Check If You Have Sinusitis
Sinusitis is common after a cold or flu.
Symptoms of sinusitis include:
- pain, swelling and tenderness around your cheeks, eyes or forehead
- a blocked nose
- a reduced sense of smell
- green or yellow mucus from your nose
- a sinus headache
- toothache
- bad breath
Signs of sinusitis in young children may also include irritability, difficulty feeding, and breathing through their mouth.
The sinuses are small, empty spaces behind your cheekbones and forehead that connect to the inside of the nose.
Sinusitis causes the lining of the sinuses to swell up.
This stops mucus draining into your nose and throat properly, making you feel blocked up.
Do You Need Antibiotics For A Sinus Infection
A viral sinus infection will likely resolve itself on its own, but it can take a few weeks to do so. If the sinus infection is caused by bacteria, it is likely to need antibiotics in order to resolve. But antibiotics arent a cure-all. They will not cure a sinus infection that was caused by a virus or an irritant in the air.
Are Sinus Infections Viral
Sinusitis can occur due to a viral infection. If excess mucus develops and cannot exit the body due to a blockage or nasal inflammation, it can cause a sinus infection. You may start with a viral cold that doesnt clear up and then turns into a bacterial infection. Allergies can also lead to sinus infections, as can a deviated septum. When bacteria grows in the sinuses, it is a bacterial infection.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, sinusitis is typically caused by a virus, and less commonly caused by bacteria.
Don’t Miss: Can You Drink On Sinus Infection Antibiotics
Common Antibiotics For Sinus Infections
Antibiotics may be prescribed when symptoms of a sinus infection warrant such treatment. Common antibiotics for sinus infection include:
- Zithromax
- Levaquin : Although this drug is often prescribed as a first line of therapy for sinusitis, it has serious side effects and should only be used as a last resort.
Do Nasal Sprays Treat Sinus Infection
Treating a sinus infection means unblocking and draining the sinuses. Corticosteroid nasal sprays such as Flonase and Nasacort are the best source for treatment because they help reduce swelling in the nasal passages. Its best to keep the nasal passages clear because nasal congestion can block the drainage of your middle ear space, causing an ear infection.
Most sinus infections can be treated with nasal sprays and antibiotics. Sometimes your doctors may add oral medications as well. If you have recurring sinus infections, you should see one of Allergist/Immunologists to see if you have allergies or if you have a defect in your immune system that is predisposing you to sinus infections. Your doctor may also want to do in-office imaging of your sinuses to see if you have a structural issue that is affecting your sinuses, leading to chronic sinusitis or recurrent sinusitis. In rare cases, you may need surgery to treat recurring sinus infections. One of our allergists will determine your course of treatment. If they determine you need surgery, they will recommend an experienced ENT specialist near you.
Also Check: Tylenol Cold And Sinus Liquid
Medical And Pharmaceutical Options For Sinus Infections
The medical profession would have you believe thatsinusitis is a complicated problem and there is no cure for it. Well this is totallyfalse! The main cause of a sinus infection is not complicated at all and once you fix this, you literally wonthave to worry about sinusitis again.
But what are the medical options available for treatinga sinus infection? Well, antibiotics, pain killers, decongestants, analgesics,mucolytics and steroids are the common pharmaceuticals prescribed byphysicians. And although these may give you relief initially, they do come withside effects and also become less effective the more you use them. Eventually, itgets to the point where they actually do very little . Then when all of these methods fail the last medical option available is radical surgery. Butsurgery rarely fixes sinusitis, and in many cases, can even make things worse! . Many people who do opt for thesurgery also require additional operations after to repair other problems andcomplications that develop as a result of the initial surgery. Someone with adeviated septum, however, can usually benefit from having surgery, but this procedureis typically reserved for patients with a badly crooked septum usually sufferedfrom a severe broken nose or other acute nasal trauma.
What Are Common Side Effects Of Sinus Infection Medications
The most common side effects of sinus infection medications differ by the type of medication you use. Decongestants tend to cause nervousness, insomnia, and a loss of appetite. Side effects of antibiotics include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Antihistamines and steroids can cause dizziness and sleep disturbances.
This is not an exhaustive list of sinus infection medication side effects. If you experience any adverse reactions from a medication or treatment, its always best to consult with your healthcare provider.
Read Also: Should I Exercise With A Sinus Infection
Complications Of Sinus Infection
Sinus inflammation can spread to the bones and soft tissues of the face and eyes. This can cause:
- Cellulitis of the face or around the eyes
- Abscesses of the eyes
- Blindness
Left intreated, sinus infections can also lead to serious intracranial complications, including blood clots within the cavernous sinus, pus between the skulls and dura mater , and meningitis.
How Essential Oils Work For Sinus Infection
Congestion arises for two reasons. The first is that your sinuses and/or nasal passages are producing more mucus than can be drained out normally, causing a buildup. The second is the possible inflammation of the sinuses, which exacerbates the first problem by narrowing the available space for mucus to drain out of.
Most sinusitis therapies involve water since increasing moisture in the sinus and nasal passages will help liquefy the mucus and make it drain more easily. However, water does not affect inflammation, which is where the oils come in.
The essential oils used for sinusitis are derived from herbs known to have anti-inflammatory properties and are delivered by mixing them in with conventional sinusitis treatments that relieve congestion. With this approach, the essential oils are serving as a complement to the more direct action of the water to resolve symptoms.
For instance, steaming with tea tree oil for a sinus infection will both break up mucus and infuse the sinuses with the oil, providing a double-whammy of relief. Essential oils also smell nice, which can help keep you relaxed and calmalways a benefit when dealing with an infection.
Recommended Reading: Can You Heal A Sinus Infection Without Antibiotics
How Can I Prevent Sinusitis
Some of the home remedies used to treat sinus infections symptoms may help prevent sinusitis. These include rinsing your nose out with salt water and using medications that your provider might suggest, such as allergy medications or steroid nasal sprays.
You should avoid things you are allergic to, like dust, pollen or smoke, and try to avoid sick people. Wash your hands to reduce your chance of getting a cold or flu.
How Does A Nasal Spray Clear Nasal Congestion
Nasal sprays help drainage of mucus from your nasal passages. The topical steroids can also decrease the inflammation of your blood vessels and help empty fluids from your nose. Thats why they are commonly used to help treat sinus infection symptoms. All nasal sprays do not work the same way. Some of these nasal sprays can be addictive and with regular use of these sprays, youll need increasing dosages to relieve your stuffiness. So, its important to use nasal sprays as instructed by our allergists to minimize side effects.
Don’t Miss: What Can Cure A Sinus Infection
How Do You Use Tea Tree Oil For A Sinus Infection
Tea Tree oil can be used to help treat sinus infections by inhalation, or topical treatment. Try dropping some tea tree oil into your diffuser throughout the day, or creating your own version of a ‘vapor rub’ by combining coconut oil with tea tree essential oil and eucalyptus oil for a refreshing and cooling mixture that will help break up congestion.
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
Recommended Reading: Flonase Help With Sinus Pressure
Do These Things Work For Kids
Sinus infections make everyone miserable, children as well as adults!
Most of the tips above also work for kids, but antihistamines arent recommended for young children.
Young children cant blow their noses well, so helping them thin and clear the mucus from their nose is beneficial.
A nasal aspirator or a product like the Nose Frida can be a lifesaver in helping young children breathe through their nose.
A warm bath can help clear the sinuses and take a childs mind off their illness.
Kids are often fascinated by the condensation that forms on surfaces in a steamy room. To occupy them while a hot shower runs in the bathroom, try tracing pictures with them on the mirror!
What Are The Six Types Of Sinusitis And Sinus Infections
Sinusitis may be classified in several ways, based on its duration and the type of inflammation . The term rhinosinusitis is used to imply that both the nose and sinuses are involved and is becoming the preferred term over sinusitis.
- Acute sinus infection usually lasts less than 3-5 days.
- Subacute sinus infection lasts one to three months.
- Chronic sinus infection is greater than three months. Chronic sinusitis may be further sub-classified into chronic sinusitis with or without nasal polyps, or allergic fungal sinusitis.
- Recurrent sinusitis has several sinusitis attacks every year.
There is no medical consensus on the above time periods.
- Infected sinusitis usually is caused by an uncomplicated virus infection. Less frequently, bacterial growth causes sinus infection and fungal sinus infection is very infrequent. Subacute and chronic forms of a sinus infection usually are the result of incomplete treatment of an acute sinus infection.
- Noninfectious sinusitis is caused by irritants and allergic conditions and follows the same general timeline for acute, subacute, and chronic as infectious sinusitis.
You May Like: Sinus Tooth Pain One Side
When To Consider Antibiotics For Sinus Infections
AAAAI advises that antibiotics for sinus infections should be considered only if you develop a fever of 102° F or higher, you have severe face pain and tenderness, your symptoms last longer than a week or so, or your symptoms improve and then worsen again.
Some patients with acute sinusitis do need antibiotics, and if they continue with a worsening infection without treatment, they can suffer dramatic complications such as loss of vision, meningitis, or brain abscess, Patel says.
If your doctor says you need an antibiotic, ask for generic amoxicillin/clavulanate, according to guidelines from UpToDate, which provides evidence-based treatment information to healthcare providers. Its usually the best choice and works as well as more expensive brand-name antibiotics.
Avoid taking fluoroquinolones, a group of antibiotics that includes ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin . Although widely used, the antibiotics are inappropriate for treating sinus infections and they pose serious risks.
In 2016, after a safety review, the Food and Drug Administration linked fluoroquinolones to disabling and potentially permanent side effects. The agency advised against using the drugs to treat common illnessesbronchitis, sinus infections, and urinary tract infections.
The Real Cause Of Sinusitis
The main cause of sinusitis is a compromised immunesystem. So basically, your immune system is shot to pieces and thats allowedall sorts of pathogens to invade and take over your body, resulting in a sinusinfection . If you dontbelieve me then see if any of this relates to you
Id be willing to bet that if you suffer from sinusitis then you also have a habit of catching just about everyvirus thats going around, especially the common cold and flu virus, along with various stomach viruses. You will also likely struggle with allergies, foodsensitivities and poor digestion, as well as suffering from other health disorderssuch as upset tummies, gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and reflux.
This is no accident.
The fact is without a strong immune system you aregoing to keep getting sinus infections and other poor-health problems. Whatsmore, if youve regularly taken antibiotics or any of the other pharmaceuticaltreatments for sinusitis then youve actually made things worse because thesetreatments have the undesirable effect of lowering your immunity even more! Butits not all doom and gloom though because as youre about to discover, you canfix all of this and you can fix it quite easily using natural treatments and homeremedies for your sinus infection.
You May Like: Symptoms Of Sinus Congestion And Pressure
Hydrogen Peroxide For Sinus Infections
If you have ever experienced a sinus infection, you likely have felt true pain. The bones surrounding the nose and eyes and in the cheeks are lined with membranes that function to produce mucus and filter germs. However, when congested, these membranes are unable to drain properly, causing inflammation, congestion and pain. While a variety of treatment options are available for the condition, hydrogen peroxide is one of the safest and most effective.
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.
Don’t Miss: Where To Get Antibiotics For Sinus Infection
What Is A Sinus Infection
The sinuses are cavities in the head that are filled with air. These air-filled pockets are lined with a very thin layer of mucus that functions to collect particles from the air that are breathed in, such as dust, germs, or other particles.
Very small hair-like projections function to sweep the mucus, along with any particles trapped inside of the mucus. The germ- or dirt-filled mucus then slides down the back of the throat and into the stomach where stomach acid works to kill any germs.
When a sinus infection occurs, this natural process involving mucus flow is blocked.
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.
Read Also: Walgreens Sinus Congestion And Pain
What Are The Best Home Remedies For Sinus Infections
There are a few simple home remedies that can be effective for relieving your pain and helping you clear your sinuses. To avoid using medications, try a warm compress on the nose and face, and flush nasal passages with a warm saline irrigation, says Dr. Elmore.
A homemade solution for nasal irrigation is one of the best home treatments for a sinus infection. You can use a syringe or a neti pot to stream a solution of non-iodized salt, baking soda, and lukewarm distilled water through the nostrils to help keep your nasal passages clean. Or, you can choose a product at your pharmacy that is already prepared and ready to mix packets.
Other home remedies for sinus infections include staying hydrated by drinking a lot of water, using decongestant nasal sprays, and inhaling steam over the stove or in the shower. Certain lifestyle adjustments may also promote nasal drainage such as sleeping with your head elevated at night or keeping a humidifier running in your home to avoid an arid environment.
To relieve pain at home, you can use a warm compress or take over-the-counter pain medications to reduce headaches and facial pain from congestion.
What Home Remedies Help Soothe Sinus Infection Or Sinusitis Symptoms
Sinus infections caused by viruses can use home treatments such as pain and fever medications , decongestants, and mucolytics. In addition, some health care professionals suggest nasal irrigation or a sinus rinse solution to help relieve symptoms of sinus infections, even chronic sinusitis symptoms. This irrigation is accomplished with a “Neti-Pot” or a sinus rinse kit . The last reference of this article shows a video of a sinus rinse procedure. In 2012, the FDA issued a warning about the use of Neti-Pots. The FDA cautions people not to use untreated tap water for rinsing, as contaminated tap water rinses lead to two deaths.
Bacterial and fungal sinus infections usually require antibiotic or antifungal therapy so home treatments without them are often not successful. However, some authors suggest home treatments may reduce symptoms after medical therapy has begun some healthcare professionals recommend nasal irrigation after sinus surgery.
Read Also: Best Medication To Stop Sinus Drainage