When Do We Need Antibiotics For Sinus Infection
Antibiotics are not needed for many sinus infections, but your doctor can decide if you need an antibiotic. You doctor may recommend antibiotics if:
Most sinus infections usually get better on their own without antibiotics. When antibiotics arent needed, they wont help you, and their side effects could still cause harm. Side effects can range from minor issues, like a rash, to very serious health problems, such as antibiotic-resistant infections and C. diff infection, which causes diarrhea that can lead to severe colon damage and death.
Have A Question About Curing Treating Or Preventing A Dog Sinus Or Rhinitis Problemn
Do you have a question? Share it and well answer it for free!Our editors will pick 1 question to answer each week. Please include your dogs age, breed, medical history and if possible, a picture your dog that we can use when we publish the answer on the Dog Health Guide site. Please be sure to include your email address so that we can let you know when our Vet has reviewed the question. We promise to not to publish or share your email address.We will do our best to get back to you quickly . If you do require an immediate response we suggest using this online dog veterinary service that is available now.
Causes Of Sinus Infection
Sinusitis can stem from various factors, but it always results from fluid becoming trapped in the sinuses, allowing germs to grow.
The most common cause is a virus, but a bacterial infection can also lead to sinusitis. Triggers can include allergies and asthma, as well as pollutants in the air, such as chemicals or other irritants. Fungal infections and molds can cause fungal sinusitis.
Recommended Reading: How Do I Cure A Sinus Infection
Natures Rite Sinus Relief 15 Oz All
as of January 1, 2022 1:18 pm
Features
- SINUS HEALTH. Sinus Relief is an all-natural nasal spray that may help clear sinuses that have been closed off due to sinus problems. This nasal spray is designed to help reach deep into the passages to encourage a healthy sinus system.
- PORTABLE. This all-natural spray comes in a convenient-to-carry bottle, making it easy to keep in your pocket for use everywhere you go.
- EASY TO USE. Simply spray 1 to 2 times up each nostril every 20 to 30 minute to help rebalance the sinus flora.
- INGREDIENTS. Sinus Relief is made with 35 ppm pure aqueous colloidal silver, deionized water, and polysorbate 20.
- HOLISTIC NUTRITION. Natures Rite was founded on the principle of using combinations of herbs to address the problems in a holistic manner. These products focus on natural solutions to common ailments. All products are manufactured in a facility meeting integral standards in the U.S.A.
Anatomy Of The Paranasal Sinuses
The paranasal sinuses comprise four pairs of sinuses that surround the nose and drain into the nasal cavity by way of narrow channels called ostia . Mucus leaving the frontal and maxillary sinuses drains through the ethmoid sinuses , so a backup in the ethmoids is likely to clog the other two types of sinuses. The sphenoid sinuses are located deep in the skull, behind the eyes. Sinusitis develops when one or more sinuses become blocked.
There are millions of bacteria in our noses, and most of the time, theyre harmless. Even when a few creep into the sinuses, they dont cause trouble, as long as they keep draining into the nose along with mucus. But if sinus drainage is blocked, glands in the sinuses continue to produce mucus, and the resulting pool of backed-up mucus provides what Dr. Metson calls the perfect culture medium. The bacteria grow out of control, causing infection, and the immune system kicks off an inflammatory response. The result: swelling, which causes and facial pain mucus buildup, which produces congestion and an influx of white blood cells to fight the bacteria, which thickens the mucus and may tint it yellow or green. Other symptoms include loss of smell or taste, cough, bad breath, fever, toothache, and fullness in the ears.
Dont Miss: Sinus Tooth Pain One Side
Read Also: Should You See A Doctor For A Sinus Infection
Cure A Sinus Infection With Natural Remedies
Sinus infections can cause miserable symptoms including headache, sinus pressure, congestion, cough and fever. Bacteria, fungi and viruses can all cause a sinus infection. Natural remedies for sinus infections, including apple cider vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, cayenne pepper and garlic, are effective at relieving the infection and the miserable symptoms that come along with it.
Understanding Sinuses & Natural Remedies
Sinus Infections are fairly common and can be caused by allergies as well as by viral infections. One of the most common infections is called sinusitis, which causes the sinuses and nasal passages to become inflamed.
Some of the common symptoms are headache, nasal pressure, stuffy nose, and even fever in some cases. Sinusitis may be acute or chronic and must be treated accordingly. The faster it’s treated the better your chances of getting rid of the infection.
This article is dedicated to helping people be proactive and take care of their sinuses through natural remediesbefore they develop infections. You will find information on the anatomy of sinuses, infections and symptoms, natural remedies like sinus rinse and massage, how to deal with sinusitis, endoscopic surgery, and much more. So, let’s get nosey!
Consult Your Doctor
This information is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as professional or medical advice. Please consult your medical professional for diagnoses and treatment.
Recommended Reading: Sinus Infection Fever And Chills
Colds Turning Into Sinus Infections
Ive been a family doctor since 1972, and through the past 3.5 decades of Family Practice Ive seen a very interesting evolution of the common cold, Dr. Ivker reveals. Through the early and mid-1970s, a cold or URI was probably the most common reason for a patient to seek care in my office. But by the late 70s there was a statistical shift and sinus infections became the most common diagnosis in my practice.
In obtaining a history from the patient, it was quite clear that the vast majority of these sinus infections had begun as colds, but for some reason they werent clearing up in the usual four to seven days. And I was also seeing an increased number of patients with asthma attacks that had begun as a cold.
So not only was it unpleasant to suffer the effects of a cold itself a stuffy, drippy, sneezing nose along with some muscle aching, headache, fatigue, and possibly even a low-grade fever but if the virus spread beyond the nose to the sinuses or lungs, you might also have to deal with the misery of a sinus infection, a bout of bronchitis, a possible asthma attack, or even pneumonia. Most of the time, the more serious respiratory problems begin with the common cold.
How Else Will A Naturopathic Doctor Treat Your Sinus Infection
It is best to consult with a naturopathic doctor, when trying to get rid of your sinus infection. They have a a full tool kit of natural solutions to draw from to address specific symptoms of sinusitis, including:
1. Horseradish, ginger, garlic and onion to help clear the sinuses and support resilient immunity.
2. Oil of oregano can help clear the sinuses . Use a sink full or pot full of hot water, add a few drops of oil of oregano. Place a large towel over the water and your head to create a tent. Take care to not burn yourself and inhale deeply. This will help fight the infection and clear the sinuses.
3. Diluted Grapefruit seed extract also contains antimicrobial features and can be utilized 3-4 times per day as a sinus spray . Check with your naturopathic doctor for dilution ratios.
4. The use of a neti pot, or nasal irrigation, helps wash away pathogens has been shown to be an effective addition to treating upper respiratory infections, including sinusitis . You can find a guide to how to use a neti pot online.
5. Bromelain, an enzyme from pineapple, is beneficial to help keep sinus cavities healthy. It is anti-inflammatory and helps to thin the mucus, making it easier to blow your nose.
6. Probiotics and ingesting foods that are cultured and fermented is key to helping with sinusitis . By creating a robust and diverse microbiome you will support healthy immune action.
Recommended Reading: What Clears A Sinus Infection
No 5 Steam Inhalation Hot Showers And Vaporizers
Humid air is your best friend when it comes to sinus relief.Inhaling steam helps to loosen congestion, calm inflammation and relax nasal passages so you can breathe more easily. Herbal Facial Steam: To a bowl or pot of hot water, add a 2-3 drops of eucalyptus, thyme, or rosemary. . Then hold your face over the pot and drape a towel over your head. Close your eyes and breathe deeply for instant relief. Repeat as needed. Eucalyptus, thyme and rosemary oil all have anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties and help to reduce the swelling of mucous membranes.Shower: Warm, steamy showers are a super easy home remedy you can do to help relieve sinus pressure and also help loosen mucus and clear things out. Simply sprinkle a few drops of eucalyptus and/or peppermint oil/rosemary oil around the shower, then turn up the water to as warm as you can stand it.Vaporiser/Diffuser: Alternatively, using a vaporiser/diffuser keeps the air humid and is great to use at night while you sleep.
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Video
- “Sinus .”Wikipedia
This content is accurate and true to the best of the authors knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.
Don’t Miss: Can I Take Cephalexin For Sinus Infection
The Cold That Wont Go Away: Treating Chronic Sinus Infections
Dr. Ivker warns that if you have a long-lasting cold, it may turn into a sinus infection: Suppose youre still not better and are possibly a little worse after two or more weeks of symptoms. You may have noticed:
- An increase in nasal and/or head congestion
- The headaches might be more painful and prolonged
- The mucus may have become thicker and instead of white or clear, is now yellow-green
- And you may even feel more tired than you were at the onset of the cold.
If this is the case, then you probably have a sinus infection.
What You Need To Know About Sinusitis
Sinus infection is usually caused by a virus and often persists even after other upper respiratory symptoms are gone. In some cases, bacteria, or rarely fungus, may cause a sinus infection. Other conditions such as allergies, nasal polyps, and tooth infections can also contribute to sinus pain and symptoms.
The objective of providing treatments for sinus infection is to remove the often painful and uncomfortable symptoms that might lead to sinus infection. We have to consider the risk factors before embarking on the treatments for sinus infection as they usually occur right after a cold or flu. Allergies to dust, pet, pollen, cigarette smoke, etc. can cause sinusitis but the less common factors are due to the deficiencies of the immune system and structural deformities for instant polyps, tumors, bone spurs, and a deviated septum.
Don’t Miss: What Helps Sinus Pain And Pressure
Sinus Health And Triggers
If youre a sinus person, you know all too well where your sinuses are located, because you often feel pain and pressure within them. Your sinuses are hollow cavities in your skull above your eyebrows and nose, down into your nose, and along the sides of the nose under your eyes. The mucosal lining can produce more than a liter of mucus in a normal day, which helps keep the area from getting dry and traps germs and allergens that you inhale to prevent them from infiltrating the body. You swallow this mucus without noticing. Within mucus are enzymes and antibodies that help eliminate or neutralize invaders.
When infections or allergies kick in, histamine bumps up mucus production, swells your mucosal lining, and increases antibody activity. The mucus can thicken as well. Sinusitis refers to inflamed sinus passages, and can be acute or chronic, infected or not. Symptoms include local discomfort and pain, post-nasal drip, runny nose, pressure, congestion, cough, bad breath, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, hearing problems, and difficulty sleeping.
People who have chronic or frequent bouts of sinusitis or sinus infections often have one or more underlying factors. Addressing these root causes directly helps resolve acute and chronic sinusitis.
Keep Your Sinuses Healthy
DISCLAIMER
This blog has not been approved by your local health department and is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice. Read More
Millions of people worldwide visit their doctors each year with complaints related to their sinuses. “Sinus” is the term commonly used to describe anatomy that doctors refer to as paranasal sinuses. Sinuses are hollow caves in the human skull, which are essentially absent in newborns but develop fully by around age 8 and reach their full adult size by puberty.
You May Like: Sinus And Ear Infection At The Same Time
Causes & Risk Factors
Any health situation that blocks off the vital drainage channels of your sinuses can cause a sinus infection including:
- Respiratory infections like the common cold
- Hay fever or exposure to allergens such as cigarette smoke, dry air and pollutants
- Obstructions in the nasal or sinus cavities including nasal polyps, deviated septum, or nasal bone spur
- Non-allergic rhinitis
- Changes in air pressure
- Infections resulting from dental problems
- Physical injury to the sinuses
- Bacteria, viruses, and fungi
The five most common bacteria that can cause sinus infections are: Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pyogenes.
Risk factors for sinus infections include:
- Having asthma
- Being in the hospital, especially if the reason you are in the hospital is related to a head injury or you needed a tube inserted into your nose
When To See A Doctor For A Sinus Infection
Although many sinus infections clear up on their own and symptoms can be managed with natural remedies, it’s also important to see a doctor if you suspect you have a sinus infection.
You should immediately seek medical attention if:
- You have severe symptoms, includingheadache or facial pain
- Your symptoms don’t improveafter 10 days
- Your symptoms worsen over time
- You have a fever that lasts longerthan four days
- You have had multiple sinusinfections in the past year
Related Reading
Also Check: How To Get Over A Sinus Infection In 24 Hours
When To See A Doctor About A Sinus Infection
On the other hand, a secondary acute bacterial infection may develop, so its advised that you see a doctor if your symptoms last more than 10 days or if your symptoms initially improve but then worsen again within the first 7 days.
See a doctor immediately if you experience:
- A persistent fever higher than 102 degrees F
- Changes in vision, including double vision
- Symptoms that are not relieved with over-the-counter medicines
- Multiple infections within the past year
- Sudden, severe pain in the face or head
- Confusion
Recommended Reading: I Think I Have Sinus Infection
What To Do With Sinusitis To Ease Congestion
Here are a couple of home remedies for sinus infections thatll help relieve that blocked feeling you typically get when suffering with the condition.
- Hold a clean, warm flannel over your face. Do this for a few minutes at a time, and several times a day, to help ease congestion.
- Inhale steam from a bowl of hot water. Again, do this for a few minutes at a time, but just a couple of times a day. Why not try adding a couple of drops of lavender essential oil into the water, to aid relaxation? This should be handled with care and is for adults only, because the hot water comes with the risk of scalding.
These methods for warming your face are also useful home remedies for sinus infections thatll help you in the future. Thats because they help keep the mucus flowing, rather than becoming congested.
Also Check: Best Allergy Medication For Sinus Headaches
Herbs To Heal The Sinuses
Cayenne pepper, garlic, eucalyptus, and mullein are some of the many herbs that can be used to treat chronic sinusitis. Some even put some cayenne pepper into the nose, but be prepared – that treatment is not for the faint of heart! Dip the tip of a q-tip into a bit of cayenne pepper and use that to get some cayenne up into each nostril. Be prepared for some discomfort and then some drainage! The herb mullein is great to thin mucous to help the sinuses to drain. Mullein can be taken as a tea. Garlic is a wonderful anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-biotic. Take one clove 3 – 4 times each day. The clove can be minced and taken in a spoon with raw honey, or spread with coconut oil onto toast.
Eucalyptus essential oil is a great addition to a healing bath. Fill a tub with water as hot as you like. Add 1 cup of baking soda or Epsom Salt and 4 drops of Eucalyptus essential oil. Soak for 20 minutes or so. To get an extra steamy bath, fill the tub with very hot water from the shower with the bathroom door closed. This will put more steam into the air to help moisten and drain the sinuses while you soak.