How To Eliminate A Sinus Infection

Can A Sinus Infection Make You Cough

Chronic Sinusitis: how to get rid of your sinus infection

Can a sinus infection make you cough? Yes a sinus infection can definitely lead to coughing. This particular situation has everything to do with excess mucus and how your sinuses attempt to drain that mucus.

When youre dealing with cold symptoms, youre suffering from allergies, or you have a sinus infection, your body is likely to create more mucus than normal, which can end up draining into the throat. While this sounds rather disgusting, mucus in the throat is pretty common, and it can happen whether youre sick or not.

However, when this drainage happens persistently for an extended period of time, you can find yourself with a nagging cough. A cough from a sinus infection isnt necessarily cause for alarm, and it doesnt mean you automatically need to book an appointment with your doctor.

Lets break down coughing during a sinus infection and what a doctor might recommend as treatment.

Will My Sinus Infection Clear Up On Its Own

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Family Medicine

The first few weeks of the common cold aren’ fun, but the acute sinusitis that can develop afterwards doesn’t help either. Unfortunately, sinus congestion and the common cold go hand in hand. Acute sinusitis frequently is caused by the common cold, but also can be caused by allergies and bacterial and fungal infections.

Can I Cure Chronic Sinusitis Without Sinus Surgery

If youve grown frustrated with frequent rounds of antibiotics, over-the-counter decongestants, and other methods of treatment, you may be suffering from chronic sinusitis.

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinus lining that keeps mucus from draining normally through the nose. Your body can produce around a liter of mucus per day, so if you have a blockage, mucus can build up in the sinuses and result in uncomfortable symptoms.

In this blog, the sinus specialists at DFW Sinus Select will address the symptoms of chronic sinusitis and whether its possible to cure chronic sinusitis without sinus surgery.

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How To Treat Sinus Infections Without Antibiotics

While sinus infections caused by viruses, allergies, or other non-bacterial factors may not require antibiotics, they still cause the same symptoms which make you feel sick.

Symptoms of a sinus infection include:

Nasal congestion
Pain or tenderness around the eyes, cheeks, or forehead
Thick nasal or post-nasal drainage

Taking steps to alleviate your sinusitis symptoms is often the best treatment to lessen your discomfort.

Sinus infection treatment options include:

Drink plenty of fluids
Rest, especially the first few days, to help your body fight the infection
Moisturize the air with a cool-mist vaporizer
Elevate your head while sleeping to decrease post-nasal drip
Take warm showers or baths, as steam can soothe your sore throat and loosen mucus
Gargle with warm salt water for a sore throat
Use saline nasal spray or nasal irrigation kit to alleviate congestion
Use over-the-counter treatments, such as nasal drops and sprays or pseudoephedrine pills, as your doctor recommends them

What Not to Do for a Sinus Infection

You should always follow your doctors instructions when you are diagnosed with a sinus infection.

Do not:

Essential Oils For Sinus Infections

Many essential oils that contain antimicrobial properties, make a powerful weapon against bacterial, viral or fungal infections.

Peppermintor eucalyptus oil in a humidifier helped open up my nasal passageways and are natural sinus decongestants.

If your nose is stuffy, try to dilute 1 drop of Eucalyptus Oil in 1 tbsp of carrier oil and rub it on the bridge of your nose .

Alternatively, you can use Frankincense essential oil.

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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.

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But Is There Really Nothing That Can Be Done

We are just starting to understand that there is a powerful connection between the immune system and the bacteria living in the gut . It seems that a healthy immune system is connected in proportion of 80% with the microbiomes health.

So, the only solution to get rid of sinus infections for good is to fix the gut first.

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Whats Happening In My Body

Most sinus infections come from colds that start in the nose.

A lot of sinus infections are caused by coronaviruses.

These viruses replicate in the nose. Your immune system then kicks off an inflammatory response to help kill the virus. This can cause swelling in the sinuses, leading to your symptoms.

Unlike bacterial infections, viral infections dont respond to antibiotics and usually just need to run their course. But you dont have to take it lying down!

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When Is A Procedure Necessary To Cure A Sinus Infection

How To Get Rid Of A Sinus Infection Fast | 5 Quick Ways

So there you are, living life, working day to day, and suddenly the inconvenience of a cold arrives. Youre annoyed, congested, and it seems as if every muscle in your body is aching. Everything your taught in theses circumstances tells you a sick day, medication and plenty of liquids will remedy the next week or week and a half. But what if it doesnt? Could it be a Sinus Infection?

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How To Heal A Sinus Infection In 2 Days

2020/03/19

I never understood the fuss about sinus infections until Ive experienced it first hand.

Its horrible.

The second round of antibiotics and no relief in sight.

Its not you, its me, I said to my antibiotics and decided to try home remedies for sinus infections, still shocked that I agreed to take antibiotics in the first place. I must have been truly desperate.

Two Days later my sinuses were clear.

No sinus pressure, no sinus headaches, and no congestion. I was thrilled.

In this post, I will share my personal 2-day-sinus-infection protocol with you, along with many more effective home remedies and practical information about causes, cures, and prevention of sinus infections.

Ready? Lets start.

4 The Weird Causes of Sinus Infections

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

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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.

Natural Remedies For Sinus Infections

Sinus Infection: How to Treat Sinus Infection

1. Top Foods & Beverages for Sinus Infections

Water Adequate hydration is the key to flushing out the virus from your system. Try to drink at least 8 ounces every 2 hours.

Chicken broth with vegetables This traditional remedy of bone broth helps soothe the nasal cavities and respiratory system, along with providing important minerals.

Horseradish Anyone who has accidentally eaten too much horseradish has experienced its potent ability to clear nasal passages. Mix some horseradish with lemon to make it even more potent.

Ginger Make a ginger tea and add raw honey to aid in recovery.

Garlic and onions Both of these vegetables help boost immune function.

Vitamin C rich foods Consuming foods high in vitamin C can boost the immune system and speed recovery from sinusitis.

2. Foods & Beverages to Avoid

Sugar Decreases white blood cells that help fight off infection.

Fruit juices Although orange juice contains some vitamin C, it is not as high in vitamin C as whole fruits or vegetables. If you want to drink juice, dilute it.

Dairy products Milk and other dairy products are mucus producing so it is best to avoid them.

Refined flour and grains All refined grains can cause more mucus production.

Salt Without adequate water intake, salt can be dehydrating and slow healing of the inflammation of the sinuses.

3. Oil of Oregano

4. Grapefruit seed extract

5. Vitamin C

6. Garlic

7. Echinacea

8. Neti Pot

9. Add Moisture

10. Essential Oils

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What Are The Symptoms Of A Sinus Infection

If youve ever suffered from a sinus infection , you know that the symptoms, such as the constant dripping from your nose or the sore irritated throat, are just shy of unbearable. Heres a list of symptoms you might experience if youre suffering from sinusitis:

Sinusitis is typically accompanied by a stuffy, congested nose.

In some cases, people may experience anosmia due to the smell receptors being blocked and irritated. It typically resolves itself after the symptoms have cleared, although there are treatments to help speed up the recovery process.

People also report a feeling of swelling, tenderness, and pain around the eyes and in the forehead.

What Are The Common Home Remedies To Treat Sinus Infection

The nine common home remedies to treat sinus infection include:

At-home vaporizer or humidifier: It may help relieve sinus symptoms. Sometimes a hot shower may also relieve sinus symptoms.

Use of lavender essential oil, peppermint essential oil, and eucalyptus oil while breathing steam may relieve nasal pressure.

A warm compress over the nose and forehead helps relieve sinus pressure.

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 nasal passages clean. Also, a patient may choose a product from a pharmacy that is already prepared and ready to mix from packets.

Drink warm water to stay hydrated.

Drinking warm ginger tea with turmeric may help relieve nasal congestion.

Drinking warm water with apple cider vinegar may help in fighting a sinus infection. Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial and antifungal properties and is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, calcium, and magnesium which aids in treating sinus infection. It works by loosening up the mucous and clearing nasal passages.

Eat a balanced diet that also includes spices, and a diet rich in vitamin C and minerals help build immunity to fight infection.

Sleep with the head elevated at night or keeping a humidifier running at home to avoid an arid environment may help relieve sinus pressure.

Can A Sinus Infection Last For Months

Sinusitis wont go away at the drop of a hat. It tends to linger and, if left untreated, it can last for months. Again, its best to take a trip to your doctors office if your symptoms last longer than one week.

Note that there is a chance that long-term sinus issues may be caused by allergens. If this is the case, then your sinus symptoms will likely last until you can escape the allergen or have the allergies treated.

Irrigate To Relieve Sinus Pressure

How to Get Rid of Sinus Infections, Chronic Sinusitis and Upper Respiratory Infections Naturally

Salt water irrigation is the best way to cleanse the nose and sinuses this can help prevent or relieve sinus pain. You can use an over-the-counter saline nasal spray, but I recommend using a sinus rinse bottle, neti pot, or bulb syringe irrigation kit that you can get at the drugstore, advises Das.

Try this commonly-used, easy-to-make nasal irrigation solution with your own sinus irrigation kit: Fill a clean 8-ounce glass with distilled or sterilized lukewarm water. Do not use tap water unless it has been boiled for at least 1 minute . Add 1/2 teaspoon of non-iodized salt and a pinch of baking soda. And be sure to clean all equipment and make a fresh batch of solution each time you use your kit.

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Natural Remedies To Get Rid Of A Sinus Infection Fast

How to get rid of a sinus infection fast? A sinus infection or sinusitis causes inflammation of the cavities or tissue lining around the sinuses . When sinuses become filled with fluid and get clogged, bacteria and other harmful microorganisms grow and result in an infection. Luckily, there are many solutions to getting rid of a sinus infection that you can do at home.

Home Remedies For Sinus Infections: How To Cure A Sinus Infection Naturally

If you are experiencing mild symptoms or if sinusitis is not a regular problem for you, then you may want to consider a sinus infection home remedy. One of the primary ways to help reduce symptoms and eliminate the infection in the sinus cavities is to promote natural drainage of the mucus that is trapped in the sinuses. Most natural remedies involve finding ways to reduce inflammation and increase drainage. These include:

Increasing water intake: The body needs a minimum level of fluids in order to properly function. Dehydration can prevent the body from healing naturally.
Vapor or mist: Various types of humidifiers can provide enough additional moisture to break up small blockages in the sinus passage. Once these blockages are clear, the sinuses may drain naturally.
Sinus rinse or neti pot: These solutions have grown in popularity over the past few years. They work on the idea that a purified saline solution can break up the sinus blockage, clean the sinus cavity, and clear out the infection. When used as directed, they may provide real relief for some patients. Before considering the use of a sinus rinse, the utmost care should be taken to follow all directions. In the case of a severe infection or the misuse of a product, they can cause more damage and potentially increase the severity of an infection.

How Do You Treat A Sinus Infection

Treatment for acute and chronic sinus infections include self-care, over-the-counter and prescription medications, and sinus surgery, if necessary, to enlarge the opening to the sinuses or address other anatomical issues.

Your doctor may also recommend a combination of over-the-counter and prescription medications, including:

Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
Steroid nasal sprays
Saline nasal irrigations

Patients with sinusitis often go to the doctor expecting to get a prescription for an antibiotic. If you have signs of a sinus infection, talk to your doctor about whether an antibiotic is appropriate to treat the type of infection that you have. Dr. Takashima warns that we must be vigilant about not treating viral infections with antibiotics, which only work on bacterial infections, to prevent creating superbugs antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery or FESS is another approach your doctor may recommend to treat chronic sinusitis.

An ear, nose, and throat surgeon will use a special tool with a lighted camera on the end to visualize the inside of your nose.

They will then use small instruments to remove excess tissue, nasal polyps, or nasal cysts to widen your sinuses.

Your ENT surgeon will perform the procedure under anesthesia. They may use general anesthesia or conscious sedation .

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Preventing Sinus Infections And Bronchitis

The best way to prevent both sinus infections and bronchitis is to wash your hands regularly and try to minimize your contact with someone who has a cold.

If you have allergies, try to manage those symptoms well and avoid allergens as much as possible. Both can reduce your risk of developing a sinus infection. This includes avoiding cigarette smoke and other air contaminants, which can irritate and inflame the lungs and nasal passages.

Finally, regular use of a humidifier adds moisture to the air and may help prevent sinusitis. It is critical, however, to regularly clean the humidifier to assure it is free of mold.

There is some evidence that an annual flu shot can reduce your chances of getting bronchitis, as flu viruses have been shown to be a significant cause of bronchitis. Additionally, avoiding cold and damp environments can reduce your risk of developing bronchitis.

At Columbia Allergy, we are experts in the treatment of asthma or allergies. Our providers are here to help with a patient-focused approach. Contact us at any of our convenient locations in California, Oregon, Idaho, or Washington to learn more about how we can help with your unique challenges and goals.

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