When To Seek Medical Care
See a doctor if you have:
- Severe symptoms, such as severe headache or facial pain.
- Symptoms that get worse after initially improving.
- Symptoms lasting more than 10 days without improvement.
- Fever longer than 3-4 days.
You should also seek medical care if you have had multiple sinus infections in the past year.
This list is not all-inclusive. Please see a doctor for any symptom that is severe or concerning.
Other conditions can cause symptoms similar to a sinus infection, including:
- Seasonal allergies
- Colds
Natural Home Remedies For A Sinus Infection
If you are one of the more than 30 million Americans who find themselves suffering from sinus infections , then you understand the daily struggle. Depending on the day or the season, your symptoms may range from a minor inconvenience to a major battle. Youâve battled to breathe, battled to sleep, battled to focus at work, all the while dealing with headaches, coughing, ear pain, and so much more. The good news is that sinusitis treatment is available and it does not always require invasive and risky surgical procedures.
Too often people find themselves confused and frustrated as they desperately seek the elusive sinusitis cure. This search sometimes drives sinusitis sufferers to the extremes from a constant rotation of ineffective over-the-counter medications to invasive and irreversible surgery. Some sinus sufferers are so disillusioned by these options that they choose to do nothing and are resigned to living without any relief from these agonizing symptoms. The good news is that real and lasting sinus infection treatment options are available and it is possible to find relief without risky surgery or complicated pharmaceuticals.
Causes Of Sinus Trouble
Your sinus trouble can be caused by a number of things, including sinusitis and rhinitis.
Sinusitis is an infection that causes inflammation and swelling of your sinuses. The Infectious Diseases Society of America states that 90-98 percent of sinusitis cases are caused by viruses, which cant be treated with antibiotics. Sinus infections are one of the leading reasons antibiotics are prescribed, but theyre only effective in treating 2 to 10 percent of these infections.
Chronic sinusitis is an inflammatory condition that normally lasts more than three months. Nasal polyps, which are noncancerous growths, often accompany chronic sinusitis.
If you have allergic rhinitis, your immune system triggers the release of histamines that irritate your nasal membranes. This leads to congestion and sneezing. Allergic rhinitis can lead to sinusitis.
Its time to see your doctor if you experience:
- symptoms that last longer than 10 days
- a fever of 102°F or higher
- symptoms that get worse, including a spike in your fever or increased greenish nasal discharge
- changes in vision
You should also see a doctor if you have asthma or emphysema or you take medications that suppress your immune system.
Read Also: Why Do I Get Sinus Headaches Everyday
Naturaltreatment For Sinus Infection #6 Herbs And Spices
There are many herbs and spices that are worthy treatments for a sinus infection and definitely belong in your pantry.Heres a list of the most beneficial
Cayenne pepper: This red chilli is a mighty powerful remedy for a sinus infection, as long as you can stand the heat! It will certainlyclear the nostrils quite rapidly and help alleviate the pain and inflammationof sinusitis. In fact, cayenne pepper is considered the ultimate natural painkiller and inflammation reducer. And the great thing is it works just as wellas pharmaceuticals such as paracetamol and Nurofen, but doesnt do you anyharm! 2
Powdered cayenne pepper is much stronger than just the plain red chilli. Either use the powder in your cooking as muchas possible or mix it in a smoothie every day. If this fails and the heat getsto you, play it safe and take the cayenne pepper capsules instead. In addition,you can either use a cayenne pepper spray or snort the powder into the nasalpassages for fast relief. Although this works exceedingly well, it can alsoburn so this is probably best left unless you get to the desperate stage.
Turmeric: Turmeric contains a potentanti-inflammatory substance called curcumin. Curcumin doesn’t justreduce the swelling and symptoms of your sinusitis quite quickly, it alsogives your immune system a powerful and welcome boost. You can either mix turmeric powder in a smoothie or take the capsules.500 mgs twice daily is the recommended dose for best results.
What Causes Sinus Infections And Sinusitis
Causes of Acute Sinus Infections
- Acute sinusitis usually follows a viral infection in the upper respiratory tract, but allergy-causing substances or pollutants may also trigger acute sinusitis. A Viral infection damages the cells of the sinus lining, leading to inflammation. The lining thickens, obstructing the nasal passage. This passage connects to the sinuses. The obstruction disrupts the process that removes bacteria normally present in the nasal passages, and the bacteria begin to multiply and invade the lining of the sinus. This causes the symptoms of sinus infection. Allergens and pollutants produce a similar effect.
- Bacteria that normally cause acute sinusitis are Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis. These microorganisms, along with Staphylococcus aureus and some anaerobes , are involved in chronic sinusitis.
Causes of Chronic Sinus Infections
- Chronic sinus infections are caused by viruses, bacteria, allergens, pollutants, and fungal infections, especially people with diseases that weaken the immune system, for example, HIV/AIDS, leukemia and other cancers, and diabetes.
- Medications that are designed to modify the immune system may increase the risk of developing sinus infections.
- Ongoing bad breath unrelated to dental problems
People who have facial pain, headaches, and fever may indicate a sinus infection.
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What Is The Fastest Way To Get Rid Of Sinusitis
When you have a sinus infection, you often have to go through your day in pain and in a fog. Sinusitis, or infection of the sinuses, is incredibly common, but many people suffer through it rather than get it treated. At Asthma Allergy Centre in Tigard, McMinnville, or Beaver, OR, we use a variety of sinus management treatments to reduce the inflammation and immune response that are likely behind your sinus problems. Check out on how to get rid of sinusitis.
Other Tips For Preventing And Treating Sinus Infections
- Use a humidifier at night to open nasal passages.
- Take hot showers and inhale the steam.
- Get plenty of sleep and avoid stress.
- Get plenty of fresh air.
- Elevate your head while sleeping to help drain sinuses.
- Exercise regularly.
- Take fermented cod liver oil capsules to boost your immune system.
- Seek treatment at the first sign of a cold or allergies so they dont lead to sinus infection.
- Avoid pollution.
- Avoid using chemicals that emit strong fumes.
- Wash your hands often as bacterial and viral infections are most common causes of sinusitis..
Have you tried any of these home remedies for sinus infection? Do you know of any others we havent mentioned? Weve round up a separate article discussing tea tree oil to treat sinus infection that you can check out. Share your experience with us!
Recommended Reading: Whats The Difference Between Allergies And Sinus
When To See A Vet For Your Dogs Sinus Infection
If your dogs symptoms have lasted more than 48 hours, its time to bring them to the vet for diagnosis. To discover the cause of your dogs sinus infection, your veterinarian may take X-rays, perform an endoscopy, take a nasal biopsy or culture, or run blood work.
Depending on the cause, your vet may prescribe antibiotics or antifungal therapy, perform surgery, or administer radiation therapy. Some dogs may have chronic sinus infections, which require ongoing treatment to manage signs that occasionally pop up.
What Is A Sinus Infection
A sinus infection, also called sinusitis, is a common problem that causes your sinuses to swell up. The sinuses become inflamed and cause symptoms that can be similar to the common cold. In fact, many people can contract a sinus infection after having a cold or the flu.
Around 31 million Americans are affected by sinusitis, spending more than $1 billion each year on medications to treat it. However, there are several home remedies for sinus infections that you can try that are cheap and effective.
Sinus infections are usually caused by a bacterial infection, but they can also be caused by viruses or fungi. These infections can either be acute or chronic. Acute infections usually go away in two or three weeks, but chronic sinusitis can last for up to 12 weeks or longer.
Your sinus cavities have a layer of mucus that helps to trap substances like dust and germs. When the lining becomes inflamed from a viral infection, like sinusitis or a cold, it swells. This swelling forces mucus to get stuck in the sinuses, which prevents normal drainage. When this happens, bacteria and fungi can start to grow in the blocked-up fluid, causing a sinus infection.
Common symptoms of sinusitis include:
- Pain, pressure, and tenderness around the eyes, forehead, and cheeks
There are several home remedies and treatments that you can try for sinus infections.
Home remedies
Medications
There are also some over-the-counter medications that you can try to help relieve your symptoms.
Recommended Reading: Does Advil Allergy Sinus Cause Drowsiness
Sinus Infection Vs Covid
Some sinus infection and COVID-19 symptoms may overlap. Both illnesses can cause a fever, headaches, nasal congestion, fatigue or a sore throat. Symptoms unique to COVID-19 include body aches, nausea, shortness of breath and vomiting. Learn the difference between the cold, flu and COVID-19 based on your symptoms.
Treating Sinus Infections Without Antibiotics
Tomah, WI – People often want antibiotics to tackle a sinus infection but that might not be the best treatment since most infections are caused by viruses. Antibiotics fight bacteria, not viruses.
There are also complications that can develop with dependency on these drugs. The more antibiotics are used the less effective they can become, with possible side effects like dizziness, stomach problems and rashes.
Instead of turning to antibiotics, Alan Conway, M.D., family physician at Mayo Clinic Health System Franciscan Healthcare in Tomah, suggests some alternative methods of treatment. Dr. Conway says, First of all, you should give yourself enough rest. Your body needs the time to fight the infection with full force, especially in the first few days when symptoms are the most severe.
Dr. Conway also says. Watch out for over-the-counter products that contain oxymetazoline. These products may relieve symptoms for a few days, but they can cause congestion if used longer than three days. Instead, use generic pseudoephedrine pills if you are stuffed up for more than three days.
Sinus infections can turn into a bacterial infection, due to the prolonged blockage in the sinus cavity. It is not easy to determine whether the infection is viral or bacterial, considering that the symptoms are the same for both. Even if the infection becomes bacterial, 70% of the time the infection will go away within two weeks without antibiotics.
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Natural Treatment For Sinus Infection #8 More Reliefremedies/sinus Drainage Remedies
To finish off, heres a couple of sure fire reliefremedies for your sinus infection to help drain and clear those nasal passages quickly if you find that nothing else is working. You definitely cant go wrong with any of these age-old remedies
Saline rinse: This one is the most used externalcleanse and flush for sinusitis. Although it doesnt actually get rid of sinusinfections as such, it does clear the nasal passages and give you excellentrelief, usually within 24 hours. Simply mix 1 teaspoon of sea salt or Himalayan pink rock salt and ½ teaspoon ofbaking soda in 1 cup of warm, filtered water. Using either a bulb syringe orneti pot , tilt the head back and gently squeeze thesyringe or pour the mixture directly into each nasal passage. Allow it to drainout the opposite nostril or into the mouth but do not swallow. Make sure youspit out the mixture as this will contain bacteria and other toxins. Repeatthis process 3 times daily.
Betadine and Salt Rinse: This is just a turbo-boostedversion of the standard saline rinse. And yes it does work even better! Justpurchase some antiseptic Betadine from your local pharmacy oronline and add 5-7 drops to 1 cup of warm filtered water, along with 1 teaspoonof sea salt or pink rock salt and ½ teaspoon of baking soda. Use a bulb syringeor neti pot and flush out each nostril in the same way as the saline rinse.Repeat 2-3 times daily for best results.
About Ear Nose And Throat
Ear, Nose, and Throat Services at UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside ranks among the best nationally on U.S. News & World Reports listings. Our team includes board-certified physicians and highly skilled speech-language pathologists and audiologists. We treat a variety of ear, nose, and throat conditions in both children and adults and provide both surgical and non-surgical options. Our doctors also take part in research and clinical trials. We have locations throughout western Pennsylvania for patient convenience.
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Natural Remedies For Sinus Infections
1. Top Foods & Beverages for Sinus Infections
2. Foods & Beverages to Avoid
3. Oil of Oregano
4. Grapefruit seed extract
5. Vitamin C
6. Garlic
7. Echinacea
8. Neti Pot
9. Add Moisture
10. Essential Oils
How To Tell If These Remedies Are Not Working
You will know if these remedies are effective because you will begin to feel better and your sinuses will be less congested.
However, unlike with antibiotics where symptoms start to diminish quickly, natural remedies typically take longer to work. So you should continue to do these remedies regularly for at least a week or two before determining if they are working.
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How Do You Get Rid Of A Sinus Infection Naturally
For those who want to limit their intake of all medications, including over-the-counter drugs, there are several natural home remedies that can provide relief from sinus pressure.
Many home remedies for sinus infections rely on hydration of the nasal passages. This can take the form of anything from holding a warm compress to your face, keeping your head over a bowl of hot water to breath in the steam, or even taking a hot shower. Increasing the amount of moisture in the nasal cavities can help flush irritants out of your nose, which will reduce your inflammation.
One of the most popular ways to treat a sinus infection at home is with the use of a neti pot. This treatment involves nasal irrigation where the sinuses are flushed with saline solution or distilled water either by pouring water from a neti pot or injecting it carefully into the sinuses with a bulb or syringe.
Just because nasal irrigation with a neti pot or small syringe is natural does not mean it is universally safe. It is vital that you use distilled water, as further infection can result from untreated tap water being placed in the sinus cavities. The infections caused by improper use of a neti pot have resulted in death, and for this reason some medical professionals are hesitant to recommend this treatment.
What To Do For Sinus Pressure And Pain At Home
Here are the top 10 at-hometreatments to help ease your sinus pain and inflammation to get rid of your sinus infection faster.
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