The Anatomy Of A Sinus Infection
Annoying and painful, sinus infections are all too common nearly 30 million Americans dealt with a long-term sinus infections caused mainly by viruses, and the average adult gets two to three colds each year. Not surprisingly, a sinus infection primarily affects the tissues in your nose, especially your sinuses. But depending on the type of infection you have, you might notice symptoms outside your nose, too.
Theres a good chance you dont think of your nose until it starts causing you discomfort, but its specialized tissues actually do a lot for you. Your nasal cavity warms and adds humidity to the air you breathe before it hits your airways. Your nose also contains four types of sinuses located in your cheeks, forehead and long the bridge of your nose that secrete mucus. That mucus not only moisturizes the tissues within your nose but also traps germs, pollutants and debris before they can go deeper into your body. You might even say that your nose is a first line of defense against common respiratory infections, like the cold and flu.
A sinus infection is never fun, but these tips may help you feel better.
Not surprisingly, a sinus infection primarily affects the tissues in your nose, especially your sinuses.
Medical Management Of Sinusitis
Atkins Expert Sinus Care Contents Treatment Options Medical Treatment
When considering medical treatments its important to keep in mind that no one treatment will fit everyone. Medical treatment is an option for a wide range of sinus and sinus-related problems. Treatments are tailored to each individual depending on symptoms and diagnosis. Often multiple medications are used. Some medications such as antibiotics are taken for several weeks while others such as antihistamines may have to be taken longer.
Antibiotics
You may be prescribed antibiotics if it is determined that you have an acute, chronic, or recurrent sinus infection. The dosage and duration will depend on your specific problem. Antibiotics are more commonly prescribed to take orally, but in some cases may be used in your nose.
Steroids
If it is noted that you have a significant amount of nasal inflammation you may be prescribed an oral steroid to help decrease the inflammation. Steroids do not cure sinus problems but will help bring them under control. They may be prescribed as pills or as an over the counter nasal spray.
Saline Irrigation Sprays
Using an over the counter mild saline spray or irrigation system regularly will cleanse and moisten the sinuses. This can cut down on infections. Sinus Irrigations are readily available over the counter.
Mucus Thinning Agent
Antihistamines
Pain Relievers
How Should I Take Robitussin Severe Congestion
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Cough or cold medicine is usually taken only for a short time until your symptoms clear up.
Do not give this medication to a child younger than 4 years old. Always ask a doctor before giving cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough or cold medicine in very young children.
Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
Do not crush, chew, break, or open an extended-release tablet or capsule. Swallow it whole.
The chewable tablet must be chewed before you swallow it.
Drink extra fluids to help loosen the congestion and lubricate your throat while you are taking this medication.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if you have a fever with a headache, cough, or skin rash.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
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Feeling Fully Plugged Reach For A Decongestant
In almost all cases of nasal congestion, the main cause of that stuffed up feeling is inflammation, which makes tissues in nasal passageways swell, explains Jonathan Auth, MD, a at CHOC Childrens, a healthcare system based in Orange, California.
Oral and nasal decongestants work by shrinking the swollen blood vessels in the nose and air passages, with nasal decongestants offering the fastest relief. Thats because the medicine goes straight to the site of congestion without going through your body first, so there are fewer side effects than with oral decongestants, explains , department head and professor of pharmacy practice at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy.
However, nasal decongestants come with a major drawback: Nasal sprays can be used only for a short time because of the rebound effect, she says.
The rebound effect means the congestion can come back even stronger when the drug is discontinued, so you have to take more of it this can also lead to dependency on the drug. As Michael Seidman, MD, an otolaryngologist in Kissimmee, Florida, puts it, Dont use a nasal decongestant for more than two to three days, or else the nose becomes addicted to it.
An increased heart rate is a possible side effect of decongestant use, so these drugs should be avoided if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or an .
Is Your Cold Really A Sinus Infection
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Has your sore throat, congestion and headache lingered for weeks? Its possible that what you thought was a cold is actually a sinus infection, otherwise known as sinusitis.
A common illness affecting adults and children, sinusitis occurs when a virus or bacteria infects the sinuses, the hollow spaces around the bones of the nose. It can come on at the end of a cold, with allergies or as a result of any condition that partially blocks the nasal cavities. The good news is that if you seek medical attention early, symptom relief usually occurs more quickly and youll be breathing better in no time.
If your cold hasnt resolved in a week or so, its time to see your doctor.
Colds and sinus infections cause the lining of your sinuses to swell. This can trap mucus in the cavities and make it difficult to breathe. Often, sinus infections improve with the help of over-the-counter decongestants and antihistamines, such as Mucinex DM, DayQuil, NyQuil or Sudafed. In addition, nasal sprays and honey and lemon in warm teas or water can clear the nasal passages and soothe the throat.
What wont work? Vitamin C and other supplements. Instead, youd be better off washing your hands frequently and avoiding others who are sick.
Primary care physicians refer some patients, particularly those who dont respond to medications or have recurring or chronic sinusitis, to an otolaryngologist an ear, nose and throat specialist.
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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.
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Dry Months Can Cause Sinus Infections To Get Worse
If youre dealing with a sinus infection during the dry winter months, or if you live in an otherwise dry climate, the very air you breathe can irritate your nasal passage and exacerbate your symptoms. Give your nose a break by running a humidifier or a cool-mist vaporizer in your bedroom at night. You may find it helpful to run it during the day, as well. Humidified air promotes drainage, soothes sore throats and helps ease coughs. If you dont have a humidifier, you can promote drainage by running a hot shower in a closed bathroom and inhaling the steam two to four times a day.
Not Getting Sleep Can Make Your Sinus Infection Worse
It turns out your mother was right: Your body needs rest when its fighting off an infection. Taking it easy during the day and getting enough sleep at night are key to giving your immune system the energy it needs to do its job. Going to work, meeting all your deadlines and keeping the same pace you did before you were sick can leave you feeling totally depleted. Worse, the stress of keeping up when you dont feel well may exacerbate your headache or sinus pressure. Allow yourself to slow down, especially in the first few days when symptoms are at their worst.
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Post Nasal Drip Treatment
The treatment for your post nasal drip will depend on whatâs causing it. For example, itâs easier to resolve postnasal drip caused by spicy foods than it is to kick a sinus infection. Itâs 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. âSaline irrigations help flush out excess and thick mucus,â Thompson says. âAlso, saline irrigations moisturize the nasal cavity and reduce the symptom of post nasal drip.â
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 donât 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. âHumidifier and steam inhalation can help moisturize the air and thin the mucus so that it passes more freely,â Thompson says.
Thatâs 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.
How To Treat A Sinus Infection
Acute rhinosinusitis, or a sinus infection, is the result of irritated mucosal tissue in the nasal and sinus cavities. This irritation may be traced back to a virus, allergy or irritantor, in rarer cases, bacteriawhich can trigger nasal congestion and discharge, toothache, facial pain or pressure, fever, fatigue, cough, ear discomfort, headache, a reduced sense of smell, and bad breath. The illness can last as long as a month, though most cases resolve within a week.
How it should be treated: Your doctor may prescribe a steroid nasal spray or recommend an over-the-counter steroid spray to relieve nasal inflammation. A prescription mucolypic drug or an OTC version like Mucinex or Robitussin can help clear mucus from the airway. Antibiotics have no effect on acute viral sinus infections.
What you can do: OTC decongestants, antihistamines, and pain relievers can reduce symptoms. But follow the directions carefully: OTC decongestant nasal spray shouldnt be used for more than three days in a row. Some people find nasal irrigation helpful. This process involves flushing the nose and sinuses with a saline solution. Placing a warm compress over the nose and forehead may help relieve pressure. Rest and drink plenty of fluids.
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Does Mucinex Dm Help With Head Congestion
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. Also to know is, does Mucinex DM help with nasal congestion?
It helps loosen congestion in your chest and throat, making it easier to cough out through your mouth. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion . https://www.drugs.com/mucinex-d.html. The active ingredients in Mucinex DM are guaifenesin and dextromethorphan.
Likewise, what is the difference between Mucinex D and Mucinex DM? Hi, Mucinex D is an expectorant and nasal decongestant whereas Mucinex DM is an expectorant and cough suppressant.
Similarly, it is asked, does Mucinex DM help with headaches?
Several Mucinex® products use acetaminophen, which is an analgesic and fever reducer. Analgesic is a fancy way of saying pain killer. Acetaminophen should help relieve your headache and bring down your fever, as well as deal with pain from colds and sore throats.
Does mucinex help with sinus congestion?
Sudafed is a nasal decongestant used to temporarily relieve sinus congestion and pressure. Mucinex is a chest decongestant, or expectorant, which helps loosen phlegm . It also helps thin bronchial secretions, helping you to cough up and get rid of mucus .
What Triggers Sinusitis
There are millions of bacteria in our noses, and most of the time, theyâre harmless. Even when a few creep into the sinuses, they donât cause trouble, as long as they keep draining into the nose along with mucus. But if sinus drainage is blocked, glands in the sinuses continue to produce mucus, and the resulting pool of backed-up mucus provides âthe perfect culture medium.â The bacteria grow out of control, causing infection, and the immune system kicks off an inflammatory response. The result: swelling, which causes headache and facial pain mucus buildup, which produces congestion and an influx of white blood cells to fight the bacteria, which thickens the mucus and may tint it yellow or green. Other symptoms include loss of smell or taste, cough, bad breath, fever, toothache, and fullness in the ears.
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What Should I Avoid
Mucinex D can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking this medicine.
Avoid taking diet pills, caffeine pills, or other stimulants without your doctor’s advice. Taking a stimulant together with a decongestant can increase your risk of unpleasant side effects.
Do not use any other over-the-counter cold, allergy, or cough medicine without first asking your doctor or pharmacist. Mucinex D are contained in many medicines available over the counter. If you take certain products together you may accidentally take too much of a certain drug. Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains guaifenesin or pseudoephedrine.
When To Avoid Infrared Saunas
In general, infrared saunas are considered safe for most people.
However, if youre on medications, have implanted medical devices, or have a medical condition whether acute or chronic you should be cautious.
Cook-Bolden says you should speak to your healthcare provider before encountering any form of intense heat exposure.
Cook-Bolden says these conditions make people more prone to dehydration and overheating:
- having low blood pressure
- having kidney disease
- taking medications such as diuretics, other blood pressure-lowering drugs, or medications that can cause dizziness
While not an exhaustive list, the conditions listed in this section warrant avoiding infrared sauna use or getting clearance from a healthcare provider.
If the risks outweigh the benefits, Sharma says, remember the benefits of saunas are mainly because of the physiological effects of sweating and increased heart rate, just like moderate exercise.
If you cannot tolerate the sauna or do not have an infrared sauna available where you live, you can also get similar and even more health benefits by doing cardiovascular and strength training workouts, he adds.
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Does Mucinex Cause Rebound Congestion
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Similarly, it is asked, do oral decongestants cause rebound congestion?
Oral decongestants do not cause rebound congestion but are not as effective as topical formulations. The most common side effects of oral decongestants are insomnia and irritability, which can occur in as many as 25% of patients taking these medications.
Likewise, how do I stop rebound congestion? Rebound congestion treatmentOne can use a nasal steroid to help limit the symptoms while the body recovers. In severe cases, an oral steroid can be prescribed, which may help. Dr. Gels adds that saline spray might help to reduce the inflammation.
One may also ask, how long does rebound congestion last?
Congestion is usually the only symptom. And if you continue to use your nasal spray, this congestion can last for weeks or even months. There isnât a test to formally diagnose rebound congestion. But if rhinitis medicamentosa is to blame, your symptoms should improve after you stop using the medication.
Why do nasal decongestants cause rebound congestion?
Causes of Rebound CongestionThis is thought to be related to two possible causes: Use of nasal decongestant causes inadequate blood supply which causes swelling to occur in your nasal passages.
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Why Are My Sinuses Worse At Night
Weve all been there: you think your sinus problems are getting better, but the minute you lay down, your nose gets stuffy, and youre stuck staring at the ceiling. Ultimately, you find yourself wondering, Why are my sinuses worse at night?
The answer to this question why are my sinuses worse at night? isnt always straightforward, and it can differ from person to person. What holds true for everyone, however, is that if your nose is blocked at night on one side or both, or if you are struggling with any other sinus-related issue, your sleep is going to suffer.
What follows is a list of common conditions or circumstances that might make your sinuses worse at night, along with some potential remedies.
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