How To Cure A Sinus Infection
- Add ¼ cup of Apple cider vinegar to the vaporizer
- Switch the vaporizer on and inhale the vapor
If you do not have a vaporizer, just add ¼ cup of Apple Cider Vinegar to half a liter of boiling water and inhale the vapors.
Benefits:
Apple cider vinegar clears airways by breaking mucus. Its antibacterial properties help get rid of the infection. In addition, having 2 tablespoons of ACV every day boosts the immune system.
The Best Treatment For A Sinus Infection
Have you had a stuffy nose, thick drainage, and pain and pressure in your face and head for several weeks, or even months? If so, you may have a sinus infection. A Sound Health doctor can diagnose your condition based on your symptom history and a thorough exam. Afterward, they will offer you the best treatment option to deliver the fastest relief.
Medications To Avoid When Breastfeeding
Generally, doctors avoid the following medicines for sinus infections when you are breastfeeding, as they could be harmful to the baby.
- Avoid OTC drugs without consulting the doctor because you should know if these medicines contain compounds that could pass into breast milk and affect the baby.
- Avoid medicines that contain naproxen
- Do not consume any antibiotics for sinus infections, as most sinus infections do not need antibiotics. Viral infections do not need antibiotics. The doctor will prescribe antibiotics if the symptoms are very severe, like, fever over 38.6°C , pain and tenderness in sinuses, and signs of a skin infection, such as a hot, red rash that spreads quickly . The commonly prescribed antibiotics are levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, and amoxicillin/clavulanate . If antibiotics are prescribed by the doctor, then the breastfeeding mother can safely consume it as it does not affect her breast milk.
Although some OTC medicines may not cause any potential hazard to the baby, it is suggested to use only prescription drugs.
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What Are The Most Important Facts To Know About Pregnancy Rhinitis
Pregnancy refers to an inflammation of the tissues lining the nasal passages in pregnant individuals. Although pregnancy rhinitis may occur at any time during pregnancy, it typically presents in the beginning of pregnancy, at the end, or at both stages. Symptoms of pregnancy rhinitis may last for 6 weeks, with complete resolution of symptoms within 2 weeks after delivery. The exact cause of pregnancy rhinitis remains unclear however, factors may include increased , hormonal fluctuations, and other risk factors, such as pre-existing rhinitis or smoking. Signs and symptoms of pregnancy rhinitis often include a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, post-nasal drip, and increased ear pressure. Complications of pregnancy rhinitis may involve infections and worsening of preexisting . Treatment of pregnancy rhinitis can include avoiding and irritants, using non-medicated saline sprays, and, under the direction of a medical professional, taking specific medication that is safe for use during pregnancy or while .
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The Importance Of Seeking Treatment For A Sinus Infection
Chronic sinusitis is a painful condition that causes headaches, toothache, and sinus pressure. Without effective ENT treatment, a chronic sinus infection could last for months, in rare circumstances even causing meningitis or brain abscesses. As symptoms can feel similar to other conditions, getting a diagnosis from your Atlanta ENT doctor or allergist is crucial.
What Are The Best Ways To Treat A Sinus Infection
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A sinus infection is a common condition with varying degrees of severity. As the nasal cavities become infected and swollen, an individual may experience sinus pain, a runny or blocked nose, and an ear infection.
The problem may clear up without medical treatment, or it may be a chronic case requiring professional attention. An Atlanta ear, nose and throat doctor and allergists alike can provide sinus infection treatments that put you on the path to recovery.
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What Is Sinusitis In Pregnancy
Sinusitis is the medical term for an infection of the sinuses, which are air-filled pockets around your nose. Theyre lined with a membrane that produces mucus, which, under normal circumstances, efficiently drains away. But when your sinuses are inflamed and swollen, that drainage slows down, the fluid builds up and you end up feeling as if you have a bad cold.
While you might be more susceptible to a sinus infection in pregnancy, the condition manifests itself the same way it would for anyone, pregnant or not, says Omid Mehdizadeh, MD, an otolaryngologist and laryngologist at Providence Saint Johns Health Center in Santa Monica, California.
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How Long Does A Cold During Pregnancy Last
Cold symptoms generally last 10 to 14 days. And yes, sorry to say, you can get a brand new cold just as the last one is ending, so if it feels like you always have the sniffles, you may be right.
However, if your symptoms persist past 10 to 14 days, or seem to be getting progressively worse, let your practitioner know. He or she will want to make sure your never-ending cold isnt evolving into something more serious, like COVID-19 or the flu.
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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.
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 reduced sense of smell
- green or yellow mucus from your nose
- a sinus headache
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.
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Sinus Infection Treatment Options
There are many treatment options for a sinus infection, but the best treatment option varies by the severity of the case. Some acute sinus infections will clear up on their own without any treatment, and you may just think it was a cold. Others require more serious interventions by a healthcare provider.
The standard treatment healthcare providers prescribe for a presumed bacterial sinus infection is an antibiotic. However, if you have a sinus infection caused by a viral infection such as the common cold, your doctor will not prescribe antibiotics as these medications only treat bacterial infections. Instead, you can treat the sinus infection symptomatically until it resolves, with nasal decongestants and antihistamines.
There are plenty of ways to treat symptoms of a sinus infection at home with over-the-counter medications and home remedies. OTC antihistamines block the effects of histamine, helping symptoms like sneezing and runny nose. Simple treatments like drinking water, keeping your sinuses hydrated , and using warm compresses, can also help treat symptoms of a sinus infection.
Keeping your nasal passages clean can help you prevent future sinus infections. If you anticipate having sinus issues during allergy or cold season, flushing out your nasal passages with a saltwater solution can help you avoid the pains of a sinus infection.
Sinus Infection While Pregnant
Pregnancy comes with its own set of challenges that can make dealing with a sinus infection much harder than normal. For one, you are more likely to get sick, as pregnancy suppresses the immune system.
These natural changes in immunity exist to strike a balance between the mothers health and to protect the baby from disease. Additionally, certain parts of the immune system are suppressed to prevent the body from rejecting the fetus as something foreign.
While these are all natural functions, they unfortunately make sinusitis a pervasive threat, particularly for those who have been susceptible to infections in the past. Additionally, several conventional sinusitis treatments are unsafe for pregnant women, so it is important to know what you can and cannot use to treat your sinus infection while pregnant.
The good news is that, despite these challenges, a sinus infection will most likely not affect your unborn child. The first step is to determine whether or not you have sinusitis.
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How Can You Tell If You Have Chronic Sinusitis
Does it feel like your sinus infection just wont quit? If you experience at least two of the following for 12 weeks or more even though youve been treated it may be chronic sinusitis:
- Discharge of mucus or postnasal drip
- Pain or pressure in your face
- Problems with smell
Chronic sinus infections can be triggered by colds but are typically caused by long-term inflammation. Sometimes, when treatments to control that inflammation fail, people with chronic sinusitis need surgery to drain their mucus.
From Cold And Cough To Hemorrhoid And Nausea We Break Down Safe Otc Medications To Take While Pregnant
Its the dead of winter and you cant sleep, because youre 7 months pregnant and your baby has decided to be nocturnal. You know you need sleep, because lack of good rest inhibits your immune system. This stresses you out, because your spouse has a nasty cold, and youd rather avoid it.
Your spouse is resting peacefully in the guest room because he has a plethora of over-the-counter medications at his disposal.
But not you. Youre pregnant, and your OTC medicine choices are extremely limited. So, you hope to stay healthy amid the stress and discomfort of pregnancy. Not to mention its cold and flu season.
Then, you realize. Your nose is running. Your sinuses feel clogged. Youre getting sick.
Your first instinct is to want to grab those great medications your spouse is taking. But you know you have to be careful.
In no time, youre miserable with symptoms of the common cold. Youre desperate for relief, but you know the safety of your baby is paramount.
Advanced Womens Healthcare is here to help with a comprehensive list of safe over-the-counter medications to take during pregnancy. Always consult your doctor for the best personalized choices for you.
Pregnant women: Dont forget to get your flu shot at AWH Dallas!
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Keep Your Windows Closed:
As the pollen count in the atmosphere is high between 5 am and 10 am, it is advised that you keep the windows of your house closed.
Tiny air-filled pockets in the nose, cheekbones, eyes, and forehead are susceptible areas of sinuses. Sinus infections are often triggered by colds and other respiratory infections. They can also be caused by seasonal changes and other nasal problems. You can alleviate the symptoms and get relief majorly by efficiently preventing mucus from thickening a draining
Eat a balanced diet containing lots of anti-inflammatory food and drink plenty of fluids to make your immune system strong enough to combat sinus infections.
Treatment For Sinus Infection
Whether you have an acute sinus infection or a chronic infection, a number of treatment options can relieve your discomfort. If youre in the early stage of an acute sinus infection, it may be appropriate to start at-home treatments while you monitor your symptoms. If your sinusitis worsens, youll need to call your doctor for medication and further care. Even if youre receiving treatment from your doctor, at-home care can help ease your symptoms.
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Where To Find Reliable Information On The Web
An Internet search will turn up lots of websites with advice on safe medications to use during pregnancy. But the advice is inconsistent and recommendations are often based on a lack of data, rather than evidence for safe use according to a study of Web-based information published in 2013.
For up-to-date, reliable information, we recommend www.MotherToBaby.org, the consumer website of the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing evidence-based information on medications and exposures to other substances during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. You can also call toll-free at 1-866-626-6847 to talk to an information specialist free of charge.
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Viral Vs Bacterial Sinus Infection
Viral Sinus Infection
Aside from causing common cold, viruses can cause inflammation in the sinuses. Symptoms like a runny nose and nasal congestion are some of the hallmarks of viruses which can further lead to inflammation of the sinuses. The discomfort from the illness reaches its peak usually on the fourth or fifth day and slowly begins to recede afterwards. It can take anywhere from a week to ten days for the above mentioned nasal symptoms to go away on their own. Improvement in patients with common cold can be seen after that, yet it might take them more time to return to normal.
Bacterial Sinus Infection
Bacterial sinus infection or bacterial sinusitis occurs when drainage of the fluid collected within the sinuses is hampered somehow. This is often observed in common cold which causes an overload of the fluid in the sinuses. Bacteria tend to thrive in the sinus pockets that are wet, moist and filled with fluid. The bacterial growth usually occurs after 10-day duration of the common cold.
Doctors are not able to differentiate between viral or bacterial sinusitis since the diagnosis for both of them is to check the symptoms like nasal congestion, headache, cough, thick post-nasal or nasal drainage, etc. In some cases, the help of other diagnostic tests like cultures or CT scans is taken to reach a definitive diagnosis.
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Common Antibiotics For Sinus Infections
Antibiotics may be prescribed when symptoms of a sinus infection warrant such treatment. Common antibiotics for sinus infection include:
- Levaquin : Although this drug is sometimes prescribed as a first line of therapy for sinusitis, it has serious side effects and should only be used as a last resort.
The Right Way To Treat A Sinus Infection
Your head is throbbing, especially around your eyes. You cant stop coughing, and for some reason, your breath is terrible. Blowing your nose is a mess.
Bad news: You could have a sinus infection. Most frequently triggered by the common cold, over 30 million American adults are diagnosed with sinusitis yearly.
So, what exactly are sinus infections? How can you tell if you have one? And holy cow how can you feel better as quickly as possible?
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Should You Visit A Specialist
If your sinus infection just wont go away or keeps coming back, it may be time to see an ear, nose, and throat specialist. An ENT treats conditions of the ear, nose, throat, head, face, and neck. It may be time to see an ENT if:
- Youve completed several courses of antibiotics without success
- Your doctor suspects nasal polyps or another blockage of the nasal cavity
- You have chronic sinusitis that lasts longer than 12 weeks
Living with a sinus infection is miserable and living with a sinus infection for weeks on end is worse. Contact your doctor or an ENT to get the treatment you need.
Can You Take Sinus Decongestants If You Have High Blood Pressure
Phenylephrine is not considered to be safe if you have high blood pressure. Sinus decongestants that contain pseudoephedrine may actually raise your blood pressure and counteract the blood pressure medication that youre on. If you have high blood pressure, you should speak with your doctor about which decongestant they recommend for you.
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Causes Of A Congested Nose While Pregnant
Pregnancy rhinitis is thought to be caused by hormonal changes. Increases in hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, and placental growth hormone can cause the lining of the nasal passage to swell, which increases mucus production. This theory is further backed up by the fact that some people report congestion symptoms during their menstrual cycles or with the use of birth control pills.
Some other potential causes are:
- More blood circulates through the body during pregnancy. This can cause the blood vessels in the nose to swell, which can lead to nasal congestion.
- Blood flow to the mucous membranes increases, which can produce excess mucus and feelings of congestion.
- Sometimes the cause is a natural enlargement of the nasal veins, which can occur during pregnancy.
- People who have allergies pre-pregnancy are more likely to experience allergy symptoms during their pregnancy as well.
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Easy Natural Remedies Help Mucus Flow
In many cases, sinushome remedies including those things your mother told you to do can effectively improve inflamed sinuses, says Anthony Del Signore, MD, assistant professor of otolaryngology and director of rhinology and endoscopic skull base surgery at Mount Sinai Beth Israel in New York City.
These treatments soothe irritated passageways and increase the flow of mucus so you dont feel so stuffed up, he explains.
Here are seven natural ways to ease sinus infections:
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