Treatment Of Sinus Infections
Sinusitis is a common medical disorder characterized by extreme inflammation of the tissue lining the sinuses. Generally, a sinus blockage is caused by allergic rhinitis, deviated septum, nasal polyps or the common cold. When the sinuses become blocked with fluid for a prolonged period, a sinus infection – or sinusitis – is the likely future outcome.
Typically, sinusitis is categorized into four types: acute sinusitis, sub-acute sinusitis, chronic sinusitis and recurrent sinusitis. The specific treatment for sinus infection depends on the type of sinus infection you have, how long you have had it and the severity of your symptoms.
Home Remedies
- Drinking Water: Increasing your water intake or other fluids helps in keeping the nasal passages hydrated and carries away many forms of bacterial and fungal build-ups from your body.
- Nasal Irrigation: A kind of personal hygiene practice, nasal irrigation is a process in which the nasal cavity is washed to flush out excess mucus from the nose and sinuses. You can easily find a nasal irrigation device, called a Neti Pot, at a nearby pharmacy or store and prepare the solution at home by dissolving a teaspoon of sea salt in two cups of warm distilled water. Place the tip of the Neti Pot spout into one nostril, bend over a sink and allow the water to run out through the opposite nostril. Repeat the process through other nostril, and then blow your nose several times to expel mucus and water.
- Nasal Sprays: Saline-based nasal sprays or nasal drops also help in opening blocked sinuses. You can purchase them from a local pharmacy. If you select antihistamine nasal sprays, use them for a maximum of three days or you may develop a dependency on them.
Medication
- Antibiotics: Antibiotics are used to treat sinusitis if it is caused by a bacterial infection that will not resolve by itself. However, viral chronic sinusitis does not need antibiotics and will not respond to their use.
- Decongestants: These medications are easily available as over-the-counter in the form of nasal sprays, liquids and tablets. You can take them for few days, but if the symptoms persist, you should visit your health care provider for stronger medications.
- Pain relievers: To get rid of the symptoms of sinus, you can take painkillers including ibuprofen, aspirin, acetaminophen, or others. Aspirin is not recommended for anyone younger than age 18 and should always be taken on a full stomach to prevent ulcers. Seek the advice of your doctor before taking any pain relieving medicine for any illness.
- Oral or injected corticosteroids: These medications are used to relieve the symptoms of inflammation, particularly if you also have nasal polyps. It is generally not advised to use oral corticosteroids for long periods as they cause side effects that may be worse than the original diagnosis.
If you are suffering from any symptoms of sinusitis, visit your physician’s clinic to consult about chronic sinus infection treatment.
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