How to Cure a Sinus Infection
Many Americans suffer from the painful symptoms of sinus infections (sinusitis) and spend excessive amounts of money each year on over-the-counter and prescription medications to treat these symptoms. Sinus infections are responsible for more than 16 million doctor visits that take away valuable time from work, friends, and family. The good news is that there are numerous ways to alleviate your sinusitis that are safe, affordable, and readily available.
What is Sinusitis?
The sinus system is a connected system of hollow cavities around the skull. The sinus cavities are air-filled spaces that help with breathing, vocal tone, and maintaining air humidity. Mucus produced by the sinuses help keep your body healthier by filtering and moisturizing the air you breathe. This mucus drains naturally through the body and helps keep dust, germs, and other substances away.
In response to exposure to bacteria or certain types of mold and viruses, the body helps respond by swelling the openings to the sinus cavities and increasing mucus production. The swelling of the sinuses blocks the normal flow of mucus. Mucus that is trapped in the sinus cavity can become infected. If the infected mucus is unable to leave the sinuses, the infection will continue to grow and eventually cause sinusitis. You may be more likely to get infections and symptoms if you suffer from allergies.
Often the symptoms of sinusitis are mistaken for a cold. Rhinitis (hay fever) is a condition that may also feel like a sinus infection because of its effects on the nose. A few of the most common sinusitis symptoms include:
● Congestion: Stuffiness of the nasal passage caused by inflammation.
● Postnasal Drip: Mucus running down the back of the nose to the throat.
● Facial Pain: This includes headaches, pain in the teeth, or around the nose and eyes.
● Abnormal nasal discharge: Mucus discharge from the nose that is a greenish color.
● Facial swelling: Sensitivity and inflammation around the eyes or at the top of the nose
● Other symptoms: Fever, tiredness, and bad breath.
Remember that everyone will have a unique set of symptoms depending on their specific situation and other medical conditions. Sinusitis is a serious condition that can interrupt your life and have a negative impact on your overall health. It is important to see a qualified medical professional to determine the exact cause and best treatment for your symptoms.
If you are struggling with frequent or persistent infections, here are some common treatments you may want to consider.
How to treat a sinus infection naturally: Home Remedies
Sinus infection home remedies are perfect for those who suffer from mild symptoms of sinusitis or if sinusitis is not regularly occurring for you. One of the primary ways to help reduce symptoms and eliminate infection is to allow mucus to drain naturally and unclog the sinuses. Most natural remedies involve finding ways to reduce inflammation and increase drainage. Some examples include:
● Vapor or mist: Different types of humidifiers can provide sufficient moisture to break up small blockages in the sinus passage. Once the blockages are clear, the sinuses may drain naturally.
● Increasing water intake: The human body needs ample fluids to properly function. Dehydration can prevent the body from healing naturally.
● Sinus rinse or neti-pot: It is crucial to follow all directions while using a sinus rinse. This remedy includes a saline solution that can break up the sinus blockage and clear out the infection. In case of a severe infection or misuse of product, they can cause more damage and potentially increase the severity of an infection.
Treatment with Medication
A rapid and effective way to treat sinusitis is specific medication that eliminates the infection and allows the body to heal.
Antibiotics
One of the most common causes of long-lasting sinusitis is a bacterial infection. Antibiotics are the first line of defense against bacterial infection. Depending on the infection type, a variety of medications can be used to target and eliminate the bacteria.
Although the body can naturally heal itself, an antibiotic can significantly improve the body’s ability to fight off long-lasting infections. Antibiotic treatment will often help the patient see a significant reduction in a few days. They can also be combined with a prescription or over-the-counter medicine to help eliminate symptoms while the body is fighting the infection.
Nasal Spray
There are two main types of nasal sprays to help treat and prevent the symptoms of a sinus infection.
1) Nasal Decongestants
Nasal decongestants work to reduce swelling in the nose helping the sinuses drain naturally. Although these nasal decongestants are very effective and cause quick relief, it is important that these sprays are used for only a few days. Long-term use can lead to dependence that may cause additional medical problems.
2) Nasal Corticosteroids
Corticosteroid nasal sprays help to reduce swelling in the nose and around the sinus passages. These sprays differ from decongestants because they are safe for long-term use. They reduce symptoms and prevent future inflammation.
Antihistamines & OTC Medication
For those who suffer from allergies and sinus infections, the inflammation and mucus production caused by allergies will typically make it more difficult for the body to eliminate the infection. The use of antihistamines and other allergy medications can help prevent or reduce an allergic reaction, giving the body a better chance to fight off the infection.
Over-the-counter medications should be carefully chosen, as some contain unnecessary ingredients that can impact other health conditions. The OTC section of your local pharmacy can be confusing and possibly dangerous, so be sure to consult with your medical providers before you start any OTC treatments.
Sinus Surgery
Sinus surgery may be an option of last resort for patients who suffer from severe and long-lasting infections. Surgery can fix physical defects in the nose or sinus area that prevent other treatments from working. Some examples include:
● Deviated septum
● Nasal polyps
● Closed passages
These surgeries are typically performed in an outpatient hospital or surgery center under anesthesia.
Balloon Sinuplasty
If you are looking to avoid surgery, reduce medication, and find real long-term relief, balloon sinuplasty may be the treatment for you. This minimally invasive procedure is completed from the doctor’s office and provides quick relief. Balloon sinuplasty gently opens the sinus passage and cleans out the sinus cavity to remove any infection and allow the patient to breathe easily again.
Frederick Breath Free: Where your sinus health is valued
Your sinus health is as unique as you are. Our team of specialists at Frederick Breathe Free listens and responds to each patient's underlying condition, symptoms, and medical needs to provide the ideal treatment. If you want long-lasting sinus relief, look no further than Frederick Breathe Free.
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