What Is A Common Cold
Its an illness caused by many different kinds of viruses, which are tiny infectious particles.
You cant miss the symptoms:
- Nasal congestion
You may also get a cough and a mild fever. The symptoms usually build, peak, and slowly disappear. Some medications can ease symptoms. For example, may decrease drainage and open the nasal passages. Pain relievers may help with fever and headache. Cough medicine may help, as well.
Colds typically last from a few days to about a week or longer.
Sometimes, a cold may cause swelling in the sinuses, hollow spaces in your skull that are connected to each other. The swelling can prevent the flow of mucus.
This can lead to a sinus infection. If you have pain around your face and eyes and thick yellow or green mucus for more than a week see your doctor.
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:
First Line Of Defense Against Sinusitis: Nasal Irrigation
One of the simplest, cheapest, and most effective ways to prevent and treat sinus problems is nasal irrigation. Using a homemade solution, you can often relieve sinusitis symptoms, reduce reliance on nasal sprays and antibiotics, and improve your quality of life. At least once a day, follow these steps:
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Pain & Fever Medication*
Patients with sinus congestion can experience significant discomfort, including facial pressure, headaches, throat inflammation and pain in their upper teeth. Taking a medication that alleviates pain can offer relief from these symptoms. Since viral sinusitis can also cause a low-grade fever, taking an over-the-counter fever reducer can offer added relief.
One option is acetaminophen, which alleviates pain and fever. Another option is an NSAID .
NSAID medications include ibuprofen naproxen. NSAIDs relieve pain and fever, and they have the added benefit of reducing inflammation.
*It should be noted while these medications are safe for most patients, they are not indicated for everyone. Consult a medical provider to see what treatment options are safe for you.
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Alternatives For Nasal Sprays
Nasal sprays arent typically intended as a long-term solution for allergies and frequent sinus congestion. Some people report that nasal sprays can be habit-forming, and side effects such as rebound inflammation and nosebleeds can occur if you overuse these products. Alternatives to consider include:
- Run a cool-mist humidifier or essential oil diffuser in your home to keep sinus congestion to a minimum.
- Consider a HEPA-filter air filtration device if environmental allergies are a problem indoors.
- Apply a warm compress to your forehead and nasal passages to soothe painful congestion.
- Keep oral allergy medications in mind as an alternative to nasal sprays.
- Breathe in steam or take a warm shower to loosen mucus thats inflaming your sinus passages.
Nasal sprays can help you manage hay fever or sinus infection symptoms. But there are times when you may need to see a doctor about your symptoms.
Talk with a doctor about your congestion if you have one or more of the following symptoms:
- nasal congestion that lasts for 2 weeks or more
- a high fever that lasts for over 72 hours
- nasal discharge that appears green and comes with a recurring fever or headache
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How To Do A Nasal Rinse
Nasal saline rinses are a good way to treat discomfort and congestion. They can help flush out mucus, debris, and irritants, and soothe nasal passages.
A neti pot can be used to do this. You fill a pot with a saline rinse that you can buy.
- Place the spout of the pot against one nostril.
- Tilt your head to the side.
- The saline will pour out of the lower nostrilthanks to gravity.
- Repeat steps with the other nostril.
Check If You Have Sinusitis
Sinusitis is common after a cold or flu.
Symptoms of sinusitis include:
- pain, swelling and tenderness around your cheeks, eyes or forehead
- a reduced sense of smell
- green or yellow mucus from your nose
- a sinus headache
Signs of sinusitis in young children may also include irritability, difficulty feeding, and breathing through their mouth.
The sinuses are small, empty spaces behind your cheekbones and forehead that connect to the inside of the nose.
Sinusitis causes the lining of the sinuses to swell up.
This stops mucus draining into your nose and throat properly, making you feel blocked up.
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Can You Take Sinus Decongestants If You Have High Blood Pressure
Phenylephrine is not considered to be safe if you have high blood pressure. Sinus decongestants that contain pseudoephedrine may actually raise your blood pressure and counteract the blood pressure medication that youre on. If you have high blood pressure, you should speak with your doctor about which decongestant they recommend for you.
Fridababy Nosefrida Saline Snot Spray
The Fridababy Saline Nasal Spray is an all-natural nasal mist that softens stubborn blocked nasal passage in a natural way. The saline mist in this nasal spray is made of two ingredients, sea salt, and water making it the most natural & gentle formulation perfect to moisturize nasal passages. IT comes with a small applicator tip specially designed for small noses for kids.
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Best With Deviated Septum: Seagate Good Nasal Spray For Sinus Infection
We know from years of feedback from readers, amazon sellers, and family and friends what most people want in a convenient and appropriate spray. The Seagate Good Nasal Spray For Sinus Infection is exactly that its a simple spray that hits all the right notes. The good nasal spray for sinusinfection comes with active ingredients and it is ideal for best quality. . In addition, the spray is designed to worth every penny, comes with good stuff and it is chemical free.
The spray works with other ingredients and it is made with homeopathic ingredients. Further, it is safe for children and it is cheap. Lastly, a good nasal spray for sinus infection is more effective, breathe better and it is very soothing.
Almost all customers found that the spray is allergies, or maybe even cerebral spinal fluid. In addition, they also found that the spray has its maximum potency and antioxidant levels. Further, they also found that the bottle was not meant to be reused for human use. Therefore, most customers agree that the spray is functionally comfortable and no one questions it.
Top Customer Quotes:
- Safe, fast, and effective for the temporary relief of sinus irritations.
- This will speed recovery with or without antibiotics.
- This is great for sinus problems as it kills fungus.
- This can be used as much you want to continue using it.
How Does A Nasal Spray Clear Nasal Congestion
Nasal sprays help drainage of mucus from your nasal passages. The topical steroids can also decrease the inflammation of your blood vessels and help empty fluids from your nose. Thats why they are commonly used to help treat sinus infection symptoms. All nasal sprays do not work the same way. Some of these nasal sprays can be addictive and with regular use of these sprays, youll need increasing dosages to relieve your stuffiness. So, its important to use nasal sprays as instructed by our allergists to minimize side effects.
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What Tests Diagnose The Cause Of Sinus Infections And Sinusitis
Sinus infection is most often diagnosed based on the history and examination of a doctor. Because plain X-ray studies of the sinuses may be misleading and procedures such as CT and MRI scans, which are much more sensitive in their ability to diagnose a sinus infection, are so expensive and not available in most doctors offices, most sinus infections are initially diagnosed and treated based on clinical findings on examination. These physical findings may include:
- redness and swelling of the nasal passages,
- purulent drainage from the nasal passages ,
- tenderness to percussion over the cheeks or forehead region of the sinuses, and
- swelling about the eyes and cheeks.
Occasionally, nasal secretions are examined for secreted cells that may help differentiate between infectious and allergic sinusitis. Infectious sinusitis may show specialized cells of infection while allergic sinusitis may show specialized white blood cells of allergy . Physicians prescribe antibiotics if the bacterial infection is suspected. Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections many physicians then treat the symptoms.
In addition, both rigid and flexible endoscopy has been used to obtain diagnostic material from sinuses. These procedures are usually done by an otolaryngologist under topical and local anesthesia. Occasionally, there may be a need to sedate the patient. Some investigators suggest that endoscopy specimens are comparable to those obtained by needle puncture.
How To Clear A Stuffy Nose
There are several things you can do to clear a stuffy nose, including using a humidifier or vaporizer to help loosen mucus in the nasal passages. Take a long, hot shower or breathe in some steam from a pot of warm water to help with temporary relief. Stay hydrated and drink a lot of fluids to keep your mucus thinned out, which can help prevent your sinuses from getting blocked. A saline nasal spray can help keep your nasal passages from getting dried out or clogged. You can also try a neti pot or a nasal irrigator to remove excess mucus from the nose. Always make sure you use distilled sterile water, and clean the neti pot or irrigation device thoroughly after each use. A warm, wet towel on your face can also help open the nasal passages. When you sleep, try to stay propped up to make breathing easier.
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Nasal Spray For Sinus Infection Spray Nasal Strimar
1Xlear, Xylitol Sinus Care Spray, XLEAR Nasal Spray is effective and powerful spray that works gently with the nasal passages for the comfortable and better relief from the Nasal infections,This is very safe and gentle natural allergy treatment that effectively
Best Nasal Spray for Cold & Sinus 1, Afrin No Drip Extra Moisturizing Pump Recently in a case study, an American lady who was found COVID-19 positive 2, NasalCrom Nasal Spray Allergy The NasalCrom Nasal Spray fights all allergy-related symptoms that have stuffed up
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What If Im Not Using It Correctly
Talk to your doctor or allergist if youâre not sure. They can show you how to use this natural remedy to keep your nose clear of thick mucus and debris so you can breathe better.
Show Sources
SOURCES: CDC. AAAAI : âNew research finds that treatment from an allergist significantly improves asthma care.â FamilyDoctor.org: âSinusitis.â Keojampa, BK, Archives of Otolaryngology â Head & Neck Surgery, 2004. MedicineNet: âChronic Rhinitis.â
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Should I Use A Nasal Spray For A Sinus Infection
Nasal sprays are often used to soothe symptoms caused by a sinus infection or acute sinusitis. Symptoms of a sinus infection can include inflammation in the nose, congestion, postnasal drip, runny nose with green or yellow mucus, cough, sinus pain and more. There are four main types of nasal sprays: corticosteroids, nasal decongestants, sodium chloride, and cromolyn sodium.
Corticosteroid and sodium chloride nasal sprays are used to help soothe allergy symptoms such as a stuffy nose. Nasal decongestants relieve nasal congestion in the upper respiratory tract. Cromolyn sodium is an anti-inflammatory medication helpful in treating sinus infections caused by allergies. One of our allergists can determine which spray will best treat your symptoms.
Challenges To Implementation: Tx May Scare Away Some Patients
Despite its effectiveness in reducing rhinosinusitis symptoms, performing large-volume, low-pressure nasal saline irrigation is not intuitiveand may sound downright scary to some patients. The need to learn how to perform nasal irrigation effectively, overcome the fear of water in the nasal cavity, and find the time to perform irrigation regularly can be barriers to this treatment.
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How Can You Tell If You Have Chronic Sinusitis
Does it feel like your sinus infection just wont quit? If you experience at least two of the following for 12 weeks or more even though youve been treated it may be chronic sinusitis:
- Discharge of mucus or postnasal drip
- Pain or pressure in your face
- Problems with smell
Chronic sinus infections can be triggered by colds but are typically caused by long-term inflammation. Sometimes, when treatments to control that inflammation fail, people with chronic sinusitis need surgery to drain their mucus.
Types Of Otc Nasal Sprays
OTC nasal sprays can be categorized by their active ingredients .
- Steroid: OTC steroid nasal sprays are meant to reduce inflammation. Thats why theyre recommended for treating allergies and chronic sinusitis. The steroid sprays may contain budesonide or fluticasone.
- Antihistamine: Antihistamine sprays are meant to blunt the impact of an allergen that your body is reacting to. These products are mostly recommended for allergies. Active antihistamine ingredients in nasal sprays are azelastine or olopatadine.
- Nasal decongestant: These types of sprays aim to shrink irritated blood vessels that line your nose, reducing inflammation to help you breathe more easily. Ingredients may include oxymetazoline hydrochloride or phenylephrine hydrochloride.
- Saline: Saline sprays dont contain active ingredients, but they can loosen mucus and help you to breathe more easily.
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When Should I Call The Doctor About A Cold Or Sinus Infection
Most colds go away without medical treatment. If you have pain around your face or eyes, along with thick yellow or green nasal discharge for more than a week, check with your doctor. Also call them if you have fever or symptoms that are severe or don’t get better with over-the-counter treatments.
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Youre Not Staying Hydrated
Drinking more water with a sinus infection may sound counterintuitive, but its essential to stay hydrated while you have a sinus infection. Your body uses water to make mucus, so when you have a sinus infection, your body needs more liquids to stay hydrated. Keeping your body hydrated during a sinus infection also makes your mucus thinner, therefore easier to get rid of it so you can breathe a bit easier.
Posted on by Coastal Ear, Nose & Throatin Sinusitis
Facial pressure and pain, pounding headaches, and congestion are all typical hallmarks of a sinus infection, which is also known as sinusitis. There are many treatments available both OTC and by prescription, but how exactly does saline spray help sinus infections?
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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.
How Can Sinus Blockage Lead To Hearing Loss
Because the sinuses are super close to the ear canal, congested sinuses can cause blockage in whats called the Eustachian tube. It is a section of your ear that is between the middle and your throat, which keeps your ear pressure in check. When it becomes inflamed, it collects fluid into the space, which causes pressure on the eardrum. This often causes pain and, sometimes, temporary hearing loss. Things may sound like youre underwater, or as if you have just descended in an airplane. In most cases this type of hearing loss is temporary and once the sinus infection clears, the fluids drain out of the Eustachian tube.
Sinus blockage is unpleasant and painful, but chronic congestion can also lead to hearing loss and other ear issues. #HealthStatus
- 1Keep your nose and sinuses hydrated.
- 2Take a decongestant or regular allergy medication.
- 3Avoid drastic weather changes
- 4Get a hearing test if you suspect you might have hearing loss.
If an existing ear infection is not treated, it can cause permanent injury to bones in the middle ear, which can cause bleeding or rupturing of the eardrum. Sinus-related ear issues or hearing disruption can be curbed if you treat the sinus infection before it spreads. Sinusitis causes pressure and stuffiness to interfere with your hearing and if it seems to be a constant issue, its important that you consult with an ear, nose and throat specialist who may prescribe a steroid or perform a minimally invasive procedure.
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