Other Remedies For Symptom Relief
Staying hydrated can help thin mucus to ease congestion.
Drinking hot liquids such as tea and broth may help relieve your symptoms. Breathing in moist air may also help relieve the discomfort that comes with nasal congestion. Try breathing in steam from the shower, a bowl of hot water, or a mug of tea.
If your voice is hoarse, rest it by avoiding yelling, whispering, and singing.
Placing a warm compress over the inflamed area can help reduce pressure and provide relief.
damages the natural protective elements of your nose, mouth, throat, and respiratory system.
If you smoke, consider quitting. Ask a doctor if you need help or are interested in quitting. Quitting may help prevent future episodes of both acute and chronic sinusitis.
Wash your hands frequently, especially during cold and flu seasons, to keep your sinuses from becoming irritated or infected by viruses or bacteria on your hands.
Using a humidifier during the cooler, dryer months may also help prevent sinus infections.
Talk with a doctor to see if allergies are causing your sinusitis. If youre allergic to something that causes persistent sinus symptoms, you will likely need to treat your allergies to relieve your sinus infection.
You may need to seek an allergy specialist to determine the cause of the allergy. The specialist may suggest:
- avoiding the allergen
- doing allergic immunotherapy
Keeping your allergies under control can help prevent repeated episodes of sinusitis.
Do I Need An Antibiotic
The teams at Pew, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the University of Utah and elsewhere chose ear infections, sore throats and sinus infections because they generate 44 million antibiotic prescriptions a year.
Its only appropriate sometimes to prescribe antibiotics for these conditions. Strep throat is easily treated with antibiotics, and if a child with a middle ear infection has pus oozing out, a pediatrician will usually give an antibiotic. Sinus infections that linger may be helped with antibiotics.
But more sore throats and ear infections are caused by viruses, and an antibiotic will do nothing to help the patient. Sinus infections can sometimes involve bacteria but often are caused by viruses or fungi.
When an antibiotic is called for, it should be a basic one usually amoxicillin, the Pew team said. Thats not what people usually get, however.
The most commonly prescribed non-first-line antibiotics for sinus infections, middle ear infections and pharyngitis were macrolides , a class of broad-spectrum antibiotics frequently prescribed in outpatient settings, the Pew team wrote in their report.
However, macrolides are not recommended for sinus or middle ear infections and are recommended for pharyngitis only for patients with an allergy to the penicillin class of antibiotics.
Why would doctors prescribe the wrong drug?
Does A Sinus Infection Cause Sore Throat
Does a sinus infection cause sore throat? Yes, it certainly can. Sinus infections can often lead to complications with post-nasal drip excess mucus draining down the back of your throat which in turn can cause a sore throat or cough.
Fortunately, there are several ways to relieve a sore throat due to sinusitis. We cover those treatments here, along with sinusitis basics, info about other sinusitis symptoms, and more.
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Runny Nose Headache Sinus Pressure Yellow Gunk Is It A Sinus Infection
Its spring in Oregon, which means probably your nose is running. Maybe the discharge is yellowish. You also have pain behind your eyes, and facial pressure that increases when you bend forward. Are you thinking: Uh oh, I must have a sinus infection, I better get some antibiotics? Think again.
Here is a primer on sinusitis, the vast majority of which DONT require antibiotics to get better.
The sinuses are hollow air spaces within the facial bones surrounding the nose. They are covered with a thin lining that produces mucous, which normally drains through the nose and back of the throat. When the sinus linings are irritated, they respond by producing more mucous, and this can cause pressure, swelling , pain and further irritation.
When To See A Doctor For Sinus Pain
If your sinus symptoms are not getting better with at-home treatments, and if your sinus symptoms last longer than seven to 10 days, you should see a doctor for treatment. Allina Health has many convenient care options for care, from online visits to walk-in care, to help you get better fast.
If you have frequent or reoccurring sinus infections, you may want to see an ear, nose and throat for your treatment options.
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Is It A Cold Covid
One of the challenging things about recognizing COVID-19 and other illnesses is that they can share some of the same symptoms. Many articles have been written comparing the symptoms of COVID-19 and influenza, as these two illnesses have perhaps the most in common. But many symptoms of COVID-19 also resemble those of a cold or sinus infection . Learn to tell the difference and how to get the right treatment for your illness.
Corticosteroid Drops Or Sprays
Corticosteroids, also known as steroids, are a group of medications that can help to reduce inflammation.
If you have persistent symptoms of sinusitis, your GP may prescribe steroid nasal drops or sprays to help reduce the swelling in your sinuses. These may need to be used for several months.
Possible side effects include nasal irritation, a sore throat and nosebleeds.
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Warm Liquids And Certain Foods
Warm liquids such as tea and coffee can greatly help soothe a sore throat. But its important to remember to limit your caffeine intake and to stay hydrated. If you are going to drink warm liquids, non-caffeinated tea with honey is a great option. Eating certain foods, including spicy foods, can also help break up your congestion, which may temporarily help reduce post-nasal drip.
What Is A Sinus Infection
A sinus infection, medically known as sinusitis or rhinosinusitis, occurs when your nasal cavities become infected, swollen, and inflamed. Fluid buildup in the sinuses can cause germs to grow, leading to a sinus infection.
Sinusitis is usually caused by a virus and often lasts even after other upper respiratory symptoms are gone. In some cases, bacteria or, rarely, fungus may cause a sinus infection.
Other conditions such as allergies, nasal polyps, and tooth infections can also contribute to sinus pain and symptoms.
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When To See Your Doctor
According to the Mayo Clinic, you should seek medical attention if you have the symptoms listed below. Contact your doctor’s office if you are unsure whether or not to seek medical attention, or what level of care is right for you.
For adults:
- Fever greater than 101.3 degrees
- Fever lasting for five days, or returning after a fever-free period
- Shortness of breath
- Severe sore throat, headache, or sinus pain
For children:
- Fever of 100.4 degrees in newborns up to 12 weeks
- Rising fever or fever lasting more than two days in a child of any age
- Symptoms that worsen or fail to improve
- Severe symptoms, such as headache or persistent cough
- Lack of appetite
The Common Cold Symptoms
The common cold is the most common upper respiratory tract infection. More than 200 different viruses can cause colds. Symptoms usually develop 1 – 3 days after being exposed to the virus.
- It nearly always starts rapidly with throat irritation and stuffiness in the nose.
- Within hours, full-blown cold symptoms usually develop, which can include sneezing, mild sore throat, fever, minor headaches, muscle aches, and coughing.
- Fever is low-grade or absent. In small children, however, fever may be as high as 103 °F for 1 or 2 days. The fever should go down after that time, and be back to normal by the 5th day.
- Nasal discharge is usually clear and runny the first 1 – 3 days. It then thickens and becomes yellow to greenish.
- The sore throat is usually mild and lasts only about a day. A runny nose usually lasts 2 – 7 days, although coughing and nasal discharge can persist for more than 2 weeks.
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How To Relieve A Head Cold And Head Congestion
If you start to feel bad from nasal swelling or a stuffy nose, you can take steps to improve your symptoms and make yourself more comfortable. Here are some remedies for head congestion. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
Rest
Whether you catch the cold or flu, what your body needs most is rest. Go to bed early, take naps when needed, and dont be afraid to take time off work or keep your children home from school. Not only will this prevent you from overexerting yourself, but it also helps avoid spreading your germs to others.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking lots of fluids is key to helping your immune system function properly, so consume even more than you do when healthy. Water, fruit juices with vitamin C, clear broth or warm lemon water with honey do the best job of keeping you hydrated and loosening congestion. Alcoholic and caffeinated beverages like coffee or soda make dehydration worse, so avoid them until symptoms improve.
Add Moisture to the Air
Though it seems counterproductive, you dont want your nasal passages to dry up. Dry airways can increase nasal swelling that leads to a stuffy nose and nasal congestion. Keep moisture in the air with a cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier be sure to change the water and clean the unit properly. Steam from a shower or a hot cup of tea can also add extra moisture to the nasal passages to help with drainage.
Dont Use Antibiotics to Treat Colds
Testing And Treatment Methods
The only way to definitively determine if your throat pain is due to a sore throat or a case of strep throat is to take a test. Using a throat swab, your doctor will administer a rapid strep test. However, rapid strep tests can produce a false negative test result in up to 15% of infected individuals, reports GoHealth Urgent Care. As a backup, your physician may utilize an additional throat culture to confirm the results. In the event of a positive test result, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics for treatment, often penicillin or amoxicillin. Be sure to finish the full round of antibiotics as prescribed in order to ensure that your body is fully rid of the bacteria.
In the event that your doctor determines your throat pain to be a case of the sore throat rather than strep throat, you may be able to treat your symptoms at home. Drinking plenty of warm fluids, gargling with salt water, as well as using medicated lozenges, throat sprays, or a humidifier may all help relieve the discomfort of a sore throat as your body rests and recovers.
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When To Talk With A Doctor
Recurring headaches and suspected acute sinusitis should always be evaluated by a doctor. Experts believe that most people who self-diagnose sinusitis are actually experiencing migraines. Getting the correct diagnosis is crucial to successful treatment.
Sinus pain and pressure that doesnt improve after 7 days despite treatment could mean that youre being treated for the wrong condition, especially if you dont experience other sinus symptoms.
You should also see your doctor if your headaches are accompanied by symptoms typically experienced with migraine attacks.
You dont have to be experiencing sharp head pain in order to have a migraine. Accompanying nausea, vision changes, and light sensitivity could mean you have a migraine, and not a sinus headache.
For migraine treatment, you can start with your primary care physician, and if needed you may be referred to a headache specialist, possibly a neurologist or ear, nose, and throat doctor.
Dont I Need An Antibiotic To Treat A Sinus Infection
Very few sinus infections are actually caused by bacteria . When this occurs, it is usually more than 10 days after the symptoms of sinusitis begin. Even when a sinusitis is bacterial, in non-smoking people with healthy immune systems, the bacterial infection will go away on its own without antibiotics about half the time.
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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.
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Common Colds: Relief For A Stuffy Nose Cough And Sore Throat
There are no treatments that fight cold viruses directly. But nasal sprays and painkillers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can provide some relief from cold symptoms. Many other treatments have either not been studied well enough or have no proven benefit.
Colds are very common: On average, adults come down with a cold 2 to 4 times a year, and children have as many as 6 to 8 colds a year. The reason that colds are so common is that they can be caused by very many different kinds of viruses. So having had one virus doesnât make you immune to other cold viruses.
Colds usually go away on their own after about one to two weeks. Although the symptoms such as a runny or stuffy nose, cough and headache can be bothersome, you donât need to take medication. None of the currently available treatments can shorten the length of a cold. Antibiotics only fight so they dont help in the treatment of simple common colds that are caused by viruses. They can have side effects too, so they should only be used if a bacterial infection develops as a complication of the cold.
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Nasal Discharge: Cause Treatments And Prevention
What is nasal discharge?
Mucus isnt just a slimy material in your nose it actually has a useful purpose. It traps bacteria, other germs, and debris, and prevents them from entering your lungs.
In some cases, such as when you have a cold or allergies, mucus may flow out of your nose or down your throat. When mucus comes out of your nose, its called nasal discharge. It can also be called post-nasal drip or rhinorrhea.
Although its annoying, nasal discharge is common and usually goes away on its own. But in some cases, its a sign of an underlying health problem that might require medical attention.
There are many potential causes of nasal discharge. Some of the most common include infections and allergies.
Sinus Infection Causes Symptoms & Treatment
A sinus infection occurs when the sinuses become blockedoften due to a cold or allergiesand the resulting fluid build-up becomes infected with germs. Sinus infections can cause a number of symptoms similar to those of a cold, such as congestion, runny nose, sore throat, coughing, fever, headache, and fatigue. However, some of the hallmark symptoms of a sinus infection include:
- Pain and pressure around the eyes, cheekbones, and upper jaw
- Thick yellow or green nasal discharge
- A decreased sense of smell and taste
In many cases, sinus infections resolve on their own, without the need for treatment from a medical provider. To relieve symptoms in the meantime, you can take over-the-counter decongestants or pain medication, use saline nasal spray or a neti pot, and apply warm compresses. But if your sinus infection lasts longer than seven to 10 days, or if your fever rises above 101 degrees, its important to seek professional care.
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What Are Sinus Pressure And Congestion
If youve experienced bad congestion, you know it can take over your life both night and day. It can keep you up, make your head feel like a fishbowl and, if you use a sleep apnea machine, it may even interfere with that as well.
Sinusitis an infection of your sinuses is when inflammation occurs in different airspaces within your face. When this happens, your sinuses get clogged up and air cant flow freely. As your sinuses are lined with tissue and constrained by the structure of your bones, this sinus congestion can also cause a fair amount of discomfort.
When these spaces get clogged up, it can really cause some pain, says Dr. Vyas. So, thats why a lot of people report having pain in their face.
Sinus congestion doesnt just affect your nose it also affects other areas of your face and body, such as:
- Above your eyebrows.
- Between your eyes.
- Even your teeth!
Nasal congestion is no joke and, especially if its dragging on, you need to have some go-to remedies in your tool belt.
About Author: Lisa Coon
Lisa Coon is a Writing Coordinator for OSF HealthCare, where she has worked since August 2016. A Peoria native, she is a graduate of Bradley University with a degree in journalism. Previously, she worked as a reporter and editor at several newspapers in Iowa and Illinois.She lives in Groveland with her husband and son. In her free time she likes to cook, bake and read. She freely admits that reality TV is a weakness, and she lives by the quote, The beach is good for the soul.
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Sinus Infection Or Covid
Overlapping symptoms can make it difficult to determine if you have a sinus infection or COVID-19. These issues are compounded when we spend long hours indoors due to the weather or quarantines.
While both can cause fever, headache, nasal congestion and sore throat, there are some differences between the two, said Melinda Cooling, vice president of Advanced Practice for OSF HealthCare and chief clinician executive for OSF OnCall.