What Can I Do
While you wait for your infection to run its course, you can take steps at home to feel better.
Look into nasal sprays. Store-bought saline nasal spray loosens up mucus, temporarily clearing it from your nasal passages. A steroid nasal spray like fluticasone may help tame inflammation, especially if you have underlying allergies. Unsure about using a steroid? Follow package directions and go to your HCP with questions.
Be wary of decongestant nasal sprays, like oxymetazoline . Using them for longer than three days could cause rebound symptoms persistent stuffiness eased only by the spray itself. Dryness and addiction are also possibilities.
Embrace sinus rinses like the neti pot. Many sinus infection veterans swear by nasal irrigation systems, such as plastic squeeze bottles or teakettle-shaped neti pots. These devices are filled with a sterile saline solution and used to flush snot from your sinuses.
Neti pots and their ilk are widely available and typically safe, as long as you handle them properly. Dont use water directly from your tap. Instead use distilled water, a sterile saline solution or water that has been boiled and then cooled.
Try over-the-counter medicines. Experts recommend analgesics including acetaminophen , ibuprofen and aspirin to ease pain, as well as decongestants like pseudoephedrine to alleviate the pressure of congestion.
Finally, you may want to avoid flying or scuba diving, since either can aggravate sinus pain.
Knowing The Difference Is The Key To Treatment
For too many of us, springtime is synonymous with congestion. The combination of lingering winter colds and air suddenly full of pollen conspires to make it the season of stuffy noses, runny eyes, aching headsand frustrating attempts to rein them all in.
Effective treatment starts with knowing whether your symptoms stem from allergies, such as hay fever, or sinusitis, an infection of the air cavities surrounding the nasal passages that frequently develops as a complication of the common cold.
But knowing the difference can be hard since some symptoms can overlap. And even when you know the cause, there are so many treatments to choose from that its easy to end up with something that doesnt help much or even causes more problems than it solves.
For example, millions of Americans are prescribed antibiotics for sinusitis even though the drugs usually arent necessary. The problem is so widespread that such organizations as the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology recently started a campaign to discourage doctors from prescribing those drugs unnecessarily.
Allergy sufferers are often unsure of which drugstore products they should turn to or which lifestyle changes are most effective. Thats unfortunate not only because it prolongs their misery but also because growing research suggests that inadequately controlled nasal allergies can worsen other health problems, notably asthma.
What Home Remedies Help Soothe Sinus Headache Symptoms
There are a number of self-care measures available to help decrease sinus congestion and promote drainage of the sinuses, providing relief for sinus headache.
- Drink plenty of fluids to help you stay hydrated.
- Breathe humidified air.
- OTC pain medicationssuch as acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help control pain.
- such as pseudoephedrine may be useful in promoting drainage of the sinuses. People with high blood pressure or heart conditions should check with their healthcare practitioner before using these medications. A number of over-the-counter decongestant medications are available, either singly or in combination with antihistamines, pain relievers, and/or anti-inflammatory medications.
- are also available that contain decongestant medications, but these should not be used for more than three days, due to the possibility of rebound inflammation, a worsening of the condition once use of the spray has stopped.
- Inhaled steroid preparations are sometimes prescribed to treat allergic sinusitis, and bacterial infections of the sinuses are treated with antibiotics.
- Antihistamines may be useful if allergies such as hay fever are the cause of congestion.
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When To Call A Doctor
Most of the time, a stuffy nose will clear up on its own within a week. Nasal congestion that lasts longer may be a sign of a serious sinus infection in need of treatment. You may also want to see a doctor if the symptoms are interfering with sleep or your ability to function normally.
A stuffy nose may require medical attention if:
- You have a high fever.
- Your symptoms last longer than two weeks.
- Your nasal passages are completely blocked.
- Your skin or lips develop a bluish tinge .
- Your breathing rate is very rapid.
- You have difficulty breathing or catching your breath.
Alkalol Company Mucus Solvent And Cleaner
This all-natural product has been widely regarded as the best over the counter medicine for sinus infection, based on consumer reviews. Alkalol Natural Soothing Nasal Wash Mucus Solvent and Cleaner is a powerful however very gentle solution that works tough to remove mucus, but soothes the nasal tissues to reduce irritation and discomfort.
The mixture menthol, eucalyptol, spearmint, pine, and cinnamon packs a powerful minty punch that leaves the sinuses clear and free from congestion for hours on end. Whats more, the all natural solution causes zero side-effects, making it the best sinus medicine ever for little children.
All in all, Alkalol Natural Soothing Nasal Wash Mucus Solvent and Cleaner is a straightforward, safe, and effective product that gets the job done. So if you want a sinus infection remedy that can ease your discomfort at a reasonable price, this is the option for you.
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Typical Dosing For Allegra
Adults and children 12 years of age and older:
- 12-hour tablet: The typical dose is one tablet with water twice a day. Dont take more than 2 tablets a day.
- 24-hour tablet: The typical dose is one tablet with water once a day. Dont take more than one tablet a day.
Children under 12 years of age:
- Oral suspension: For children aged 2 to 12, take 5 mL every 12 hours. Dont take more than 10 mL in 24 hours
- Dissolvable tablet: For children aged 6 to 12, take 1 tablet every 12 hours on an empty stomach. Dont take more than 2 tablets in 24 hours.
Advil Sinus Congestion & Pain
Advil Sinus Congestion & Pain combines the speed and strength of Advil and a proven nasal decongestant for fast, effective relief of sinus pressure and congestion associated with colds. Though mucus can contribute to the stuffed up feeling, nasal congestion is the swelling of the tissues in the nose and sinuses caused by inflammation. Advil Sinus Congestion & Pain re-opens your airways by constricting the blood vessels in your nose and sinuses.
Advil Sinus Congestion & Pain also treats the pain associated with colds. The philosophy behind Advil Sinus Congestion & Pain is that cold-sufferers who treat only nasal congestion or the pain associated with it really only address half the problem. Both pain and congestion are major symptoms of colds so it just makes sense to treat them both with just one tablet. Get fast, powerful relief with Advil Sinus Congestion & Pain.
Featured on Prevention.com in 11 Cold Medicines That Will Make You Feel Less Miserable. Read the full article.
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Temporarily relieves these symptoms associated with the common cold or flu:
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Nasal Saline Sprays: Non
Nasal saline is an invaluable addition to the list of over-the-counter medications. It is ideal for all types of nasal problems. The added moisture produced by the saline reduces thick secretions and assists in the removal of infectious agents. There is no risk of becoming addicted to nasal saline. It should be applied as a mist to the nose up to six times per day. Nasal saline can also be made at home: contact your otolaryngologist for details.
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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.
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Is There Something I Should Do After Acquiring A Over The Counter Flu Medicine
When a complete stranger can hear my over the counter flu medicines, I am concerned. Guns are not viewed positively by uninitiated individuals.
Our range trips make us seem like we are members of some obscure club. You are welcome to ask for my assistance. I am happy to assist you if you need anything else.
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Over The Counter Allergy Medicine
The best allergy medicine for you depends on a variety of factors. You will need to consider the specific allergy symptoms you are experiencing and what is triggering them. Then, select an over the counter allergy medicine that addresses those causes and symptoms. Not all allergy medications are created equal, and some are better suited to address certain allergy triggers and symptoms than others. For example, if you deal with both indoor and outdoor allergies, you should consider an allergy medication that contains cetirizine hydrochloride, since the ingredient is approved to treat both indoor and outdoor allergy symptoms. Your needs for the day also matter. If you have to give a big presentation, youre better off reaching for a non-drowsy allergy relief option such as a nasal spray rather than a first-generation antihistamine, such as Benadryl, which contains diphenhydramine and is known for causing drowsiness. If you arent sure which allergy medicine is best for you, dont hesitate to talk to your doctor or pharmacist. He or she can offer you individualized advice and help you formulate a plan for controlling your allergy symptoms that works with not against your lifestyle.
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Why Do We Suffer From Nasal And Sinus Discomfort
The bodys nasal and sinus membranes have similar responses to viruses, allergic insults and common bacterial infections. Membranes become swollen and congested. This congestion causes pain and pressure mucus production increases during inflammation, resulting in a drippy, runny nose. These secretions may thicken over time, may slow in their drainage, and may predispose to future bacterial infection of the sinuses.
Congestion of the nasal membranes may even block the eustachian tube leading to the ear, resulting in a feeling of blockage in the ear or fluid behind the eardrum. Additionally, nasal airway congestion causes the individual to breathe through the mouth.
Each year, more than 37 million Americans suffer from sinusitis, which typically includes nasal congestion, thick yellow-green nasal discharge, facial pain and pressure. Many do not understand the nature of their illness or what produces their symptoms. Consequently, before visiting a physician, they seek relief for their nasal and sinus discomfort by taking non-prescription or over-the-counter medications.
Best For Daily Use: Boiron Over The Counter Sinus Pressure Medicine
Boiron offers a variety of medicine for personal choice and yet maintains quality in all the variants. The Boiron Over The Counter Sinus Pressure Medicine is an independent pharmaceutical laboratory that prides itself on quality manufacturing and responsible environmental practices. The Manufacturer says: At Boiron, we believe there is more than one way to feel better. This homeopathic sinus relief medicine targets sinus pain with a stuffy or runny nose.
The medicine is designed to relieve nasal congestion, sinus pain and pressure, and headache due to the common cold or allergies. Also, the medicine is non-drowsy and phenylephrine-free, and wont interact with other medications or supplements, including those for colds and allergies. Most importantly, the boiron overthe countersinus pressure medicine is reliable, works great and it is highly recommend.
One customer says Dissolves under your tongue, doesnt taste that great but also not terrible. . Most customers agree that the medicine is great for daily use. In conclusion, buyers found this to be one of the best medicines for daily purposes.
Why We Like This:
- Tablets dissolve quickly under the tongue without water, chewing, or swallowing pills.
- It feels good and it is good for cough syrup.
- A way that works with your body, not against it.
- This is free from preservatives and it can be made with active ingredients.
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Why Is There A Warning About Heart Disease High Blood Pressure Or Diabetes
ContacÃî Cold + Flu advises patients suffering from heart disease, high blood pressure and/or diabetes to consult with their doctor before using Contac. Decongestants in cold medicines decrease the size of enlarged blood vessels in nasal passages, but they can also affect blood vessels in the rest of your body and raise blood pressure. For most people, this increase isnât significant. However, some people can have exaggerated responses to decongestants, contributing to dangerously high blood pressures. As stated on the label, check with your doctor before using Contac Cold + Flu if you have liver disease, heart disease, thyroid disease, diabetes, glaucoma, high blood pressure, trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland , or a breathing problem such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis. Frequently Asked QuestionsContinue reading > >
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Best For Allergy: Coricidin Hbp Over The Counter Sinus Cold Medicine
The best part: Coricidin Hbp Over The Counter Sinus Cold Medicine costs comparatively little and it is available to ship in 24 hours. The coricidin hbp overthe counter sinus cold medicine is reasonable, is pleasantly surprising and it is great for cough. The #1 brand that gives powerful cold symptom relief without raising your blood pressure. The # 1 brand of powerful coldmedicine specially formulated for people with high blood pressure.
The medicine works well and it makes for a great buy. Most importantly, the coricidin hbp over the counter sinus cold medicine can fly with max strength, works really well and it worked beautifully.
Most buyers agree that the medicine does not make you sleepy, its not nighttime. Moreover, they also found that the medicine is great for getting rid of sneezes, runny nose and coughing. To sum up, at the price, they believe that they got a steal of a deal with it.
- This is used to relieve nasal congestion in the upper respiratory tract.
- This is great for tablet form and it is great for a reasonable price.
- This is currently 3/2021 and will be good for a year.
- It provides fast, powerful cold relief for people with high blood pressure.
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What Are Common Side Effects Of Sinus Infection Medications
The most common side effects of sinus infection medications differ by the type of medication you use. Decongestants tend to cause nervousness, insomnia, and a loss of appetite. Side effects of antibiotics include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Antihistamines and steroids can cause dizziness and sleep disturbances.
This is not an exhaustive list of sinus infection medication side effects. If you experience any adverse reactions from a medication or treatment, its always best to consult with your healthcare provider.
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How Do You Get Rid Of A Sinus Infection Fast
You can treat a sinus infection at home or with OTC medications for symptom relief, and/or a prescription antibiotic medication, in the case of a bacterial infection. Stay hydrated, use a humidifier, and sleep at an incline to help resolve your sinus infection quickly. Consult your healthcare provider to see if you need an antibiotic.
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Alternate Hot And Cold Compresses
“Reclining with a hot washcloth over your eyes and nose can help warm the nasal passages and loosen secretions,” says Das. You can also alternate warm and cold compresses to relieve sinus pain and sinus pressure. Heres how to do it: Start by placing a hot towel or washcloth across your sinuses for about three minutes. Then place a cold compress across your sinuses for 30 seconds. Alternate two more times, and repeat the treatment about four times a day.
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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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 and 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.
How To Choose The Best Nasal Spray For You
The best nasal spray for you depends on what you need the product to do. Aim to treat your symptoms based on the underlying cause. If you need a nasal spray because of seasonal allergies, look for a spray that contains a steroid. If youre treating a sinus infection, look for one with decongestant ingredients.
Start with a product that has a lower amount of active ingredients before trying something with a higher amount.
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