What About Cayenne Pepper
If youve ever eaten spicy food, you know that it can sometimes make your nose run. Thats likely the reason some people believe eating or even snorting cayenne pepper can help with a sinus infection.
Similarly, others focus on capsaicin, the active ingredient in hot peppers that makes them spicy, believing that a capsaicin nasal spray may clear out congestion.
However, theres no peer-reviewed research to prove that either cayenne or capsaicin are an effective remedy for sinus infections. And while these foods are generally safe, they could have side effects if you take too much. Eating too much cayenne, for example, can irritate your mouth and stomach, and in very large doses it could lead to vomiting or diarrhea.
Approach To The Patient
Patients with an appropriate indication should be considered for a trial of saline nasal irrigation. Optimal salinity is unknown, although 0.9 to 3 percent saline solutions have been used most often. Optimal pH and temperature are also unknown, but are likely patient-specific.23 In the United States, lukewarm tap water appears safe for saline preparation sterile water or premixed solution is recommended if potability is in doubt.
Saline nasal irrigation techniques are easily taught in primary care settings. Patients have identified effective education methods as key to successful initiation and maintenance.23 Free evidence-based bilingual resources are available from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health at .
Read the full article.
How Can You Tell If You Have An Acute Sinus Infection
Its tempting to label every nasal issue as a sinus infection, but thats not always the case. Common symptoms of acute sinusitis include:
- Headaches and sometimes, toothaches
- Fever
- Halitosis
Many people believe that green snot means you have a bacterial sinus infection, curable only with antibiotics. Not true. Sage-colored mucus is common with viral infections and allergies and can happen when snot sits in your face for a while before being expelled.
A trip to your doctor may be necessary if you have a bacterial infection, but it can often be difficult to distinguish between that and a viral infection. If your symptoms last longer than 10 days or improve before worsening again, call your HCP.
If you suddenly experience any of these symptoms, its a sign to seek medical attention immediately, even if theyve been present for fewer than seven days:
- Abrupt vision changes
- Continual high fever
Read Also: Can Wisdom Teeth Cause Sinus Problems
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.
Why We Get Sinus Infections Manhattan
Some of us get a sinus infection occasionally, while others find they are a chronic problem. According to research conducted by a sinus specialist in Boston, compared to patients with other chronic conditions like heart failure and back pain, those patients that suffer with sinusitis report the highest level of pain, and the lowest level of social function. They have problems working, and it affects both their energy level and mental health.
Our sinus cavity, located between our eyes and nose, acts as a filter for the air we breathe before it reaches the lungs. There is always bacteria in the nose and its mostly harmless, but should the lining of the sinus cavity and nose come in contact with certain bacteria, a virus or an allergen, they can become swollen, inflamed, and congested. The result is a back-up of mucus and lack of drainage.
If the nose is too dry and no mucus is flowing, this can also trigger a sinus infection.
Don’t Miss: Nose And Sinus Institute Of Boca Raton
What Is A Sinus Infection
Your sinuses are hollow cavities found in the bones around your eyes and nose. When you have a sinus infection, the thin tissue that lines them the mucous membrane becomes inflamed. That inflammation leads to a buildup of mucus, which contributes to a stuffy nose and puts pressure on the surrounding areas. Thus, the characteristic sinus headache.
Sinusitis can be acute, subacute or chronic. Most common are acute infections, which last less than 4 weeks. Anything going over 12 weeks is defined as chronic sinusitis. Anything in between is typically called a subacute infection.
About 1 or 2 percent of sinus infections are bacterial. Up to 80 percent of these resolve on their own in under two weeks, while the rest may be treated by antibiotics, depending on the advice of your healthcare provider .
Not every cold causes a sinus infection, and not every sinus infection is caused by a cold. Both acute and chronic sinusitis can also be triggered by allergies, fungus, medical conditions and nasal issues like polyps or a deviated septum.
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.
You May Like: Can Sinus Infection Mess With Your Eyes
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.
Viral Upper Respiratory Tract Infection
Liquid and spray saline nasal irrigation have been evaluated for the treatment and prevention of viral URTI. A Cochrane review is in progress.17 Two studies assessing treatment reported conflicting results.18,19 The studies used different outcome measures, which limits comparability. In a three-arm randomized controlled trial , 143 adults with viral URTI received hypertonic spray saline, normal saline, or no treatment.18 The treatments did not have a measurable effect on the duration or severity of nasal symptoms compared with the control group. However, in an RCT of 200 adults with viral URTI, patients treated with micronized saline spray had improved rhinometric resistance, nasal volume, mucociliary transit time, and symptom severity scores compared with patients using liquid saline.19 Compliance rates were not reported, making it difficult to compare micronized saline with liquid saline nasal irrigation.
An RCT of 60 adults evaluated the effectiveness of daily spray saline irrigation as preventive therapy for viral URTI.20 Patients performing preventive saline nasal irrigation reported significantly fewer infections, shorter symptom duration, and fewer days with nasal symptoms compared with those who did not perform preventive nasal irrigation.
Also Check: Best Medicine To Treat Sinus Infection
What Should I Do If A Saline Nasal Spray Doesnt Relieve My Congestion
Saline nasal spray can be very effective at reducing uncomfortable congestion associated with various illnesses and allergies, but there may be situations in which saline nasal spray alone cannot relieve your symptoms. In these situations, patients may benefit from using a decongestant or antihistamine to help control their symptoms.
Why Spray Crops After Dark
Herbicide droplets crystallize when they dry and dont penetrate the leaf surface. Translocation of herbicide occurs during photosynthesis, which occurs during the day. However, night spraying can allow better initial penetration so that weed kill is more effective when photosynthesis begins the following day.
You May Like: Puffy Under One Eye Sinus
Don’t Miss: Can Sinus Pain Cause Tooth Pain
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.
Recommended Reading: How To Heal A Sinus Infection Without Antibiotics
Can Saline Spray Help With Your Sinus Infection
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?
Also Check: Advil Cold Sinus And Flu
How Is Saline Spray Beneficial For Sinus Infections
To be clear, using saline will help soothe irritated sinuses and may help prevent future sinus infections, but it does not treat the infection. Sinus issues are susceptible to changes in the weather, the humidity, and climate. Those who fly frequently should take special care as altitude also affects sinus issues.
Saline will reduce the thick mucus secretions in the sinuses and nose and help wash away particles, allergens, and germs.
Saline sprays are not habit forming and can be used multiple times a day to aid in the healing process and to alleviate symptoms especially if you are prone to chronic sinus infections.
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:
Read Also: Is Advil Cold And Sinus An Antihistamine
Ways To Recognize Serious Signs Of Sinus Infections
#1: Duration
The length of the infection is an important determinant of the seriousness of the infection.
I usually consider most infections less than 3 weeks to be viral or inflammation related to congestion. At this point, the best treatment is usually medications that decrease the congestion and inflammation. This in turn will alleviate the symptoms and ultimately cure the illness.
When the illness continues beyond 3 weeks, bacterial infection can begin to develop. Though antibiotics can be considered at this point, other treatments may still be the best answer if they have not yet been given a try.
#2: Mucous Color
I will dispel a myth right here and now. Yellowish/greenish mucous does not necessarily mean the infection is bacterial.
Viruses can cause the same color mucous. The reason for the mucous is generally not the actual bacteria or virus, but the bodys immune response to the intruder.
So dont worry just because you see a colored mucous when you blow your nose. This will also improve as the infection abates.
#3: Sinus Pain
Sinus pain can occur anytime throughout a sinus infection. This is normal and means there is inflammation in the sinuses, as we discussed previously.
However, severe pain, redness over the skin, hardened skin over the sinuses, or even a severe headache are not generally normal and can indicate a bacterial infection.
#4: Fever
A fever can be caused by both viruses and bacteria. So how do you differentiate between the two?
What If Im Not Using It Correctly
Talk to your doctor or allergist if you’re 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 : “New research finds that treatment from an allergist significantly improves asthma care.” FamilyDoctor.org: “Sinusitis.” Keojampa, BK, Archives of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, 2004. MedicineNet: “Chronic Rhinitis.”
Also Check: Pineapple Juice For Sinus Infection
S For Using A Pressurized Canister
Afrin Original Nasal Spray
Afrin Nasal Spray is offers the instant response with runny nose and sneezing, congestion and cold. It starts to work immediately, and can provide up to 12 hours of nasal congestion relief without drowsiness. It ensures very fast,powerful relief from the nasal congestion.
It is Very easy to use you can use it every morning with a dried up mouth and a severely congested nose not being able to breath once you use the spray you can smell everything. It is best for the children with age of 6-12. It is also can be used to get the relief from headache, dizziness, drowsiness, or lightheadedness.
Features
Don’t Miss: Can You Drink On Sinus Infection Antibiotics
A Little Bit Of Coaching Can Go A Long Way
A study by Rabago et al found that coached practice and patient education are effective tools in mastery of the technique ., The researchers also found that several home strategiesincorporating nasal irrigation into the daily hygiene routine, placing the materials in a convenient location, and using warm waterfacilitate regular use.
There is evidence, too, that patients who successfully use large-volume, low-pressure saline irrigation gain more than symptom relief. Rabago et al also found that effective use of this technique was associated with a sense of empowerment, and led to improved self-management skills, as well as a rapid, and long-term, improvement in quality of life.
Arm & Hammer Simply Saline Nasal Mist Giant Size: 6 Packs Of 425 Oz
as of December 9, 2021 10:56 am
Features
- TWO INGREDIENT SALINE: Natural sea salt and purified water specially formulated for small noses. No alcohol, medicine or other additives.
- SEAMLESS SNOTSUCKING: When used with Frida Baby’s Nasal Aspirator NoseFrida The Snotsucker .
- EASY TO USE – small applicator tip for tiny nostrils to easily remove mucus and clean nasal passageways.
- CONGESTION RELIEF non-medicated relief for stubborn boogies and stuffy noses while also moisturizing nasal passages.
- 2-IN-1 SPRAY OR DROP APPLICATION: Spout works both for spritz relief in spray form, and when turned upside down can be used in drop form.
Don’t Miss: Best Medicine For Sinus Drainage And Sore Throat
The Possibility Of The Rebound Effect
Have you ever used a nasal spray for days on end and all of a sudden you stopped feeling relief? What you may have experienced is called the rebound effect.
Nasal sprays arent addicting, but they can become habit-forming and in general, you shouldnt use them for more than three days, says Dr. Kravchuck. Using them longer invites building up a tolerance to the medicines, which is called the rebound effect.
Along with that comes common minor side effects, too. These can include a bitter smell or taste, sneezing, runny nose and nasal irritation, including burning and stinging. If you experience any major side effects, including a change in heart rate, tremors, unusual sweating or persistent nosebleeds, consult your doctor.
While most people can use these sprays, your doctor or pharmacist may have other recommendations if you suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism or if youre taking other medications.
You shouldnt use a nasal spray if your nasal passages become damaged, she says. When this happens, you might need more medicine to control your congestion, or your congestion might worsen if you stop using the spray.
If this happens, your doctor may suggest you stop using the spray for several weeks to reverse this effect.