How Do You Get Rid Of A Cold Fast
There are many ways to help get rid of a cold fast. The average cold lasts anywhere from several days to several weeks. Even though you wont beat a cold in 24 hours, with proper medicine and home remedies, you should be able to get symptom relief quickly, and recover in just a few days. Here are some of the best cold remedies:
Staying at home while youre treating your cold is always a good idea if youre able to do so. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends staying home if you have a cold to help prevent spreading it to others. Keeping children out of school or daycare if they have a cold is also a good idea to help keep others from getting sick.
Where Are The Sinuses Located
The sinuses are named according to their location in the skull bones:
- The frontal sinuses are located over the forehead, above the eyes on both sides.
- The maxillary sinuses are located over the cheek area, in the bone known as the maxilla, located under the eyes on both sides of the face.
- The ethmoid sinuses are located in the bone that divides the eyes and nose.
- The sphenoid sinuses are located in the sphenoid bone at the center of the skull, behind the eyes.
The sinuses are lined by mucous membranes that secrete fluid and are connected to the nasal cavity by small channels or ducts. The sinuses are sometimes collectively referred to as the paranasal sinuses because of their proximity to the nose.
Inflammation due to any cause can cause a buildup of fluid and increased sinus pressure, causing the typical symptoms of a sinus headache.
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Inhale Menthol And Camphor
Another inhaled odor that can help open up sinus passages is menthol, which is an ingredient in popular ointments that are used specifically to treat a stuffy nose. These ointments also contain eucalyptus oil and camphor, which combine with menthol to create a powerful scent that immediately relieves sinus pressure. This ointment can be rubbed on your chest and under your nose to deliver its soothing benefits. Unlike eucalyptus oil, this ointment should not be placed in the mouth.
Avoid Sinus Pain Triggers
“One of the most important things to avoid is over-the-counter nasal decongestant sprays. They may give some fast relief, but after a few days they make sinus pressure and nasal congestion much worse,” warns Das. Some other things you can do to prevent sinus pain include avoiding alcohol, which can aggravate sinus pain and congestion cleaning your humidifier to avoid fungal allergies washing your bedding in hot water to decrease allergy exposure and avoiding swimming, diving, or flying when you have sinusitis, a common cold, or nasal allergy.
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What Are Complications Of Sinus Infection Or Sinusitis
While serious complications do not occur frequently, it is possible for a sinus infection to cause a direct extension of infection into the brain through a sinus wall, creating a life-threatening emergency .
In addition, other adjacent structures can become infected and develop problems, such as osteomyelitis of bones in the skull and infection around the eye . Rarely, these infections may cause death. The most susceptible individuals to complications are patients with suppressed immune systems, diabetes, and relatively rarely from multiple trauma injuries that may occur in natural disasters.
Oral And Nasal Decongestants
Over-the-counter decongestants work by shrinking blood vessels inside the nose. There are both oral and nasal formulations.
Sudafed is an oral decongestant used to relieve nasal or sinus congestion caused by the common cold, sinusitis, and respiratory allergies. Do not use Sudafed for longer than three days as it can also lead to rebound congestion.
While Sudafed is available without a prescription, it is kept behind the pharmacy counter and requires an ID to obtain. A similar drug called Sudafed PE can be purchased without hindrance but has not proven to be anywhere near as effective as pseudoephedrine.
Nasal decongestant sprays like Afrin also provide short-term relief of a stuffy nose. It should also not be used for longer than three days due to the risk of rebound congestion .
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Do I Need Antibiotics For Every Sinus Infection
Many sinus infections are caused by viruses, the ones that cause the common cold. These types of infections are not cured by antibiotics. Taking an antibiotic for a viral infection unnecessarily puts you at risk for side effects related to the antibiotic. In addition, the overuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance, which may make future infections more difficult to treat.
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Make The Sinus Pain And Mind
“Techniques that take advantage of the mind-body connection, such as deep breathing practices and relaxation exercises, can be very effective for relieving sinus pain,” notes Das. These practices rely on the mind’s ability to influence pain perception and are especially helpful with chronic or recurrent pain that is often seen with sinus pressure. Some examples include biofeedback, meditation, yoga, and hypnotherapy.
Causes Of Postnasal Drip
A number of conditions can cause postnasal drip. Allergies are one of the most common. If you get tested for allergies, you can better avoid your triggers or premedicate if you know youll be exposed.
Another common cause is a deviated septum, which means that the thin wall of cartilage between your nostrils is displaced or leans to one side. This makes one nasal passage smaller, and can prevent proper mucus drainage, resulting in postnasal drip.
Other causes of postnasal drip include:
- cold temperatures
- spicy foods
- certain medications, including some blood pressure and birth control prescriptions
In some cases, the problem causing postnasal drip isnt excessive mucus, but your throats inability to clear it. Swallowing problems or gastric reflux can cause liquids to build up in your throat, which feels like postnasal drip.
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When Should I Go See The Doctor About A Sinus Infection
It is pretty easy to care for most sinus conditions on your own. However, if you continue to have symptoms that concern you or if your infections continue to happen, your primary care doctor might suggest you see a specialist. This could also happen if your CT scan shows something that does not look right.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Sinusitis, or swelling of the tissues of the sinus cavities, is a common condition with many causes, including viruses and bacteria, nasal polyps or allergies. Signs and symptoms may including facial pressure, fever and tiredness. You can treat symptoms at home by resting, taking over-the-counter products and increasing your fluid intake. Make sure you contact your healthcare provider if symptoms do not improve, if sinusitis happens often or if you have any symptom that worries you.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 06/04/2020.
References
Top 10 Best Non Drowsy Sinus Medicine Of 2022 Review And Buying Guide
It is fairly typical to be perplexed regarding which non drowsy sinus medicine to buy. This difficulty occurs because to the wide variety of non drowsy sinus medicine available on the market. To help you choose the finest non drowsy sinus medicine available on the market, we have produced a detailed guide.
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Tylenol Sinus + Headache Non
- The non-drowsy formula of this sinus medicine provides effective daytime symptom relief by promoting sinus drainage and helping to decongest sinus openings and passages.
- From the #1 doctor-recommended pain relief brand, these sinus relief caplets are suitable for adults and children ages 12 years and older.
- Each caplet contains 325 mg of acetaminophen to temporarily relieve pain and reduce fever as well as 5 mg of phenylephrine hcl, a nasal decongestant to help clear nasal passages.
- Pain reliever and decongestant formulated to temporarily relieve symptoms of nasal congestion, sinus headache and pressure.
- 24-count box of tylenol sinus + headache daytime caplets for non-drowsy sinus symptom relief due to the common cold, hay fever or other respiratory allergies.
How Long Can Postnasal Drip Last
Most cases of postnasal drip will go away within a few days, but doctors recommend visiting a medical professional if symptoms havent cleared up within 10 days. If long-lasting postnasal drip goes untreated, it can cause other health problems like ear and sinus infections. Though its rare, some people have recurrent chronic postnasal drip because of deviated septums, certain medications, or allergies.
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What Medications Are Used To Treat Sinus Infections
Antibiotics:
First and foremost, if you are suffering from an active bacterial sinus infection you may be treated with antibiotics. Depending on whether you have acute sinusitis or chronic sinusitis will determine your course of therapy.As acute sinusitis may require 10 -14 days of antibiotic therapy chronic sinusitis may need to be treated for up to 30 days with medication.Remember Most cases of sinusitis are caused by viruses such as the common cold and will clear up within 10 or so days. In this case, antibiotics will not be helpful as antibiotics kill bacteria not viruses. Based upon your symptoms, medical history and physical examination your doctor will help determine if antibiotics are necessary.
Pain Medication:
Sinus headaches hurt. Sometimes the pain and pressure can make basic everyday activities impossible to do. So many times those suffering from sinusitis will take an over the counter medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen . Make sure to follow the labeled directions and see your doctor if your symptoms havent improved after a week or if they worsen.
Aerosolized antibiotics, steroids and antifugal treatments:
These may be administered through an aerosol or a nasal rinse. Frequently a compounding pharmacy is required to create this rinse.
Antihistamines:
How To Clear A Stuffy Nose
There are several things you can do to clear a stuffy nose, including using a humidifier or vaporizer to help loosen mucus in the nasal passages. Take a long, hot shower or breathe in some steam from a pot of warm water to help with temporary relief. Stay hydrated and drink a lot of fluids to keep your mucus thinned out, which can help prevent your sinuses from getting blocked. A saline nasal spray can help keep your nasal passages from getting dried out or clogged. You can also try a neti pot or a nasal irrigator to remove excess mucus from the nose. Always make sure you use distilled sterile water, and clean the neti pot or irrigation device thoroughly after each use. A warm, wet towel on your face can also help open the nasal passages. When you sleep, try to stay propped up to make breathing easier.
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Sudafed Pe Sinus Pressure + Pain Relief Maximum Strength Non
- Each caplet contains 5 milligrams of the decongestant phenylephrine hcl and 325 milligrams of acetaminophen, a pain reliever and fever reducer.
- This sinus congestion & pain medicine also temporarily relieves nasal congestion associated with hay fever, upper respiratory allergies and the common cold.
- From the #1 pharmacist recommended brand among oral otc decongestants, this maximum strength formula can be used by adults and children 12 years and older for powerful symptom relief.
- The non-drowsy decongestant helps promotes sinus drainage, temporarily reduces fever and helps relieve headaches and minor aches and pain.
- 24-count box of sudafed pe sinus pressure + pain relief maximum strength non-drowsy decongestant tablets provide powerful relief of sinus pain, sinus pressure, nasal congestion and headaches.
Is There A Right Way To Blow Your Nose
If you have a stuffy nose, trying to force yourself to blow your nose could make it worse. The best thing to do is to blow one side of your nose at a time gently into a tissue. You might want to first use some type of nasal rinse to loosen any material in your nose before blowing. Make sure you dispose of the tissue and then clean your hands with soap and water or an antimicrobial sanitizer.
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How Can I Tell If I Have A Sinus Infection Cold Or Nasal Allergy
It can be difficult to tell the difference between a cold, allergies, and a sinus infection. The common cold typically builds, peaks, and slowly disappears. It lasts a few days to a week. A cold can transform into a sinus infection. Nasal allergy is inflammation of the nose due to irritating particles . Symptoms of a nasal allergy can include sneezing, itchy nose and eyes, congestion, runny nose, and post nasal drip . Sinusitis and allergy symptoms can happen at the same time as a common cold.
If you are fighting off a cold and develop symptoms of a sinus infection or nasal allergy, see your healthcare provider. You will be asked to describe your symptoms and medical history.
Post Nasal Drip Treatment
The treatment for your post nasal drip will depend on whats causing it. For example, its easier to resolve postnasal drip caused by spicy foods than it is to kick a sinus infection. Its important to address the underlying condition in order to treat post nasal drip.
In addition to treating the cause, some remedies can help specifically with post nasal drip, Thompson says. Here are a few common remedies:
1. Try nasal irrigation
Nasal irrigation with saline is highly recommended to combat post nasal drip. Saline irrigations help flush out excess and thick mucus, Thompson says. Also, saline irrigations moisturize the nasal cavity and reduce the symptom of post nasal drip.
Using a neti pot, flush one side of your nose, then the other, with distilled or boiled water . Be sure to follow instructions carefully so that you dont increase your risk of infection by flushing your nose.
2. Breathe in steam or a humidifier
Steam or a humidifier can help clear mucus from your nose. Humidifier and steam inhalation can help moisturize the air and thin the mucus so that it passes more freely, Thompson says.
Thats why chicken soup or a cup of tea can also be great remedies the hot liquid and steam help clear your nasal passages.
3. Stay hydrated
Drinking enough water can help thin mucus, preventing the irritating postnasal drip feeling that something is stuck at the back of your throat.
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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.