Saturday, March 23, 2024

How Can I Cure My Sinus Infection

Treating Sinus Infections Without Antibiotics

How to cure a sinus infection naturally

Tomah, WI – People often want antibiotics to tackle a sinus infection but that might not be the best treatment since most infections are caused by viruses. Antibiotics fight bacteria, not viruses.

There are also complications that can develop with dependency on these drugs. The more antibiotics are used the less effective they can become, with possible side effects like dizziness, stomach problems and rashes.

Instead of turning to antibiotics, Alan Conway, M.D., family physician at Mayo Clinic Health System Franciscan Healthcare in Tomah, suggests some alternative methods of treatment. Dr. Conway says, First of all, you should give yourself enough rest. Your body needs the time to fight the infection with full force, especially in the first few days when symptoms are the most severe.

Dr. Conway also says. Watch out for over-the-counter products that contain oxymetazoline. These products may relieve symptoms for a few days, but they can cause congestion if used longer than three days. Instead, use generic pseudoephedrine pills if you are stuffed up for more than three days.

Sinus infections can turn into a bacterial infection, due to the prolonged blockage in the sinus cavity. It is not easy to determine whether the infection is viral or bacterial, considering that the symptoms are the same for both. Even if the infection becomes bacterial, 70% of the time the infection will go away within two weeks without antibiotics.

# # #

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.

How Does A Sinus Infection Affect Your Body

You can also have headaches, tooth pain, coughing from the post nasal drip, fever, fatigue, a bad smell in your nose or a bad taste in your mouth and bad breath. Symptoms such as a fever that won’t go away, a change in your eyesight, severe headaches and neck stiffness need immediate medical attention.

Don’t Miss: How Do I Know If I Have Sinus Headache

What Home Remedies Help Soothe Sinus Infection Or Sinusitis Symptoms

Sinus infections caused by viruses can use home treatments such as pain and fever medications , decongestants, and mucolytics. In addition, some health care professionals suggest nasal irrigation or a sinus rinse solution to help relieve symptoms of sinus infections, even chronic sinusitis symptoms. This irrigation is accomplished with a âNeti-Potâ or a sinus rinse kit . The last reference of this article shows a video of a sinus rinse procedure. In 2012, the FDA issued a warning about the use of Neti-Pots. The FDA cautions people not to use untreated tap water for rinsing, as contaminated tap water rinses lead to two deaths.

Bacterial and fungal sinus infections usually require antibiotic or antifungal therapy so home treatments without them are often not successful. However, some authors suggest home treatments may reduce symptoms after medical therapy has begun some healthcare professionals recommend nasal irrigation after sinus surgery.

Chronic Sinusitis And Sinus Headaches

Home remedies

Sinusitis happens when the sinuses or cavities around the nasal passages become swollen. The sinuses can become inflamed if you have an infection or because of an allergic reaction. The symptoms usually go away within a couple of weeks, but some people experience longer or recurring sinus infections. If you have chronic sinusitis, you could be dealing with symptoms such as nasal discharge, congestion, and pain or sinus headaches for many months.

Read Also: Dr Atkins San Antonio Sinus

How I Got Rid Of A Sinus Infection In 2 Days

First Id like to remind you that Im not a doctor, and this information should not replace communicating with your doctor, especially if you suffer from chronic sinus inflammation.

Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics, which were not helpful for me and medication to help with your symptoms.

But, were here for the natural sinus relief.

How To Solve A Sinus Infection That Wont Go Away

Sinus infection is a common problem that can affect any age group. It represents the fifth most common condition that requires an antibiotic prescription.

Sinuses are four paired air-filled spaces in your skull and face bones surrounding your nose. Their main function is to produce mucus that forms a layer inside the sinuses to humidify inhaled air and keep the interior of your nose moisturized. This mucus layer can trap dust particles, other pollutants, or bad germs and brush them out through your nose. Each sinus drains into your nose through small openings to keep these passages clear of excess mucus and the trapped particles.

However, sometimes, such as when the weather changes and you catch a cold, it can turn into a sinus infection. This causes inflammation of your sinuses, known as sinusitis. Usually, sinusitis should go away in a few days or a week. But sometimes that sinus infection can stick around for a long time.

Also Check: Over The Counter Sinus Medication

When Should I See My Healthcare Provider About Fungal Sinusitis

If you have symptoms of a sinus infection, see your provider for an evaluation. Its also important to call your provider if you have sinus problems that dont seem to go away .

If you have a condition that weakens your immune system or you take immunosuppressant drugs and you notice sinus infection symptoms, get help immediately. People who have weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of death from a fungal sinus infection. Some infections spread quickly, so its essential to seek treatment right away.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

If you have symptoms of a sinus infection, see your provider. They will determine whats causing your symptoms and recommend the most appropriate treatment. If you have these symptoms and you take immunosuppressant medications or have a condition that weakens your immune system, get help right away. Invasive fungal sinus infections are very dangerous and can worsen quickly. They may be fatal without prompt treatment. If you have a compromised immune system, talk to your provider about getting regular checkups to monitor your health.

How To Treat Sinus Infection In Cats

How I cured my Sinus Infection in 7 Days / Sinusitis Cure / Samyuktha Diaries

Cat sinus infections are the most common infections in cats. They are also called cat colds or flu, respectively. They can be caused by a virus, bacteria, fungal infections, or allergies. Identify an infection early on to give your cat appropriate treatment and ensure that they recover quickly. The problem is that cats will hide clinical signs of illness. Once you can identify the characters, youll know how to treat sinus infection in cats,

Read Also: Can A Sinus Infection Cause Night Sweats

Also Check: Can A Sinus Infection Affect Your Vision

Your Sinus Infection Natural Treatment

Obviously, you shouldnt use ALL of these remedies TOGETHER. Just choose a few of them, the most available to you, and youre set.

A few combinations you can try are:

  • Neti Pot + Pressure Points + Oregano Oil + ACV
  • Steam Inhaling + Herbal Remedies + Cod Liver Oil
  • Grapefruit Seed Extract Nasal Spray + Peppermint EO in humidifier + Vitamin C
  • Pico de Galo + Neti Pot + Pressure Points + Cod Liver Oil
  • Read Also: Prescription Drugs For Sinus Infection

    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:

    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.

    Conditions causing your chronic infections may include:

    Read Also: What’s The Best Way To Get Rid Of Sinus Infection

    How Can I Prevent Sinusitis

    Some of the home remedies used to treat sinus infections symptoms may help prevent sinusitis. These include rinsing your nose out with salt water and using medications that your provider might suggest, such as allergy medications or steroid nasal sprays.

    You should avoid things you are allergic to, like dust, pollen or smoke, and try to avoid sick people. Wash your hands to reduce your chance of getting a cold or flu.

    Best Home Remedies For Sinus Infection

    Home Remedies for a Sinus Infection

    Whether you got a single sinus infection or got a recurrent sinusitis, the pain and the pressure on your face is just enough to send you to the medication. But you dont need to do so as there are many best natural remedies for sinus infection available with us that too at an affordable price range or at free of cost.Ancient civilizations have used numerous natural home remedies for sinus infection.Best home remedy for sinus infection are available from our daily kitchen stuff turmeric, garlic, onion, mustard seeds, cinnamon to oregano oil.These are clearly explained in reverse chronological order below. Please check them out.

    Dont Miss: What Antibiotic Treats Bronchitis And Sinus Infection

    Read Also: Best Medicine To Take For Sinus Infection

    Treatment Options For Sinusitis

    Most of the treatment options for sinusitis and sinus headaches are intended to give temporary relief from the symptoms when they occur:

    • Mediation to reduce the inflammation
    • Using a humidifier or nasal spray
    • Drinking plenty of fluids

    Although these treatments can help, they arent always effective for chronic sinusitis and they wont prevent your symptoms from coming back. If you often suffer from sinus infections or sinus headaches, you might be looking for a more permanent treatment.

    Permanent cures for chronic sinusitis and sinus headaches are sometimes possible, but it can depend on the reasons why you are affected.

    • If your sinusitis is linked to allergies, then you can try allergy testing to find out the cause and then take steps to avoid the trigger. Although this wont always be enough to prevent your symptoms from coming back, it can make a big difference.
    • If your symptoms are linked to infections, then simple steps such as washing hands regularly and getting a flu shot can reduce the chances youll be affected again.
    • If there is a physical reason why you are more susceptible to sinusitis, it may be possible to correct it surgically and prevent sinus problems in the future.

    How Do Providers Treat Fungal Sinusitis

    Fungal sinusitis treatments vary. People with healthy immune systems may not need treatment for some types of fungal sinus infections. Invasive fungal sinus infections require immediate treatment.

    Treatments include:

    • Antifungal medications: Some types of infection require medications to kill the fungus. Providers usually prescribe these drugs along with surgery.
    • Corticosteroid medications: Your provider may prescribe steroids to reduce inflammation and relieve sinus pressure.
    • Nasal wash: To treat saprophytic fungal sinusitis, providers remove crusts of mucus and wash out the sinuses. They usually use a saline solution to cleanse the sinus cavities.
    • Surgery: Depending on the type of infection, your provider may do traditional surgery or minimally invasive endoscopic surgery. They insert a long, flexible tube with a camera into your nose and use tiny tools to remove the fungus, fungal ball and any damaged tissue.

    Don’t Miss: Azithromycin 250 Mg For Sinus Infection

    Treating Sinus Infections Using Natural Remedies

    Natural home remedies are a safe and effective solution in the prevention and treatment of sinusitis. These simple and inexpensive solutions offer an alternative to the expense and side effects that often accompany over-the-counter medications. For some sinus sufferers, home remedies may fall short in providing long-term results. For those who suffer frequent or extended sinus infections, it is important to see a medical professional. If left untreated, these sinus infections may impact overall health and could lead to further medical complications in addition to the daily symptoms of sinusitis.

    How To Tell If You Have An Actual Sinus Infection

    How to Cure Sinus Infection Permanently ? Personal Experience

    Even though we often say we have a sinus infection even if its just inflammation or an allergic response, there are symptoms of an actual infection that may be treatable with antibiotics. Nasal congestion and pain under the eyes or around the temples are, of course, main symptoms, but others include the loss of the sense of smell, green nasal discharge, mucus dripping down your throat, cough, fever, fatigue, sore throat, and even bad breath.

    Sometimes, a sinus infection will clear up without intervention, but if you develop a fever of 100.4 degrees or higher, have your symptoms for 10 or more days, notice that your symptoms are getting worse and are not improved by OTC medications, or you have multiple infections in a years time, you should seek medical treatment as soon as possible.

    Also Check: Aspire Allergy And Sinus Round Rock

    Sinusitis And Sinus Infections

    Most sinus infection medicine ultimately seeks to relieve inflammation around the sinus cavities. This inflammation is most often caused by a virus or bacteria and results in a blockage that prevents mucus from naturally draining out of the sinus cavities. This inflammation results in painful symptoms and the blocked mucus may lead to additional infection. A single sinus infection can last 2 or more weeks.

    Patients who suffer from chronic sinusitis often seek relief from a variety of over-the-counter sinus infection medication or prescription antibiotics, such as a sinus infection z pack. Patients may find temporary symptom relief through pharmaceuticals however, these medications often carry a number of undesirable side effects including:

    • Drowsiness or insomnia
    • Individual complications

    When To See A Doctor For Sinus Issues

    If your symptoms persist more than one to two weeks, you should consult with your physician.

    Youll want to check with your doctor even sooner if you have a severe case of a sinus infection including a high fever, swelling around the eyes, and red and inflamed skin, among other symptoms, Del Signore says.

    In this case, or if your symptoms do not clear up within two weeks, your doctor will likely prescribe an antibiotic.

    Don’t Miss: What Helps Relieve Sinus Pressure

    How Do I Prevent Acute Sinusitis

    Do not smoke. Smoking is not good for you or for people around you, since this can cause mucous to become clogged in the nose/sinuses. Avoid being around second-hand smoke, as well as other triggers like animal dander, dust, mold and pollen. Take pains to prevent sinus and other infections by:

    • Washing your hands well before and after eating and after using the bathroom.
    • Staying away from sick people.
    • Treating your allergies, possibly with nasal steroid therapy or immunotherapy .
    • Keeping your body and your immune system in good shape by eating well and staying hydrated.
    • Using a humidifier if your house is dry or an air purifier. Make sure to clean your equipment regularly.
    • Irrigating your nose when necessary with a saline rinse.

    What Is The Treatment For Chronic Sinus Infection

    Kill Sinus Infection Within Minutes With This Ingredient

    When it comes to treating chronic sinusitis, theres no one-size-fits-all solution. While several treatment options are available, what works for one person may not be appropriate for the other. Hence, we tailor the treatment to each individuals needs, symptoms, and whether or not other conditions are also at play.

    The goals of treating chronic sinusitis are to address the allergic causes, minimize inflammation, promote free sinus drainage, and eradicate the infection .

    Here are a few potential treatment options for chronic sinusitis. We will likely try out a combination of two or more of these options to see what works best for you.

    Read Also: How Do You Relieve Sinus Pressure In Your Head

    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.

    Popular Articles
    Related news