoid giving them to children without consulting a pediatrician. Examples of decongestants are include:
  • Afrin, Dristan, Nostrilla, and Vicks Sinus Nasal Spray
  • Neo-Synephrine, Sinex, and Rhinall
  • Antihistamines: Antihistamines are allergy medications that can help relieve nasal congestion and pressure caused by allergies.
  • Steroid nasal sprays: Steroid nasal sprays can help with allergy stuffiness and relieve inflammation in your nasal passages.
  • Pain relievers:Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen can ease the pain and pressure caused by sinus congestion.
  • Medicated ointments: These contain menthol, which can help you breathe better by opening up your airways.
  • Brand names of some of the best OTC medications for sinus congestion include:

    Cold And Sinus Infection Symptoms

    Because a sinus infection often develops due to a cold, it can be difficult to tell if you have a cold or sinus infection. In general, sinus infections tend to cause more pain, pressure or fullness in the sinuses than a cold does. Symptoms of a sinus infection include:

    • Facial pressure, fullness or pain, especially on one side
    • Pain in your teeth
    • Stuffy or runny nose nasal discharge may be white, yellow or green
    • Reduced or loss of ability to smell
    • Ear pressure or fullness

    Symptoms of a cold include:

    • Stuffy or runny nose nasal discharge may be white, yellow or green
    • Post-nasal drip
    • Mild headache or body aches

    Recommended Reading: Can An Infected Tooth Cause Sinus Problems

    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 .

    When To See A Medical Provider

    Treating Your Baby’s Cold: Nasal Saline & Suction – Boys Town Pediatrics

    The common cold is not a fatal illness, and it should pass within 10 days.

    However, if you experiencing one or more of the following symptoms, make an appointment to see a doctor:

    • Fever that lasts longer than two days
    • Symptoms that become extreme or severe
    • Symptoms lasting longer than 14 days
    • Blood-streaked mucus

    Also Check: What Relieves Sinus Pain And Pressure

    What Is A Runny Nose How Is It Different From Nasal Congestion

    A runny nose is the secretion of mucus or a thin, watery discharge out of the nose that can also drip down into the throat. It is most often caused by the cold virus, flu virus, cold temperatures, or allergies. Runny noses are signs that your immune system is working. However, the symptoms can be uncomfortable. Over-the-counter cold and flu medicines can provide relief.

    Nasal congestion refers to the swelling of nasal passages, which prevents smooth airflow, making it harder to breathe through the nose. It occurs due to inflamed blood vessels in the nasal membranes . Nasal congestion can make it harder to expel mucus out of the nose. This can result in clogging of the nasal passages with thick mucus, making you feel stuffed up. For this reason, its also called a stuffy nose. Over-the-counter nasal decongestants can help to relieve these common symptoms.

    When To See A Doctor For Sinus Pain

    If your sinus symptoms are not getting better with at-home treatments, and if your sinus symptoms last longer than seven to 10 days, you should see a doctor for treatment. Allina Health has many convenient care options for care, from online visits to walk-in care, to help you get better fast.

    If you have frequent or reoccurring sinus infections, you may want to see an ear, nose and throat for your treatment options.

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    What Are The Best Home Remedies For Sinus Infections

    There are a few simple home remedies that can be effective for relieving your pain and helping you clear your sinuses. To avoid using medications, try a warm compress on the nose and face, and flush nasal passages with a warm saline irrigation, says Dr. Elmore.

    A homemade solution for nasal irrigation is one of the best home treatments for a sinus infection. You can use a syringe or a neti pot to stream a solution of non-iodized salt, baking soda, and lukewarm distilled water through the nostrils to help keep your nasal passages clean. Or, you can choose a product at your pharmacy that is already prepared and ready to mix packets.

    Other home remedies for sinus infections include staying hydrated by drinking a lot of water, using decongestant nasal sprays, and inhaling steam over the stove or in the shower. Certain lifestyle adjustments may also promote nasal drainage such as sleeping with your head elevated at night or keeping a humidifier running in your home to avoid an arid environment.

    To relieve pain at home, you can use a warm compress or take over-the-counter pain medications to reduce headaches and facial pain from congestion.

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