Best Ways To Treat A Sinus Infection
By Stephen Chandler, MD | 7 April 2022 |
A sinus infection occurs whenever inflammation of the sinus lining is caused by an infectious organism. Often, the narrow outflow tracts of the sinus cavities are obstructed by infectious inflammation. Sinus infections are often accompanied by facial pain, nasal congestion, headache, post-nasal drip, and any number of other symptoms ranging from cough to shaking chills. Knowing how to treat a very mild sinus infection at home can help you get back on your feet sooner rather than later.
Acute Sinusitis
In order to properly treat a sinus infection, it’s important to understand what it is and what symptoms to look out for. A sinus infection occurs when the sinus cavities can drain properly. A viral infection is often the initial cause for nasal lining swelling. When the sinus outflow tracts are blocked, naturally produced secretions cannot drain from the cavities. Consequently, the retained sinus secretions are subject to bacterial infection.
Some of the most common symptoms of a viral sinus infection include a runny, stuffy nose, post-nasal drip, facial pressure, headache, cough, and sore throat.
Acute sinusitis is different from chronic sinusitis. Chronic sinusitis is whenever the sinus infection has been present for more than three months. In many cases, although the initial bacterial infection was triggered by a viral process, abnormal sinonasal anatomy, polyps or other systemic disease may play a role in sustaining a bacterial process. If you have had a sinus infection for more than three months, set up an appointment with your doctor.
6 Best Treatments For A Sinus Infection
If you have acute sinusitis, you might be able to treat mild symptoms on your own. Here are some of the best treatments for acute sinusitis:
Nasal Spray
Nasal spray is one of the most popular medications to fight a sinus infection. You’ll spray the saline into your nose throughout the day to rinse out the passages.
Nasal Corticosteroids
If your sinus infection is accompanied by severe inflammation and pain, you can use a nasal corticosteroid. These products will help lower inflammation. Some popular examples of these medications include Flonase Allergy Relief, Rhinocort Allergy, and Nasonex.
Decongestants
Decongestants can help treat congestion associated with your sinus infection. There are over-the-counter options and prescription medications. Only use decongestants for a couple of days or else it may result in more severe rebound congestion.
Allergy Medication
If your sinus infection is caused by allergies, allergy medication might help. Be cautious with antihistamine medications that cause nasal dryness or create more sticky, thick secretions that might actually make your condition worse.
Pain Relievers
Pain relievers will help relieve any pain from the sinus infection. Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin are all options.
Antibiotics
In the case of a bacterial sinus infection, you will need to go to your doctor. It is possible to do culture directed treatment using a nasal swab to determine the infectious agent. An appropriate antibiotic will kill off the bacteria. While the antibiotics are doing their work, the doctor may also prescribe some of the other treatments above to help manage the symptoms of the sinus infection until the bacterial infection is resolved.
Try Complete Rinse
If you are suffering from sinus disease, nasal allergy or nasal congestion, try Complete Rinse. Complete Rinse is an innovative approach to nasal rinsing. It was designed to help cleanse your nasal lining, remove retained irritants and debris without causing the gagging, choking and ear fullness caused by Neti-pots and squeezy bottles. You can use Complete Rinse to stay healthy, even after the sinus infection has subsided.
Complete Rinse can help you manage your sinus infection, as well as fight symptoms of allergies, colds, and viruses. Complete Rinse uses Muco-Sol, a natural buffer alternative that is free from harmful chemicals and additives.