What Else Do You Need To Make Your Decision
Check the facts
- Sorry, that’s not right. Very few people need surgery. Medicines and home care usually are enough.
- That’s right. Very few people need surgery. Medicines and home care usually are enough.
- It may help to go back and read “Get the Facts.” Very few people need surgery. Medicines and home care usually are enough.
- That’s right. You need to follow your doctor’s plan of medicine and other treatment for 4 to 6 weeks. This treatment can reduce swelling so your doctor can see what is causing your sinus infections.
- That’s not right. You need to follow your doctor’s plan of medicine and other treatment for 4 to 6 weeks. This treatment can reduce swelling so your doctor can see what is causing your sinus infections.
- It may help to go back and read “Get the Facts.” You need medicine and home treatment for 4 to 6 weeks. This will reduce swelling so your doctor can see what is causing your sinus infections.
- You’re right. You may still have to take antibiotics and use steroid nasal sprays after surgery. They can help you heal and fight infection.
- Sorry, that’s not right. You may still have to take antibiotics and use steroid nasal sprays after surgery. They can help you heal and fight infection.
- It may help to go back and read “Get the Facts.” You may still have to take antibiotics and use steroid nasal sprays after surgery. They can help you heal and fight infection.
Risk Of Damage To Achilles Tendon
Fluoroquinolones like ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin, are antibiotics administered for urinary infection. Exercising while on these antibiotics have been reported to cause damage to the tendons that attach the muscles to the bones. It can lead to the rupture of the tendon, mostly the Achilles tendon. Ciprofloxacin is administered by the practitioner only in rare cases as tendinitis is a common occurrence even in normal physical activity. The problems can arise within days or sometimes even hours of physical activity. Therefore, if you have to combine antibiotics and exercise, check with your practitioner if it is safe to exercise while on the particular antibiotic.
Normal Nasal Response To Exercise
In most cases, as the heart rate speeds up during exercise, blood vessels in the body constrict or narrow in tissues instead of inside the active skeletal muscles .
This vasoconstriction is related to the release of adrenaline, a hormone your body produces during times of stress. It leads to less resistance inside the nasal passage airways. In many instances where blood vessels dilate and cause nasal obstruction , exercise actually helps to decrease the symptoms.
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Dos: What To Do When You Have A Sinus Infection
When you have sinusitis there are specific things you can do to reduce inflammation and pain, and to recover faster. Our doctors at Detroit Sinus Center recommend the following:
- Stay hydrated: be proactive about drinking fluids. Your body needs to be fully hydrated in order to recover from a sinus infection. Also, drinking hot liquids like tea or soup can help break down the stuffiness and mucus in your nasal cavities.
- Use a humidifier: the cool mist of a humidifier can help you feel less stuffy and release some of the built up mucus and pressure. Make sure you always use clean water and you routinely clean your humidifier to avoid further infection.
- Use a warm compress: applying a warm compress like a washcloth to your face and allowing it to sit for 10-15 minutes can also help break up the mucus and alleviate the pressure when you have a sinus infection.
- Sleep: make sure you are getting plenty of sleep when you are fighting sinusitis. Your body needs to be well rested in order to fight the infection and recover properly.
- Rinse your sinuses: using a neti pot or nasal spray can help clean out your nasal cavities and alleviate the pressure build up. Remember to always use distilled, sterile, or boiled water to cleanse your sinuses.
- Over The counter drugs: if you have mild pain or pressure, over the counter drugs can help with this. We recommend acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain.
What Other People Have Experienced
I am an active person with regular gym schedules. Recently I have been suffering from sinus infection. I am concerned about taking antibiotics as I am worried of muscle loss and weakness. I cannot consider skipping my exercises — John – For mild infections, antibiotics are not prescribed usually. Antibiotics can lead to diarrhea which will make the body weak. But they do not cause muscle loss. Only Ciprofloxacin has been found to cause rupture of Achilles tendon and it is very rarely administered to patients.
I was diagnosed with tonsillitis infection and doctor has prescribed cloxacillin for a week. The tonsillitis pain has subsided and I have a bad urge to go cycling as I am dont like to sit at home. It is fine to go cycling while on antibiotics?– Tom – It is fine to exercise while on antibiotics. But Penicillin derivatives have a tendency to affect the renal system which can lead to dehydration. So it is advised to maintain reduced physical activity so that there would not arise a need for heavy hydration. Gyms should be avoided while on antibiotics as the body has an increased susceptibility to contract infections. Your doctor will be able to help you with any further information based on the specific antibiotic administered and can make necessary changes to the medications if required.
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Get The Help You Need
At Houston Sinus & Allergy, we assess patients for the severity of their condition and determine a treatment. Book an assessment with our experienced ENT, Dr. Nguyen, and start feeling better.
Not only can they help resolve the current one, they can diagnose any conditions your child may have that will cause more in the future.
The Ent May Not Be Able To Cure Your Sinus Infection
by Dr. Paul Young MD | Jun 24, 2018 | ENT Buffalo NY, Sinus
Yellow, green mucus, bad breath, congestion, runny nose, facial painuh oh, not another sinus infection. Should you head to the ENT, or should you hold out? If you answered the latter, then youd be correct. As it turns out, there is no sinus infection cure for viral infections, so youre better off waiting it out a bit.
Heres everything you need to know about bacterial and viral sinus infections and how to treat them.
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When Should I Go To The Ent For My Sinus Infection
While theres no sinus infection cure for viral infections, your body should be more than capable of fighting off the microbes itself. If you suspect you have a sinus infection, try to wait at least a week to see if the situation improves.
Make sure you get plenty of rest and drink enough fluids. You can take a nasal decongestant or use a saline spray to manage the symptoms, but just hold tight on the antibiotics. If the situation doesnt improve after one to two weeks, you should head to the physicians office to get medication.
Contact Detroit Sinus Center For More Tips
See your sinus specialists at our Southfield or Allen Park locations if you believe you may have a sinus infection. A medical exam from one of our sinus specialists can diagnose your type of infection and prescribe the necessary treatments. With three convenient locations in Detroit, Allen Park, and Southfield, you are sure to find a Detroit Sinus Center office near you. We welcome new patients and look forward to your visit to schedule an appointment!
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Cycling With A Sinus Infection
While some doctors may give the green light for a brief bike ride with a sinus infection, its best to remain cautious. If you can, keep the ride an easy one, avoid polluted areas that might aggravate your sinuses, and try to ride in flat areas, where changes in pressure are less likely to affect you.
Treatment For Nonallergic Rhinitis
The first step in treating nonallergic rhinitis is to try to eliminate any triggers that may be causing it, such as avoiding irritants or reducing stress. If you can do this, exercise may actually improve your congestion and runny nose due to the body’s natural response to adrenaline.
However, if you continue to experience rhinitis after making these changes, your doctor may prescribe a medication to help manage your symptoms.
These medications usually come from three groups.
- Anticholinergics like ipratropium bromide is an inhaler that relaxes and opens the airways but may not be a good fit for some people as it may increase the risk of dementia.
- Nasal steroid sprays like fluticasone or triamcinolone acetonide are common nasal medications that may help treat nasal congestion and a runny nose.
- Intranasal antihistamines, such as azelastine , may effectively treat allergy-related rhinitis as well as nonallergic rhinitis.
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But Sometimes Antibiotics For Sinus Infections Are Needed
So how does one judge when it is appropriate to prescribe antibiotics for a sinus infection? There are several sets of official guidelines, which are all similar. When a patient has thick, colorful nasal discharge and/or facial pressure or pain for at least 10 days, they meet criteria for antibiotic treatment. If a patient has had those symptoms, but the symptoms seemed to start improving and then got worse again, then even if its been less than 10 days, they meet criteria for antibiotic treatment.
The authors, however, also suggest that doctors discuss watchful waiting with patients and explain that most sinus infections clear up on their own in one to two weeks, and its a safe option to hold off on antibiotics. The symptoms can then be treated with a cocktail of over-the-counter medications and supportive care, like nasal saline irrigation, nasal steroid sprays, decongestants, and pain medications.
Of course, many patients expect and demand antibiotics for sinus infections, and even those who are open to watchful waiting may hear about the rare but possible complications of things like, oh, brain abscess, and opt to treat.
In the case of my patient above, she met criteria for treatment. She weighed the watchful waiting option against the potential risks of antibiotics for her sinus infection, and chose the prescription. I can tell you from very close follow-up that she improved quickly, though in truth, we will never really know if she would have gotten better anyway.
What Is A Sinus Infection
A sinus infection, medically known as rhinosinusitis, occurs when your ordinarily air-filled sinuses become filled and blocked with fluid, and your nasal cavities become infected, swollen and inflamed. The infection can be triggered by a virus, like the common cold, or it can be a result of allergies or polyps. Because of the fluid-filled passages, it is easy for bacteria to form and cause the infection.
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Most Sinus Infections Dont Require Antibiotics
Ah, . The New England Journal of Medicine published a clinical practice review of acute sinus infections in adults, that is, sinus infections of up to four weeks. The need for an updated review was likely spurred by the disconcerting fact that while the vast majority of acute sinus infections will improve or even clear on their own without antibiotics within one to two weeks, most end up being treated with antibiotics.
It is this discrepancy that has clinical researchers and public health folks jumping up and down in alarm, because more unnecessary prescriptions for antibiotics mean more side effects and higher bacterial resistance rates. But on the other hand, while 85% of sinus infections improve or clear on their own, theres the 15% that do not. Potential complications are rare, but serious, and include brain infections, even abscesses.
Treatments For Sinus Infections Other Than Antibiotics
#1: Saline Nasal Wash
Saline nasal wash can be a great way to thin out the mucous in the sinuses enough to clear out the blockage. I recommend starting this early on in the course of the illness to prevent the infection from worsening.
You can even make this at home using 2 cups of water and a 1/2 teaspoon of salt. I would add a 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of baking soda to prevent burning that can occur with use. There are also plenty of over the counter saline nasal sprays that you can purchase. You can use this 4-6 times per day.
#2: Vaporizer
Vaporizers are great because they can also thin out the mucous and make you feel a lot better. An easy home remedy, steam is probably the best way to use this treatment. Beware if you are an asthmatic as the steam could cause worsening of the asthma symptoms.
#3: Steroid Nasal Spray
Steroid nasal sprays such as Flonase have been my go to remedy recently and the great news is that they are now over the counter. The general recommendation is to use 1-2 sprays per nostril daily.
But I have found great relief using 2 sprays in each nostril twice daily. At these higher doses it is important to remember that you should use this short term, no more than 5-7 days.
These medications can significantly reduce inflammation allowing the congestion blockage to clear and significantly alleviate symptoms.
#4: Decongestants
#5: Guaifenesin
Guaifenesin such as Mucinex can certainly break up the mucous, allowing the congestion to clear more quickly.
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Runny Nose And Postnasal Drip
When you have a sinus infection, you may need to blow your nose often because of nasal discharge, which can be cloudy, green, or yellow. This discharge comes from your infected sinuses and drains into your nasal passages.
The discharge may also bypass your nose and drain down the back of your throat. You may feel a tickle, an itch, or even a sore throat.
This is called postnasal drip, and it may cause you to cough at night when youre lying down to sleep, and in the morning after getting up. It may also cause your voice to sound hoarse.
What Can You Do For Sinusitis Other Than Surgery
Most of the time, you can treat your sinus problem with home care and medicines.
Home treatment
- Drink plenty of fluids to help keep the mucus thin.
- Hold a warm, damp towel or a warm gel pack to your face for 5 to 10 minutes several times a day.
- Breathe warm, moist air from a steamy shower, a hot bath, or a sink filled with hot water. Avoid very cool, dry air. A humidifier can add moisture to the air in your home.
- Use saltwater nasal drops or washes to help keep your nasal passages open and to wash out mucus and bacteria. You can buy saline nose drops or saline nasal washes at a pharmacy or grocery store, or you can make your own at home. People around age 8 and older may also find it helpful to gargle often with warm salt water.
- If you need to blow your nose, do it gently. Blowing your nose too hard may force thick mucus back into your sinuses. Keep both nostrils open when you blow your nose.
Medicines
- Take pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, that you can buy without a prescription.
- Use a steroid nasal spray or to reduce the swelling of the mucous membranes. If you use a nasal spray, do not use it longer than what the label says.
- Take antibiotics as directed, if your doctor prescribes them. Antibiotics can treat most short-term sinusitis when it is caused by bacteria.
- Use mucolytics to thin the mucus in your sinuses.
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First Things First: Is It Even Safe To Work Out While Sick
If you’re feeling under the weather, exercise may be the last thing you feel like doingand it’s true that when your body’s already under a lot of stress , making it do more work isn’t always a good idea. But in some cases, light to moderate activity may actually help you feel better, Richard Besser, MD, author of Tell Me the Truth, Doctor: Easy-to-Understand Answers to Your Most Confusing and Critical Health Questions, tells Health.
Dr. Besser references the neck rule, which essentially separates the body into two sections: above the neck and below the neck. If your symptoms are above the neckthink: sneezing, sinus pressure, stuffy nosethen breaking a sweat is generally considered safe. Anything below the neck, howeversore throat, cough, vomiting, diarrhea, chills require you to take a few days off and rest up to give your body a fighting chance at whatevers ailing you.
But even with those guidelines, you should still pay attention to how your bodys feelingthat means if you dont really feel like working out with major sinus congestion, dont. And even if you do deicide to get in quick workout with your above the neck symptoms, some exercises are better than others. Here are some of the best workout options to consider for when youre feeling just a little under the weather, but still want to be active.
Go To Work And School:
It’s rare, but untreated sinus infections can turn serious. Certain types of yoga exercises may actually improve your condition. If you feel like exercising with a sinus infection, it is ok as long as you follow a few guidelines. It depends on several things, your employer may want you to stay home no matter what so call/ask them for instructions. Should i go to work with a sinus infection? Exercise routines that require a good deal of head movements or that involve jarring impact can exacerbate the pain and pressure of an inner ear infection. Since that time i have moved to the gulf coast with minimal problems. Go to work and school: It can also happen because of something called a deviated septum , which refers to a shift in your nasal cavity. However, always use caution when exercising with an infection, you may feel slightly dizzy as a result of your sinusitis. I used a micron filter but still endured sinus and ear infections. The swelling interferes with drainage and causes mucus to build up. Walking or jogging.
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