Content

• Advice
• Warning

• There are many possible causes of sinusitis, but viral infections are the most common (90-98% of cases). You may get an acute sinus infection after a cold. Acute viral sinusitis usually improves within 7-14 days.
• Allergies are the most common cause of chronic sinusitis. People with asthma, nasal polyps, or smoking are also more susceptible to chronic sinus infections.

Watch for fever. Allergic sinusitis is usually not accompanied by fever. Inflammation of the sinuses such as the flu often comes with a fever.

• A high fever (above 38.9 degrees C) is usually a sign of a sinus infection caused by bacteria. Contact your doctor if you have a fever above 38.9 degrees Celsius.

Look for dark green or yellow mucus. Dark green or yellow mucus with a bad smell can be a sign of a sinus infection caused by bacteria. See your doctor if you think you have a sinus infection caused by bacteria. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics such as amoxicillin, augmentin, cefdinir, or azithromycin to treat bacterial sinus infections.

• Doctors usually wait a while for further observations before prescribing an antibiotic. Many sinus infections due to bacterial infections go away without antibiotics. Doctors often try to avoid antibiotics, unless absolutely necessary, as overuse of antibiotics can increase the risk of resistance to antibiotics.
• Antibiotics just used to treat bacterial sinusitis, and has no effect on other types of sinusitis.
• Only 2-10% of acute sinus infections are caused by a bacterial infection.

Know when to see a doctor. In addition to a high fever and dark green or yellow mucus, there are also other symptoms that suggest that you should see your doctor. Your doctor will assess your condition and determine if your sinusitis is caused by bacteria, and whether antibiotics are needed. See your doctor for diagnosis and treatment if you experience any of the following:

• Symptoms last for more than 7-10 days
• Symptoms such as headache do not respond to over-the-counter pain relievers
• Cough with dark green, yellowish, or bloody mucus in the mucus
• Shortness of breath, chest tightness, or chest pain
• Neck stiffness or severe pain
• Ear hurt
• Vision changes, redness or swelling around the eyes
• Have an allergic reaction to the drug. Symptoms may include hives, swelling of the lips or face and / or shortness of breath
• Asthma symptoms are worse in people with asthma.
• You should see your doctor if you have chronic sinusitis. Your doctor can help you treat long-term sinus infections. You may also be referred to an allergist or an otolaryngologist to determine the cause of your illness.

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Method 2 of 4: Treat symptoms with drugs

1. 

   
   
   Consult your doctor. Be sure to see your doctor before taking any prescription medications. However, in some cases you may also need to consult your doctor before taking over-the-counter medications. Although many over-the-counter drugs are safe for healthy adults, self-medicating with over-the-counter medications can also cause complications in some cases.
   • Never give adult medicine to a child, as many cold medicines are not recommended for children.
   • Pregnant women are generally advised to avoid a variety of cold medicines, and breastfeeding women should consult a breast milk specialist or doctor before taking over-the-counter medications.

2. 

   Take antibiotics as directed. If you have been prescribed antibiotics by your doctor for the treatment of bacterial sinus infections, be sure to follow the correct course of taking antibiotics, even if you feel less sick. This helps to limit the risk of re-infection or resistance to antibiotics.
   • Common antibiotics to treat bacterial sinus infections include amoxicillin (the most common), augmentin, cefdinir, or azithromycin (for people who may be allergic to amoxicillin).
   • Common side effects of these antibiotics are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and a skin rash. Tell your doctor right away if more serious side effects like fainting, shortness of breath or hives develop.

3. 

   Treat allergies with antihistamines. Antihistamines may be helpful for sinus problems associated with seasonal allergies or systemic allergies. Antihistamines help counteract the body's response to allergens by blocking them histamine attach to receptors in cells. Antihistamines can suppress allergic sinus symptoms before onset.
   • Antihistamines usually come in pill form such as loratidine (Claritin), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), and Cetirizine (Zyrtec). Also available in liquid, chewable, and soluble forms, especially for children.
   • Check with your doctor or pharmacist to find out which antihistamines are most effective for you.
   • Do not take antihistamines to treat an acute sinus infection without consulting your doctor. Antihistamines can make an acute sinus infection more difficult by thickening the nasal discharge.

4. 

   Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. Pain relievers do not cure sinusitis, but they can provide relief from some of the unpleasant symptoms like headache and sinus pain.
   • Acetaminophen / paracetamol (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) help relieve headaches, sore throats, and fever.
     • Note that ibuprofen should not be given to children under 6 months of age.

5. 

   Use a nasal spray. An over-the-counter nasal spray can help clear congested sinuses quickly. The three main types of nasal sprays are saline sprays, decongestants, and steroid sprays.
   • Nasal decongestants like Afrin should not be used for more than 3-5 days as they can make the nose stuffy if used for a long time.
   • Saline sprays are safe to use and help wash off mucus.
   • Fluticasone (Flonase) is a steroidal nasal spray used to treat allergy symptoms. These sprays may last longer than decongestants, but may not be as effective for sinus infections as they are only for allergy symptoms.

6. 

   Try a decongestant. These medications can help relieve congestion and sinus pain. Do not take decongestants for more than 3 days. Decongestants that are used for a long time can have "counter effects".
   • Some common drugs are phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) or pseudoephedrine (Sudafed 12-hour). Some antihistamines incorporate decongestants such as Allegra-D, Claritin-D, or Zyrtec-D.
   • Many drugs classified as “D” contain pseudoephedrine and are sold in pharmacies with the advice of a pharmacist, due to restrictions on sales.
   • Some decongestants contain acetaminophen. Do not take extra acetaminophen if you are taking a decongestant that already contains this medicine. Overdose can cause serious complications.

7. 

   Consider using an expectorant. Sputum-suppressing drugs (such as Consider guaifenesin / Mucinex) dilute phlegm and may help mucus drain out of your sinuses. There is no solid evidence that this medication helps with sinusitis, but you can also get better with this medication. advertisement

Method 3 of 4: Use alternative therapies

1. 

   Rested. Sinusitis can take longer if you continue not to get enough sleep and work too much. Try to rest completely within 24 hours if you can.
   • Try putting your head up when you sleep. This position helps the mucus drain and reduces congestion.

2. 

   Drink plenty of fluids. Drinking enough water will help loosen mucus and relieve the feeling of congestion. Water is best, but drinks like caffeinated tea, electrolyte sports drinks, and clear broths are also good options.
   • Men should drink at least 13 cups (3 liters) per day, and women should drink 9 cups (2.2 liters) of fluids per day. You may need even more when you are sick.
   • Avoid drinking alcohol. Alcohol can actually make sinus inflammation worse. Caffeine can dehydrate you and make mucus thicker.

3. 

   Try a nasal lavage bottle or syringe. Clearing your sinuses can help clear accumulated mucus naturally. You can wash it several times a day with almost no side effects.
   • Use sterile saline solution into a bottle or syringe. You can purchase a pre-made solution or mix it with distilled, cooled, or sterilized water yourself.
   • Tilt your head 45 degrees. You should wash it in the sink or bathroom to make it easier to clean.
   • Place the tip of the nasal lavatory (or syringe) into the upper nostril. Gently pour the solution into the nostril so that it flows through the other nostril.
   • Repeat with the other nostril.

4. 

   Steam bath. The steam will help moisten your sinuses and may help you breathe easier. Take a hot shower or use a bowl of hot water to steam. Effervescent bath pills with menthol may also be helpful.
   • Carefully pour boiling water into a bowl that can withstand the high temperatures. (are not inhale the steam while on the stove!). Place the bowl of water on the table so that it is just within reach.
   • Head over a bowl of water. Do not bend too close or you may burn from the hot steam.
   • Use a thin towel over your head and bowl of water. Inhale the steam for 10 minutes.
   • You can add 2-3 drops of eucalyptus essential oil or decongestant essential oil to the water if you like.
   • Do it 2-4 times a day.
   • Be extra careful when using this method on children. Do not leave your child alone in the hot steam.

5. 

   Use a humidifier. Dry, hot air irritates your nasal passages, so sleeping with a humidifier will make it easier to breathe. Warm or cool mist humidifiers are equally good. You can add a few drops of essential oils such as eucalyptus to the water to help relieve congestion (however, check the humidifier's manual before adding anything to the water).
   • Beware of mold. Mold can start to grow around the humidifier if the air is too humid. Clean the humidifier regularly to prevent mold.

6. 

   Apply a hot compress. To relieve the pain and tension in the face, you can apply a warm compress to the sore area.
   • Soak a small towel and heat in the microwave for about 30 seconds. The towel should be warm, but not too hot to be uncomfortable.
   • Apply a warm washcloth to your nose, cheeks, or near your eyes to relieve pain. Apply for 5-10 minutes.

7. 

   Eat spicy foods. Some studies show that spicy foods like chili peppers or horseradish can help clear your sinuses.
   • The capsaicin in chili peppers and spicy foods can help loosen mucus and drain.
   • Other "spicy" foods like ginger may also help you feel better.

8. 

   Drink tea. Caffeinated hot tea can help soothe the throat, especially if ginger and honey are added. Tea can also help relieve coughs. However, you should avoid caffeinated teas as caffeine can make you dehydrated or lose sleep.
   • You can make your own ginger tea at home. Use 30 g of grated fresh ginger for each cup of boiling water and soak for at least 10 minutes.
   • A traditional herbal tea, the "Throat Coat" sore throat tea, has been shown to reduce sore throats compared to a placebo tea.
   • Benifuuki green tea can help relieve allergy symptoms if taken regularly.

9. 

   Cures cough. Sinusitis is often accompanied by a cough. To soothe an uncomfortable and uncomfortable cough, stay hydrated, drink warm liquids like herbal tea and drink honey (do not use honey for children under 1 year old).

10. 

    Stop smoking. Cigarette smoking, even passive smoking, causes irritation of the sinus lining and sinusitis. Passive smoking accounts for up to 40% of chronic sinus infections in the US. Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke when you have a sinus infection.
    • Stop smoking completely to prevent sinusitis and good overall health. Tobacco damages almost every organ in the body and shortens life expectancy.
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Method 4 of 4: Prevent sinusitis

1. 

   Treatment of symptoms of allergy and flu. Allergic rhinitis can lead to sinusitis.
   • Get a flu shot. A flu shot reduces the chance of getting infected with the flu virus, which is another culprit for acute viral sinus infections.

2. 

   Avoid contamination. The environment and air pollution can irritate the nasal passages and aggravate sinusitis. Chemical and exhaust gases can irritate the sinus lining.

3. 

   Good hygiene. A viral infection is the most common cause of sinusitis. You can reduce your risk of infection by washing your hands often with warm water and soap.
   • Wash hands after shaking hands, touching surfaces in public (such as bus handles, door handles), before and after preparing the food.

4. 

   Drink a lot of water. Water helps to moisten the body and prevents sinus congestion. Water also helps to thin mucus, making it easier for mucus to drain.

5. 

   Eat more fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, helping the body maintain health and endurance.
   • Citrus fruits are high in flavonoids, a compound that can help boost the immune system, fight viruses, inflammation and allergies.
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Advice

• If you feel pain in the ear canal (behind your lower jaw), you may have an ear infection. See your doctor as antibiotics may be needed to treat inflammation.
• Do not add tap water to the nasal wash. If you don't want to use filtered water, you can boil tap water and let it cool to room temperature. Amoeba in tap water can cause serious complications.
• Drink "Breathe Easy" tea, an ancient remedy that can really help clear your sinuses and relieve a sore throat.

Warning

• It is imperative to see a doctor immediately if you experience difficulty breathing, chest pain, stiff neck, or severe pain; redness, pain, or swelling of the face or eyes; or are concerned about dehydration from not drinking enough water, especially young children and infants.
• If you have a chronic sinus infection, talk to your doctor about treatment options. In some cases, surgery may be needed to make breathing easier.