- What Is It?
- 10 Best Remedies
- Risks
-
Comments
-
**COMMENTSTAGLIST**
-
More
-
**OTHERTAGLIST**
What is a sinus infection?
A sinus infection, also called sinusitis, is a common problem that causes your sinuses to swell up. The sinuses become inflamed and cause symptoms that can be similar to the common cold. In fact, many people can contract a sinus infection after having a cold or the flu.
Around 31 million Americans are affected by sinusitis, spending more than $1 billion each year on medications to treat it. However, there are several home remedies for sinus infections that you can try that are cheap and effective.
Sinus infections are usually caused by bacterial infections, but they can also be caused by viruses or fungi. These infections can either be acute or chronic. Acute infections usually go away in two or three weeks, but chronic sinusitis can last for up to 12 weeks or longer.
Your sinus cavities have a layer of mucus that helps to trap substances like dust and germs. When the lining becomes inflamed from a viral infection, like sinusitis or a cold, it swells. This swelling forces mucus to get stuck in the sinuses, which prevents normal drainage. When this happens, bacteria and fungi can start to grow in the blocked-up fluid, causing a sinus infection.
Common symptoms of sinusitis include:
- Pain, pressure, and tenderness around the eyes, forehead, and cheeks
- Sinus headache
- Blocked nose
- Bad breath
- Reduced senses of taste and smell
- Toothache
- A cough that produces mucus
- Yellow or green mucus that comes from the nose
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Swelling of the nasal tissue
- Redness
Anyone can get sinus infections, especially after coming off of a cold when your immunity is down. However, some people may be more prone to getting them, including:
- People with a narrow opening of the sinuses
- People with nasal polyps
- People who have a deformity of the bone between the nostrils
- People with allergies
- People with weak immune systems
Remedies for sinus infections
There are several home remedies and treatments that you can try for sinus infections.
Home remedies
- Nasal irrigation. Use a Neti pot or a small bulb syringe to flush out your nasal passages. Using a saltwater mixture can help to clear the mucus out of your sinuses. This is one of the most effective home treatments for a sinus infection.
- Steam therapy. Try taking a hot shower and breathing in the steam to help open up your sinus passages. You can also fill a bowl or pot with hot water and put your face over it to breathe in the steam. Drape a towel across your shoulders to trap the steam.
- Drink water. Drinking more water is a great home remedy for sinusitis since the extra fluids help to thin out the mucus. Try to avoid caffeine and alcohol and stick to water or juice.
- Warm compress. Another effective home treatment you can try is to apply a warm compress to your face to help relieve your sinus pain and pressure.
- Rest. One of the most important things you can do when you have a sinus infection is to get some rest. This helps your body to fight the infection so you can get well quicker.
- Sleep while elevated. When you rest or sleep, elevate your head with some extra pillows. This will help prevent the mucus from getting stuck in your sinuses at night.
- Use a humidifier. Add moisture to the air, especially where you sleep. This can help to clear up your congestion.
Medications
There are also some over-the-counter (OTC) medications that you can try to help relieve your symptoms.
- Saline nasal spray. This helps to keep your sinuses from drying out, in addition to helping with congestion and inflammation. Steroid nasal sprays can help with decongestion and inflammation, especially when allergies are the culprit.
- Decongestants. Taking a decongestant can help clear out mucus.
- Antibiotics. If your sinus infection is caused by bacteria, your doctor may prescribe you antibiotics to help kill off the infection.
Risks of treatments
Decongestants, like nasal sprays, should only be used for up to three days. After this amount of time, continued use can actually make your congestion worse.
Since you will likely be blowing your nose a lot when you have sinusitis, blow carefully. Blow one nostril at a time, gently, to avoid irritating the nasal passages and forcing bacteria further up into your sinuses.
SLIDESHOW
See SlideshowAllina Health: "Ten home remedies to relieve sinus pain and pressure."
Harvard Health: "What to do about sinusitis."
Intermountain Healthcare: "Tips for treating chronic sinus infections."
Kaiser Permanente: "Sinusitis."
National Health Service: "Sinusitis (sinus infection)."
UW Health: "Sinusitis."
Top Natural Home Remedies Sinus Infections Sinusitis Related Articles
Augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, Augmentin XR, Augmentin ES-600, Amoclan)
Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid (Augmentin Amoclan, Augmentin XR, Augmentin ES-600) is an antibiotic used to treat middle ear infections, sore throat, sinus infection, bronchitis, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections. Side effects include abdominal discomfort, bloating, diarrhea, gas, headache, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting.amoxicillin/clavulanate
Amoxicillin/clavulanate is a combination antibacterial medication used to treat various types of bacterial infections, including lower respiratory tract infections, pneumonia, acute otitis media, sinusitis, acute bacterial rhinosinusitis, skin and skin structure infections, urinary tract infection, and others. Common side effects of amoxicillin/clavulanate include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal distress, gas (flatulence), Candida yeast infection (candidiasis), diaper rash, Candidal diaper rash, skin rash, hives (urticaria), vaginal fungal infection (mycosis), vaginal inflammation (vaginitis), headache, and excessive platelet production (thrombocytosis).Can Hot Weather Cause Sinus Problems?
Sinusitis is a condition where you experience irritation and swelling of your sinuses. Allergies and sinus problems are common during the warmer seasons.cefazolin
Cefazolin is a broad spectrum antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections, including respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, skin infections, biliary tract infections, bone and joint infections, genital infections, and others. Common side effects of cefazolin include injection site reactions, low blood pressure (hypotension), fainting (syncope), abdominal cramps and pain, loss of appetite (anorexia), diarrhea, gas (flatulence), heartburn, oral candida yeast infection (candidiasis), and others.Hay Fever
Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is an irritation of the nose caused by pollen and is associated with the following allergic symptoms: nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, eye and nose itching, and tearing eyes. Avoidance of known allergens is the recommended treatment, but if this is not possible, antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays may help alleviate symptoms.How Can You Tell if You Have a Sinus Infection?
Sinus infection is a common issue that affects many people. Learn the signs of sinus infection, what causes sinus infection, how doctors diagnose sinus infection, and what you can do to treat sinus infection.How Do You Know if You Have a Sinus Infection (Sinusitis) or COVID-19 Coronavirus?
Learn how the signs and symptoms of a sinus infection are different from those caused by COVID-19.How to Get Rid of a Sinus Infection
A sinus infection, also known as sinusitis or rhinosinusitis, is a condition where the nasal passages become swollen and infected. The sinuses are hollow air spaces in the facial bones, near the nose. They produce mucus, which helps line the nose and prevent dust and other particles from entering the lungs.Is a Sinus Infection Contagious?
Sinus infection (sinusitis) is an infection (viral, bacterial, or fungal) or inflammation of the sinuses. Symptoms of sinus infection are cough, bad breath, coughing up greenish-yellow sputum, sinus headache, and other symptoms of the common cold. Treatments of sinus infection are home remedies to soothe symptoms and antibiotics if the infection is bacterial or fungal.Levaquin (levofloxacin) Antibiotic
Levofloxacin (Levaquin -- brand discontinued) is an antibiotic used for treating bacterial infections of the sinuses, skin, lungs, ears, bones, airways, and joints. Common side effects are rash, intestinal gas, vaginal itching or discharge, headache, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Review side effects, drug interactions, and pregnancy and breastfeeding safety information prior to taking this medication. Talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care professional if you have any questions about this drug.Natural Sinus Remedies
Sinus pressure and pain are common in people who suffer from allergies, the common cold, and chemical exposure. Humidified air, hydration, avoiding allergens, and nasal irrigation can help relieve sinus pressure symptoms.Sinus Headache
Sinus headache is caused by a sinus infection or inflammation of the sinus cavities. Symptoms of a sinus headache include pain, runny or stuffy nose, and chronic cough. There are many causes of sinus headaches including sinusitis or sinus infection, allergies, smoke, infections, or colds. Treatment for sinus headaches depends on the cause. Some home remedies may relieve sinus headache pain symptoms.Sinus Infection Dos and Don'ts
Is it OK to fly when you've got sinusitis? How about going to work? WebMD helps you decide what's right and wrong when you're all stuffed up.Sinus Infection vs. Allergies
Both sinus infections and allergies (allergic rhinitis) cause symptoms such as runny or stuffy nose and fatigue. Sinus infection (known as sinusitis) is inflammation of the sinuses, caused by infection from bacteria, viruses, and/or fungi (molds). Allergic rhinitis occurs when certain allergies cause nasal symptoms. When a person with allergies breathes in an allergen, such as pollen, dust, or animal dander, symptoms such as runny or stuffy nose, itching, sneezing, and fatigue occur.Sinus Infection vs. Cold
Viruses cause the common cold and most sinus infections. Bacterial and fungal infections may also cause a sinus infection. Signs and symptoms of colds and sinus infections include nasal irritation or dryness, sore throat, stuffy nose, nasal discharge/congestion, sneezing, and cough. Additional symptoms of sinus infections include sinus pressure behind the cheeks or eyes, facial pain when pressure is applied, bad breath, and thick yellow or green mucus. Treatment focuses on symptom relief.Sinus Surgery (Endoscopic) Procedure
Sinus surgery involves the precise removal of diseased sinus tissue with the improvement in the natural drainage channels by the creation of a pathway for infected material to drain from the sinus cavities. The sinus surgery information is provided to help you prepare for sinus surgery and to help you understand more clearly the associated benefits, risks, and complications.Sinusitis
Sinus infection (sinusitis) is caused by allergies, infection, and chemicals or other irritants of sinuses. Signs and symptoms include headache, fever, and facial tenderness, pressure, or pain. Treatments of sinus infections are generally with antibiotics and at times, home remedies.Sinusitis Slideshow
Sinus infection (sinusitis) symptoms can include headaches, a sore throat, and toothaches. Antibiotics and home remedies can relieve sinus infection symptoms.