How To Prevent Chronic Sinus Infections

Identify The Fundamental Reason

When possible, doctors will aim to treat sinusitis with conservative methods. This implies that they must initially identify the underlying reason for your recurrent sinus infections.

• a mix of the aforementioned factors

Your condition will be determined by a doctor by:

• taking note of your symptoms.
• carrying out tests, such as looking up your nose and into your nasal passages with a special tool.
• gathering images
• and possibly running additional tests to identify the root problem

Sinus Infection Symptom Soothers

If you do come down with a sinus infection, you will likely experience multiple symptoms, such as:

Some of the aforementioned preventive measures can also help ease some sinus infection symptoms, including using a humidifier , irrigating the nasal passages, and staying hydrated.

If you have a sore throat, you can also drink warm beverages, gargle with salt water, or suck on ice chips or ice pops. If you’re coughing, you can use nonmedicated lozenges or drink warm beverages with honey.

Additionally, a warm compress can help relieve sinus pain or pressure, including in the ear, as can over-the-counter pain relievers â Advil , Tylenol , and Aleve . You should also avoid temperature extremes and sudden changes in temperature, as well as bending forward with your head down â these things can worsen sinus pain and pressure.

Bromelain may help reduce inflammation of the sinuses, and spicy foods may help clear the sinuses.

No matter what the symptom, it’s important to get plenty of rest.

You Have Frequent Colds That Can Cause Bacterial Growth

If you spend most of the cold season blowing your nose, you might be one of the many people who get frequent sinus infections from the common cold.

Celebrity plastic surgeon and ear, nose, and throat specialist, Dr. Andrew Ordon told INSIDER that most acute cases of sinus infections are caused by bacterial growth that occurs due to a common cold, which causes sinus inflammation that can block nasal passages.

Don’t Miss: Whats A Good Antibiotic For Sinus Infection

Visit Your Local Sinusitis Experts

Staying away from these common mistakes we all make when suffering from sinusitis can help your symptoms improve, but the best way to help yourself overcome sinusitis is to contact your local ENT specialists in Allen Park and Southfield. Our ENT specialists are always here to help you get through your sinus infection no matter how severe.

Read Also: Medicine To Treat Sinus Infection

Treatment With Systemic Antibiotics

Oral antibiotics

Oral antibiotics are frequently prescribed for CRS despite a lack of good data regarding efficacy. There are very few studies that have examined antibiotic use in CRS patients by RCTs using a placebo arm, and all have used macrolides or doxycyclineantibiotics known for their antiinflammatory properties. Six major RCTs in adults are summarized in Table all were small and had different inclusion criteria regarding polyps and recent surgery., , , , , The control arm was a placebo in four studies but nasal corticosteroids in two. All 5 studies of macrolides evaluated longterm therapy . Results were mixed, with studies involving patients with polyps showing some benefit. The study of short course doxycycline was small but concluded that three weeks of doxycycline was moderately effective in decreasing polyp size at 12 weeks compared with placebo. A threeweek oral corticosteroid taper also decreased polyp size but the effect did not persist beyond 8 weeks.

Don’t Miss: Over The Counter Sinus Allergy Relief

What Decongestants And Nasal Sprays Soothe Or Cure Sinus Infections Or Sinusitis

Taking decongestants and mucolytics orally may be helpful in assisting drainage of sinus infection.

The treatment of chronic forms of sinus infection requires longer courses of medications, such as Augmentin, and may require a sinus drainage procedure. This drainage typically requires a surgical operation to open the blocked sinus under general anesthesia. In general, antihistamines should be avoided unless it is felt that the sinusitis sinus infection is due to allergies, such as from pollens, dander, or other environmental causes.

It is likely that the use of a topical nasal steroid spray will help reduce swelling in the allergic individual without the drying that is caused by using antihistamines although both are occasionally used. Oral steroids may be prescribed to reduce acute inflammation and to help with chronic inflammation in cases with or without polyps and in allergic fungal sinusitis.

In many people, allergic sinusitis develops first, and later, bacterial infection occurs. For these individuals, early treatment of allergic sinusitis may prevent the development of secondary bacterial sinusitis.

In rare instances or in natural disasters, fungal infections may develop in debilitated people. Death rates of 50%-85% have been reported for patients with these sinus infections. Treatment relies on early diagnosis followed by immediate surgical debridement, antifungal drugs, , and stabilizing any underlying health problem such as diabetes.

Treatment For Sinusitis From A Gp

If you have sinusitis, a GP may be able to recommend other medicines to help with your symptoms, such as:

• steroid nasal sprays or drops â to reduce the swelling in your sinuses
• antihistamines â if an allergy is causing your symptoms
• antibiotics â if a bacterial infection is causing your symptoms and you’re very unwell or at risk of complications

You might need to take steroid nasal sprays or drops for a few months. They sometimes cause irritation, sore throats or nosebleeds.

A GP may refer you to an ear, nose and throat specialist if, for example, you:

• still have sinusitis after 3 months of treatment
• keep getting sinusitis
• only have symptoms on 1 side of your face

They may also recommend surgery in some cases.

Recommended Reading: How Do Sinus Infections Happen

How Can You Tell The Difference Between Chronic Sinusitis And Other Issues Like Migraine Headaches

You probably cant tell the difference between all of these things. So, in cases where you have a constant headache, or facial pain, or tooth pain, you should call your healthcare provider to get a diagnosis. This is especially true if you have tried different therapies and have not been able to find relief. Your primary healthcare provider might even find it difficult to diagnose you properly and might suggest you see a specialist. This would be an otolaryngologist, commonly called an ear, nose and throat doctor.

What Happens If You Had Sinus Surgery But Still Dont Feel Better

Many of the patients who visit Dr. Farag have previously had surgery, but have not had improvement – constituting some of the most difficult cases. Before treatment begins, he focuses on helping each patient understand their own unique biology and sinus factors.As a fellowship trained surgeon I really enjoy taking on some of the most challenging cases. I am very transparent with my patients and I like for them to see what the inside of their nose looks like so they can begin to correlate how they feel to what is actually going on in their nose as we continue to tailor and personalize their care.Personalized care also means starting with taking a culture swab from a patient to develop more individualized antibiotics. If those medications are unsuccessful, then we may look at surgery.

Read Also: Best Medicine For Sinus And Ear Congestion

Sinus Infection: Root Causes And Triggers

Sinus infections develop after nasal blockage cause mucus to get backed up in the nasal cavity and sinuses. This mucus becomes a breeding ground for infection-causing microbes.

While viral infections usually cause sinus infections, various other triggers can increase your risk of getting a sinus infection or worsen the infection.

These triggers or risk factors include:

• Abnormal growths inside the nose, called nasal polyps
• Physical abnormalities, such as a deviated nasal septum , trauma-related facial fractures that restrict the nasal passages, or scar tissue from surgery in the nasal area
• Weakened immune system from diseases or treatments
• Congenital diseases, such as cystic fibrosis that causes a buildup of mucus in the lungs and results in persistent lung infections
• Asthma and other reactive diseases

Children who attend day care, suck on pacifiers, drink from bottles while lying down, and who are exposed to secondhand smoke are also at an increased risk of developing sinus infections.

Getting control of these triggers, such as by treating your illnesses and reducing exposure to allergens like dust mites, animal dander, molds, and cockroaches, can help prevent sinus infections.

Avoid Chlorinated Pools And Spas

Many people with consistent sinus problems notice that their issues intensify when they swim in a chlorinated pool. Chlorine is a chemical found in bleach, and it can be very harmful to the skin and sinuses. The deeper you go in the water, the worse the problems tend to be.

The pressure changes when you go down deep. While it helps your body to feel weightless and able to do things you could never do on land, it wreaks havoc on your sinuses. The pressure can cause mucus to back up and plug your airways.

Have you noticed that you are blowing your nose and congested after a long swim? Dont fret as you can still swim. You need to opt for a pool that has a salt filtration system rather than one that uses chlorine. If you have a swimming pool, you can change your systems for a small price to avoid constant sinus infections in the summer.

Don’t Miss: Vitamin C For Sinus Congestion

Sinus Infection Definition And Facts

• Sinusitis or sinus infection is inflammation of the air cavities within the passages of the nose.
• Sinusitis can be caused by infection, allergies, and chemical or particulate irritation of the sinuses.
• The fastest way to get rid of a sinus infection can include medications, home remedies, alternative therapies, and surgery.
• Most people do not spread sinus infections to other people.
• Sinusitis may be classified as acute sinus infection, subacute sinus infection, chronic sinus infection, infected sinusitis, and noninfectious sinusitis.
• Sinusitis signs and symptoms include

Recommended Reading: Why Should We Care About Antibiotic Resistance

Being Proactive Against Sinus Infections

Being proactive is the best way to combat chronic sinus problems. Watch your local news. If you hear that the pollen and ragweed counts are high, you should start medicating pre-emptively and using your Neti pot to thwart any issues.

If you dont like to use medications, then you can apply some herbs to help combat allergy problems too. Garlic, rosemary, and turmeric are all known for being beneficial to the bacteria in the sinuses. Garlic is a potent natural antibiotic that can wipe out infection and keep it from coming back.

When it comes to the pain from a sinus infection, you will do anything you can to make it go away. By following these ten items, you will be on your way to a great spring and summer where you can smell the roses and not worry about carrying around tissues. Who doesnt want to prevent sinus infection?

Read Also: Nevada Ear And Sinus Institute Reviews

When To See Your Doctor

Most cases of allergies and sinus infections can be remedied at home without the need for a medical professional. But if your symptoms worsen like your breathing becoming labored or a fever that lasts for days, dont hesitate to call or visit your doctor.

Benefit From The Latest Advancements In Probiotic Science With Bionaze

Bionaze is a proprietary blend of probiotics proven to help help improve digestion, support your immune system, and promote ear, nose, and throat health. The active ingredients BLIS K12, a recently discovered strain, and BL-04 are considered among the best probiotics according to science.

Get 10% Off Your First Order when you use BIONAZE10 at checkout!

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:

• avoiding the allergen

Recommended Reading: Best Medication For Sinus Pressure And Congestion

Read Also: Sinus Infection And Ear Pain

What Is Chronic Sinusitis

Chronic sinusitis is a long-lasting sinus inflammation and infection. It can linger over a period of time, typically longer than 12 weeks. The sinuses are four paired cavities in the head. These spaces are connected by narrow channels. The four spaces are named for the bones they are near: ethmoidal, sphenoidal, frontal and maxillary. The sinuses make thin mucus that drains out of the channels of the nose. This drainage works as a filtration system, keeping the nose clean and free of bacteria.

The sinuses can become infected when they are blocked and filled with fluid. This is called sinusitis. There are several kinds of sinusitis: acute, subacute, chronic and recurrent. Unlike chronic sinusitis,acute sinusitis typically lasts only a few days, but can last up to four weeks, before going away with minimal or no treatment. Chronic sinusitis may require different types of treatment. Surgery is sometimes needed in severe cases of chronic sinusitis that do not respond to other methods.

Chronic sinusitis is different than recurrent sinusitis because chronic sinusitis symptoms never really go away for long periods of time. In recurrent sinusitis, you have 4 or more bouts of sinusitis in one year, but you also have symptom-free periods in between.

Frequent Use Of Neti Pot Or Other Sinus

Nasal and sinus rinsing goes back to ancient India and is used in Ayurvedic medicine. A 0.9% nasal saline solution can be inserted into the nostrils using a mist, spray or neti pot technique.

A 2009 study concluded normal saline nasal irrigation improvesQuality of Life and decreases acute sinusitis symptoms. Nasal irrigation is an effective adjunctive treatment for pediatric acute sinusitis.

A 2012 study of children showed that when nasal irrigation was used, the children were less likely to need prescription allergy medications. Overall, the irrigation was well tolerated. Lastly, a 2012 study of adults also showed benefit in preventing sinus infections in those who used nasal saline irrigation.

Read Also: How To Eliminate A Sinus Infection

Don’t Miss: Antibiotic Shot For Sinus Infection

Allergies Vs Sinus Infection

Allergies can develop at any point in your life. While allergies tend to come up during childhood, its possible to develop allergies to new substances as an adult.

This type of reaction is caused by a negative response to a substance. Your immune system responds by releasing a chemical called histamine, which can then cause symptoms such as headache, sneezing, and congestion. Its also possible to feel foggy and develop a skin rash.

Severe allergies can lead to a cold-like condition called allergic rhinitis. With allergic rhinitis, you can have the above symptoms as well as itchy eyes. This itchiness is one of the key distinguishing factors between allergies and sinusitis.

A sinus infection, on the other hand, occurs when your nasal passages become inflamed. Sinusitis is most often caused by viruses. When the nasal cavity gets inflamed, mucus builds up and gets stuck, further compounding the problem.

Along with nasal congestion and headache, sinusitis causes pain around your cheeks and eyes. Sinus infections also cause thick, discolored mucus, and bad breath.

Compare the following symptoms to see if you have allergies or a possible sinus infection. Its also possible to have both conditions at the same time.

Also Check: Do You Get Antibiotics For A Sinus Infection

Ways To Fight Sinus Problems Before They Start

Chronic or recurring sinus issues can disrupt every aspect of your life. For example, when you are dealing with sinus pressure and pain, you cringe at the thought of sitting at a computer or leaning over to pick up your child.

When sinus symptoms are flaring, then its apparent that you need to talk to a doctor or ENT specialist. But instead of waiting for acute symptoms, its wiser to be proactive about prevention.

If you are someone who deals with sinus issues on an ongoing basis, then these tips can help you maintain healthy sinuses and prevent infections in the future:

Read Also: How To Get Over Sinus Infection Naturally

How To Use Nasal Irrigation To Prevent Sinus Infections

Many ear, nose, and throat specialists agree that nasal irrigation is a great way to prevent sinus infections. Have you used nasal irrigation before? Here are a few simple steps to follow for this home remedy:

A nasal rinse can be used several times a day when experiencing active symptoms, such as the first signs of a sinus infection.