How to Get Rid of a Sinus Infection: Home Remedies and Medication

Home remedies may help manage the symptoms of a sinus infection. Many sinus infections improve independently, but some bacterial cases may require antibiotics.

Read on to learn what you can do to support your healing from a sinus infection.

Sinusitis can be acute, subacute, or chronic. These classifications relate to the duration of symptoms. Acute sinusitis typically lasts less than 4 weeks, subacute lasts 4–12 weeks, and chronic sinusitis can last for 12 weeks or longer.

Most sinus infections occur due to a viral infection or airborne irritant and typically get better on their own. However, bacterial sinus infections can improve with a course of antibiotic treatment.

Adequate hydration is essential to overall good health. Drinking plenty of fluids allows the body to fight infections properly and aids recovery.

In the case of sinusitis, adequate hydration helps maintain the strength of the skin and mucous membranes within the sinuses, which can help reduce irritation, thin mucus, and prevent further infection.

Learn more about how much water adults should drink in a day here.

Most sinus infections resolve independently within 2–3 weeks. During this time, it is important to give the body ample opportunity to fight infection. Avoiding exertion and resting where possible may hasten recovery.

Nasal irrigation is a process often used to ease the symptoms of sinusitis. Research suggests using a neti pot with a saline solution can eliminate some symptoms of chronic sinusitis.

Follow the directions supplied with your specific neti pot. Here are general directions:

1. Fill the pot with the saline solution.
2. Incline your head over the sink at a 45-degree angle.
3. Insert the spout of the pot into your top nostril. Carefully pour the saline solution down that nostril.
4. Repeat the process with the other nostril.

Be careful to sanitize your neti pot after every use, and only use distilled water. Water straight from the sink may have contaminants, like bacteria or parasites, which could make your condition worse.

Other forms of nasal irrigators are available in different shapes and sizes and provide the same benefits.

Learn more about using neti pots here.

Keeping your sinuses hydrated can help relieve pressure. Here are some tips for hydrated sinuses:

• At night, sleep with a humidifier in your bedroom to help relieve nighttime nasal blockages.
• During the day and before bed, use natural saline nasal sprays.
• Take hot showers, or use steam bowls to help ease congestion and swelling.

Learn more about steam inhalation here.

Adding natural antibacterial foods like garlic, ginger, and honey to your meals may help bolster the body’s infection-fighting processes.

Some foods also have anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce swelling from sinus infections. These include berries, green leafy vegetables, and oily fish.

However, research into the direct application of diet changes for symptom relief in sinus infection is minimal, and support is typically anecdotal.

Learn more about natural antibiotics here.

Some claim that topical application and inhalation of essential oils can help alleviate symptoms of sinus congestion. For example, one in vitro tissue study suggested that 1,8-cineole, the main component of eucalyptus oil, may have an anti-inflammatory effect on human tissues. Further research is necessary to assess the efficacy of these oils in human cases.

To alleviate sinus or upper respiratory infections, people often use oil externally on the temples or chest or inhale via a diffuser when the oil is added to boiling water. Make sure you only use food-grade essential oils. Rub one drop of each oil on the roof of your mouth, then drink a glass of water.

It is important only to use essential oils as directed, as inhalation can cause airway irritation and potentially worsen symptoms.

Learn more about using essential oils to treat sinus congestion here.

Applying warm compresses may help with general pain from sinus congestion.

This will not treat the infection itself, but placing a warm, damp towel around the nose, cheeks, and eyes can help promote drainage of nasal secretions, providing relief from symptoms.

If you’re not finding relief from home remedies, ask your pharmacist to recommend an OTC treatment.

OTC decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), may relieve sinusitis symptoms by narrowing the blood vessels. This helps reduce inflammation and swelling. It may improve the flow of drainage from the sinuses.

If you have high blood pressure, consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking pseudoephedrine. There’s a line of cold and sinus medications for people with high blood pressure called Coricidin HBP.

However, these medications are not suitable for children. People should only take decongestants as explicitly recommended.

Other OTC medications for managing generalized sinus pain include:

• aspirin
• acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)

If an allergic reaction causes nasal congestion, antihistamines may help block inflammation.

Always follow your pharmacist’s advice and the guidelines on the package when taking OTC medications.

Learn more about OTC antihistamines here.

Doctors may prescribe antibiotics in cases of chronic sinusitis or if your sinus infection is bacterial. Your primary care provider will determine whether bacteria or a virus causes your sinus infection. They’ll do this by:

• asking about your symptoms
• carrying out a physical examination
• swabbing the inside of your nose (not routinely done)

Amoxicillin (Amoxil) is a common prescription drug for acute sinus infections. Amoxicillin-clavulanate (Augmentin) is often prescribed for a bacterial sinus infection. However, this medication is not suitable for people with a penicillin allergy, in which case, doctors will prescribe a suitable alternative.

Depending on the type of antibiotic, a person may need to take them for up to three weeks. It’s important to take antibiotics as long as your doctor prescribes them. Don’t stop taking them early, even if your symptoms improve as this can result in antibiotic resistance.

Consult your doctor if you or someone else has:

• a persistent temperature higher than 100.4°F (38°C)
• symptoms that have lasted for more than 10 days
• symptoms that are getting worse
• symptoms that aren’t eased by OTC medication
• several sinus infections over the past year

If you have a sinus infection for eight weeks or more or have more than four sinus infections per year, you may have chronic sinusitis. Common causes of chronic sinusitis are:

• allergies
• nasal growths
• respiratory tract infections

A sinus infection occurs when the tissue in the sinuses swells up. This leads to a buildup of mucus, pain, and discomfort.

The sinuses are the air-filled pockets in the bones of the face that form the top part of the respiratory tract. These pockets run from the nose into the throat.

Factors that may stop the sinuses from draining include:

• the common cold
• hay fever
• exposure to allergens
• changes in air pressure

Viruses cause 9 out of 10 sinus infections in adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

To reduce your risk for sinus infection:

• Wash your hands often, especially after you’ve been in crowded places like public transportation.
• Keep up to date with recommended immunizations.
• Limit exposure to people with colds or other upper respiratory infections, if possible.
• Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke.
• Use a clean humidifier to keep the air moist in your home.
• Get plenty of rest if you have a cold to reduce your risk for complications like sinusitis.

Common symptoms of sinusitis include:

• nasal congestion
• loss of sense of smell
• postnasal drip
• green nasal discharge
• tenderness under the eyes or on the bridge of the nose
• pain in the forehead or temples
• cough
• fatigue
• fever
• bad breath

Sinus infections are very common. Symptoms normally go away on their own within 10 days. OTC medications and natural remedies may help relieve your symptoms. If your symptoms last more than 10 days, talk with your doctor.

Read this article in Spanish.

How to Get Rid of a Sinus Infection: Home Remedies and Medication

Home remedies may help manage the symptoms of a sinus infection. Many sinus infections improve independently, but some bacterial cases may require antibiotics.

Read on to learn what you can do to support your healing from a sinus infection.

Sinusitis can be acute, subacute, or chronic. These classifications relate to the duration of symptoms. Acute sinusitis typically lasts less than 4 weeks, subacute lasts 4–12 weeks, and chronic sinusitis can last for 12 weeks or longer.

Most sinus infections occur due to a viral infection or airborne irritant and typically get better on their own. However, bacterial sinus infections can improve with a course of antibiotic treatment.

Adequate hydration is essential to overall good health. Drinking plenty of fluids allows the body to fight infections properly and aids recovery.

In the case of sinusitis, adequate hydration helps maintain the strength of the skin and mucous membranes within the sinuses, which can help reduce irritation, thin mucus, and prevent further infection.

Learn more about how much water adults should drink in a day here.

Most sinus infections resolve independently within 2–3 weeks. During this time, it is important to give the body ample opportunity to fight infection. Avoiding exertion and resting where possible may hasten recovery.

Nasal irrigation is a process often used to ease the symptoms of sinusitis. Research suggests using a neti pot with a saline solution can eliminate some symptoms of chronic sinusitis.

Follow the directions supplied with your specific neti pot. Here are general directions:

1. Fill the pot with the saline solution.
2. Incline your head over the sink at a 45-degree angle.
3. Insert the spout of the pot into your top nostril. Carefully pour the saline solution down that nostril.
4. Repeat the process with the other nostril.

Be careful to sanitize your neti pot after every use, and only use distilled water. Water straight from the sink may have contaminants, like bacteria or parasites, which could make your condition worse.

Other forms of nasal irrigators are available in different shapes and sizes and provide the same benefits.

Learn more about using neti pots here.

Keeping your sinuses hydrated can help relieve pressure. Here are some tips for hydrated sinuses:

• At night, sleep with a humidifier in your bedroom to help relieve nighttime nasal blockages.
• During the day and before bed, use natural saline nasal sprays.
• Take hot showers, or use steam bowls to help ease congestion and swelling.

Learn more about steam inhalation here.

Adding natural antibacterial foods like garlic, ginger, and honey to your meals may help bolster the body’s infection-fighting processes.

Some foods also have anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce swelling from sinus infections. These include berries, green leafy vegetables, and oily fish.

However, research into the direct application of diet changes for symptom relief in sinus infection is minimal, and support is typically anecdotal.

Learn more about natural antibiotics here.

Some claim that topical application and inhalation of essential oils can help alleviate symptoms of sinus congestion. For example, one in vitro tissue study suggested that 1,8-cineole, the main component of eucalyptus oil, may have an anti-inflammatory effect on human tissues. Further research is necessary to assess the efficacy of these oils in human cases.

To alleviate sinus or upper respiratory infections, people often use oil externally on the temples or chest or inhale via a diffuser when the oil is added to boiling water. Make sure you only use food-grade essential oils. Rub one drop of each oil on the roof of your mouth, then drink a glass of water.

It is important only to use essential oils as directed, as inhalation can cause airway irritation and potentially worsen symptoms.

Learn more about using essential oils to treat sinus congestion here.

Applying warm compresses may help with general pain from sinus congestion.

This will not treat the infection itself, but placing a warm, damp towel around the nose, cheeks, and eyes can help promote drainage of nasal secretions, providing relief from symptoms.

If you’re not finding relief from home remedies, ask your pharmacist to recommend an OTC treatment.

OTC decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), may relieve sinusitis symptoms by narrowing the blood vessels. This helps reduce inflammation and swelling. It may improve the flow of drainage from the sinuses.

If you have high blood pressure, consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking pseudoephedrine. There’s a line of cold and sinus medications for people with high blood pressure called Coricidin HBP.

However, these medications are not suitable for children. People should only take decongestants as explicitly recommended.

Other OTC medications for managing generalized sinus pain include:

• aspirin
• acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)

If an allergic reaction causes nasal congestion, antihistamines may help block inflammation.

Always follow your pharmacist’s advice and the guidelines on the package when taking OTC medications.

Learn more about OTC antihistamines here.

Doctors may prescribe antibiotics in cases of chronic sinusitis or if your sinus infection is bacterial. Your primary care provider will determine whether bacteria or a virus causes your sinus infection. They’ll do this by:

• asking about your symptoms
• carrying out a physical examination
• swabbing the inside of your nose (not routinely done)

Amoxicillin (Amoxil) is a common prescription drug for acute sinus infections. Amoxicillin-clavulanate (Augmentin) is often prescribed for a bacterial sinus infection. However, this medication is not suitable for people with a penicillin allergy, in which case, doctors will prescribe a suitable alternative.

Depending on the type of antibiotic, a person may need to take them for up to three weeks. It’s important to take antibiotics as long as your doctor prescribes them. Don’t stop taking them early, even if your symptoms improve as this can result in antibiotic resistance.

Consult your doctor if you or someone else has:

• a persistent temperature higher than 100.4°F (38°C)
• symptoms that have lasted for more than 10 days
• symptoms that are getting worse
• symptoms that aren’t eased by OTC medication
• several sinus infections over the past year

If you have a sinus infection for eight weeks or more or have more than four sinus infections per year, you may have chronic sinusitis. Common causes of chronic sinusitis are:

• allergies
• nasal growths
• respiratory tract infections

A sinus infection occurs when the tissue in the sinuses swells up. This leads to a buildup of mucus, pain, and discomfort.

The sinuses are the air-filled pockets in the bones of the face that form the top part of the respiratory tract. These pockets run from the nose into the throat.

Factors that may stop the sinuses from draining include:

• the common cold
• hay fever
• exposure to allergens
• changes in air pressure

Viruses cause 9 out of 10 sinus infections in adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

To reduce your risk for sinus infection:

• Wash your hands often, especially after you’ve been in crowded places like public transportation.
• Keep up to date with recommended immunizations.
• Limit exposure to people with colds or other upper respiratory infections, if possible.
• Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke.
• Use a clean humidifier to keep the air moist in your home.
• Get plenty of rest if you have a cold to reduce your risk for complications like sinusitis.

Common symptoms of sinusitis include:

• nasal congestion
• loss of sense of smell
• postnasal drip
• green nasal discharge
• tenderness under the eyes or on the bridge of the nose
• pain in the forehead or temples
• cough
• fatigue
• fever
• bad breath

Sinus infections are very common. Symptoms normally go away on their own within 10 days. OTC medications and natural remedies may help relieve your symptoms. If your symptoms last more than 10 days, talk with your doctor.

Read this article in Spanish.

Sinusitis treatment

UNIQUE SINUSIT TREATMENT RECOGNITION AT INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS.

What are the advantages of non-surgical treatment of hypertrophic rhinitis? Perhaps the main advantage is that we carefully examine the mucous membranes of the nasal cavity and clean them gently, without causing pain to you and your children. In addition, everyone knows that the operation can damage the nasal cavity or its tissues, which can lead to bleeding and further breathing problems.

There are several types of sinusitis:

• sinusitis

• sinusitis

• ethmoiditis

• sphenoiditis

Benefits of treating sinusitis without antibiotics in children and adults in our clinic

Our method is that we introduce a phytospray into the nasal cavity, which instantly relieves the patient from anxiety for two whole days, unlike vasoconstrictor sprays. In addition, it will be useful for young children over the age of four. Everyone knows that children have a hard time with surgery, in our case it will not be necessary. The child can easily cope with nasal congestion and get rid of painful symptoms.
What are the benefits of treating sinusitis without antibiotics?
The fact is that a spray is injected into the nose, which washes all the sinuses, and there are eight in total. This technique is not available to doctors in conventional clinics.
How does phytospray help?
Painlessly opens the nasal fistula in a natural way.
Rescues the contents of the nose, in order to avoid deterioration
Helps to remove the density in the mucosa.
Helps to get into all tissues and treats all parts of the nasal cavity.
Relieves inflammation and helps reduce swelling.
Helps restore tissue immunity.
Thanks to him, your mucous membrane will work as it should, without failures and quails in work.
If you use it, you will forget about the problem for two whole days, while it will fix the problem.
The main thing: after application, you will not have any complications.
What causes sinusitis?
This may be due to the usual inflammation that was triggered by the patient. Vasoconstrictor sprays do not always help, and a neglected position leads to such consequences.
If a person is sick with sinusitis, then this means that he has an overgrown mucous membrane, which leads to the closure of the anastomosis and, directly, to the flow of air into them. It becomes more difficult for the patient to breathe, air does not circulate in the mucosa, which leads to its drying and the formation of polyps. Another problem is mucus, which accumulates in large quantities and is a real paradise for bacteria.
After the sinusitis is eliminated, it is necessary to carry out an additional procedure that will save the patient from a possible disease a second time.
This procedure consists in resorption of the hypertrophied mucosa. The operation, which consists in pinning the nasal cavity, can bring considerable harm to the patient, as well as open bleeding. But our procedure will be even useful and painless. Many doctors are silent about the possible consequences of using vasoconstrictor sprays, therefore, we remind you that they can narrow not only the vessels of the nasal membrane, but also those of the heart, which will lead to myocardium or heart attack.

Before treatment (the level of pus is visible)

Above are radiographs of patient L., who was treated in one of the ENT clinics of the Moscow Medical Institute. The right maxillary sinus is completely filled with purulent contents, and there is also pus in the right frontal sinus. Conducted 8 punctures did not give a result, the patient was offered surgery.

After treatment (air sinus is clear)

The woman decided to undergo procedures at Dr. Sichinava’s clinic, her condition improved, the repeated X-ray showed clear sinuses (see above), the need for surgery was eliminated.

Phytospray promotes

01

By acting irritatingly on the dormant nerve receptors of the nasal cavity, it causes a reflex opening of the fistulas of all sinuses

02

Liquefaction of the accumulated mucous clot

03

Evacuation of the contents of all sinuses

04

Relieves edema foot space

06

Restores the normal functioning of the mucous membrane

07

Restores local tissue immunity

08

The effect of one application lasts for two days

9 0002 09

Does not cause any complications

10

For uncomplicated sinusitis, 8 procedures are enough

11

As a result of treatment, the patient becomes more resistant to colds

In the treatment of sinusitis, YAMIK and “cuckoo” are weak and ineffective methods, while puncture and surgery is a highly invasive approach with many complications.

Working hours

How to get to us, how to get there, landmarks on the spot and ways of communication – in the “Contacts” section

M.Sokol

M.Leninsky Prospekt

Sinusitis, rhinosinusitis: causes, symptoms, treatment

90 002 The Scientific and Clinical Department of Diseases of the Nose and Throat uses modern conservative and surgical methods for the treatment of diseases of the nasal cavity, accompanied by the following symptoms:

• • • difficulty in nasal breathing (deviation of the nasal septum, chronic, including “drug-induced” rhinitis, acute and chronic sinusitis, sinusitis)
    • decreased sense of smell (polypous rhinosinusitis)
    • pathological discharge from the nasal cavity

Our Center also practices “non-puncture” methods of treatment of acute and chronic sinusitis, including the use of endoscopic technologies , and endoscopic transnasal operations are performed in the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, nasopharynx and skull base, including for neoplasms, without “external” incisions.

Diagnosis and treatment of sinusitis and sinusitis, as well as other inflammatory diseases of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, are carried out in accordance with the European Guidelines for the treatment of rhinosinusitis (EuropeanPositionPaperonRhinosinusitisandNasalPolyposis) of the latest revision. Computed tomography is used to determine the severity and extent of inflammation in the paranasal sinuses.

Sinusitis

Sinusitis is a disease of the paranasal sinuses. There are several types of sinusitis depending on the localization of the pathological process:

• • • Frontitis – inflammation of the mucous membrane of the frontal sinus
    • Sinusitis – inflammation of the mucous membrane of the maxillary sinus
    • Ethmoiditis – inflammation of the mucous membrane of the ethmoid sinus
    • Sphenoiditis – inflammation of the mucous membrane of the sphenoid sinus

Causes of sinusitis

Most often, inflammatory diseases of the paranasal sinuses or sinusitis occur against the background of a “banal cold”.

Long-term swelling of the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity due to viral or bacterial inflammation leads to a “block” of the fistulas of the paranasal sinuses, that is, a difficulty in the outflow of discharge from the sinuses into the nasal cavity. Further, in the absence of adequate treatment, mucus accumulates in the sinus cavity, which later suppurates and leads to the development of purulent sinusitis. At this stage, a mucopurulent discharge from the nose, a decrease in smell, and heaviness in the projection of the paranasal sinuses may appear, aggravated by tilting the head, to the “congestion” of the nose. At this stage, it is necessary to consult a specialist and prescribe a complex – systemic antibacterial and local anti-inflammatory therapy to restore the drainage function of the sinuses.

With insufficient or incorrect treatment of sinusitis, the inflammatory process becomes chronic, usually resistant to conservative treatment, and there is a need for surgical treatment – endoscopic surgery, also aimed at restoring the communication of the paranasal sinuses and the nasal cavity. Therefore, the treatment of sinusitis and sinusitis, as well as other diseases of the nasal cavity, should be prescribed by a doctor.

In some cases, in the treatment of acute and chronic sinusitis, our Center practices a low-traumatic technique – balloon sinusoplasty (ostioplasty), which consists in expanding the natural fistulas of the paranasal sinuses using a special balloon catheter and then removing viscous mucus from the sinus cavity using an aspirator.

Polypous rhinosinusitis

Another common form of sinusitis is polypous rhinosinusitis. Polyps, a kind of “growth” of the mucous membrane, may be the result of a special allergic predisposition, they can block the fistulas of the paranasal sinuses, causing the development of allergic sinusitis. In other cases, the polyps themselves are the result of chronic inflammation of the mucous membrane of the paranasal sinuses (the so-called “non-allergic” or “non-eosinophilic” polyps). The most common symptoms are difficulty in nasal breathing (with a widespread polyposis process).

Depending on the cause of polypous rhinosinusitis, appropriate conservative treatment is prescribed, in some cases it allows you to cope with the symptoms, but often endoscopic surgery is required to remove them in order to remove the irreversibly altered mucosa and increase the effectiveness of maintenance therapy.

In some cases, a single polyp is formed in the sinus cavity, most often it does not bother the patient until it blocks the common nasal passage, however, in some cases (when preparing the patient for dental procedures – sinus lift and implantation) – it must be removed.

Fragment of endoscopic surgery – removal of a polyp from the maxillary sinus through an expanded natural fistula with a curved microsurgical instrument. Leave a Reply Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked * Comment * Name * Email * Website