Headache Pressure or tenderness around the eyes Nasal congestion Runny nose Sore throat and post-nasal drip (the sensation of “dripping” or running mucus at the back of your throat)[3] X Research source Fatigue Cough Bad breath Fever
Acute sinusitis can be caused by many things, but viral infection is the most common cause (90-98% of cases). You may get acute sinusitis after having a cold. Acute sinusitis due to a viral infection will usually improve within 7-14 days. Allergies are the most common cause of chronic sinusitis. You may also be more susceptible to chronic sinusitis if you have asthma, nasal polyps, or if you smoke.
A high fever (over 102F) is often a sign of bacterial sinus infection. If you have a fever above 102F, consult with your doctor.
Physicians will often wait for further observation before prescribing an antibiotic. Many cases of bacterial sinusitis improve without antibiotic treatment. Doctors try to avoid prescribing antibiotics unless truly necessary, because too much antibiotic use can increase your risk of developing an antibiotic-resistant infection. Antibiotics will only help to treat bacterial sinusitis. They will not help other types of sinus infection. Only 2-10% of acute sinusitis is caused by bacterial infection.
Symptoms that last longer than 7-10 days Symptoms such as headache that do not respond to over-the-counter medications[6] X Research source Productive cough with dark yellow, green, or bloody mucus Shortness of breath, heaviness of your chest, or chest pain Stiff neck or severe neck pain Ear pain Vision changes, redness, or swelling around the eyes Development of an allergic reaction to any medication. Symptoms may include hives, swelling of the lips or face, and/or shortness of breath Worsening of asthma symptoms in individuals with asthma If you have been suffering from chronic sinusitis, it’s a good idea to see a doctor. S/he can help you treat long-term sinusitis. S/he may also refer you to an allergist or otolaryngologist (Ear-Nose-Throat doctor) to help determine the possible causes.
Never give medication to children that is meant for an adult, as many cold medicines are not recommended for children. Women who are pregnant are likewise restricted from many cold medicines, and nursing mothers may need to check with a care provider or lactation consultant before taking OTC medications.
Antibiotics commonly used for bacterial sinus infections include amoxicillin (most commonly), augmentin, cefdinir, or azithromycin (for individuals who may be allergic to amoxicillin). [7] X Research source Side effects common to these antibiotics include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and a skin rash. More serious side effects such as fainting, trouble breathing, or hives should be reported to your doctor right away. [8] X Research source
Antihistamines generally come in pill form, such as loratidine (Claritin), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), and Cetirizine (Zyrtec). Liquid, chewable, and dissolvable forms may also be available, particularly for children. Consult with your doctor or pharmacist to determine which antihistamine will be most effective for you. Do not take an antihistamine for acute sinusitis without consulting with your doctor. Antihistamines may complicate acute sinusitis by thickening your nasal secretions. [10] X Research source
Acetaminophen/paracetamol (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) help relieve pain from headaches, sore throat, and can reduce fever. Be mindful that ibuprofen should not be given to children under 6 months of age.
Decongestant sprays such as Afrin should not be used for more than 3-5 days, as doing so can actually worsen your congestion. [12] X Research source Saline sprays can safely be used frequently and help clear out mucous. Fluticasone (Flonase) is a steroid nasal spray that is used to treat symptoms of allergies. This type of nasal spray can be used longer than decongestant sprays, but may not help with sinus infections, as it is meant to help with allergy symptoms.
Common choices include phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) or pseudoephedrine (Sudafed 12-hour). Some antihistamines include a decongestant, such as Allegra-D, Claritin-D, or Zyrtec-D. Many medicines marked as “D” contain pseudoephedrine and may be held behind the pharmacy counter due to purchasing restrictions. Some decongestants contain acetaminophen. Do not take additional acetaminophen if you are taking a decongestant that already contains it. Overdose can cause serious complications. [14] X Research source
Try to sleep with your head elevated. This will help promote drainage and reduce congestion. [17] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Men should drink at least 13 cups (3 liters) of fluids per day. Women should drink at least 9 cups (2. 2 liters) of fluids per day. If you’re sick, you may need even more. [19] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Avoid alcohol. It can actually make the swelling in your sinuses worse. [20] X Research source Caffeine may dehydrate you, which could make the mucus thicker. [21] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Use a sterile saline solution in the pot or syringe. You can buy a prepared solution or make your own using distilled, boiled, or sterile water. Tilt your head at about a 45-degree angle. You will want to do this over a sink or in the shower, to make cleanup easier. [24] X Research source Place the spout of the Neti pot (or the tip of the syringe) into your top nostril. Gently pour the solution into your nostril. It should run out the other nostril. Repeat on the other side.
To use a bowl, carefully pour boiling hot water into a temperature-safe bowl. (Do not inhale steam from water that is still on the stove!) Put the bowl on a table or at a comfortable height so you can lean over it. Lean your head over the bowl. Do not get so close that the water or steam burns your face. Cover your head and the bowl with a light towel. Inhale the steam for 10 minutes. If desired, you can add 2-3 drops of eucalyptus oil or other decongesting oil to the water. Use 2-4 times per day. [26] X Research source If using this method with children, use extreme caution around the hot water and do not leave children unattended with the hot water treatment.
Watch for mold. If the air is too humid, mold may begin to grow on or around your humidifier. Clean the humidifier regularly to keep it sanitary.
Moisten a small towel and microwave it for about 30 seconds. The towel should be quite warm, but not hot enough to be uncomfortable. Place the compress on your nose, cheeks, or near the eyes to reduce your pain. Leave on for 5-10 minutes. [28] X Research source
The capsaicin in peppers and spicy foods may help thin mucus and promote drainage. [30] X Research source Other “spicy” foods such as ginger may also help you feel better.
You can make a simple ginger tea at home. Grate about 1 ounce of fresh ginger per cup of boiling water and allow to steep for at least 10 minutes. One traditional herbal tea, “Throat Coat,” has been shown to significantly relieve sore throat pain vs. a placebo tea. [31] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Benifuuki green tea may help reduce nasal and allergic symptoms when drunk regularly. [32] X Research source
To prevent future sinus infections and promote better overall health, stop smoking entirely. Smoking harms basically every organ in your body and can take years off your life expectancy. [34] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
Get a flu vaccine. This reduces your likelihood of catching the influenza virus, which is another common culprit causing viral acute sinusitis. [35] X Research source
Wash your hands after shaking hands, touching public surfaces (such as bus poles or door handles), and before and after preparing food.
Foods such as citrus fruits have high levels of flavonoids, a compound which may help boost your immune system and fight viruses, inflammation, and allergies. [37] X Research source Yao LH, et al. “Flavonoids in food and their health benefits. ” Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2004 Summer;59(3):113-22. [38] X Research source
