Sinuses are cavities found in the forehead and face that perform various functions, including moistening the air you breathe and producing mucus that helps trap and expel pathogens from the body. However, these "filters" are not always able to fight germs, which consequently cause the typical symptoms of sinusitis: inflammation and swelling of the nasal cavities, increased mucus, headache, cough, congestion and sometimes fever. Depending on the cause of the infection, there are different ways to treat it. Sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses) usually heals on its own, but you can speed up the process and reduce symptoms with home care.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Determine the Type of Infection
Step 1. Recognize the main symptoms
Sinusitis usually always presents with the same underlying symptoms, but in acute cases these worsen after 5-7 days. Symptoms of chronic sinusitis can be moderate but last a long time.
- Headache;
- Pressure or pain around the eyes
- Nasal congestion;
- Rhinorrhea;
- Sore throat and postnasal drip (sensation of "dripping" or mucus flowing into the back of the throat);
- Feeling of exhaustion;
- Cough;
- Difficulty in breathing;
- Fever.
Step 2. Consider how long you have had symptoms
Sinusitis can be acute (if it lasts less than four weeks) or chronic (if it persists for more than twelve weeks). Having symptoms for a long time does not necessarily mean that the disorder is more serious or dangerous.
- Acute sinusitis can be caused by several factors, although viral infection is the most common cause (90-98% of cases). You may suffer from acute sinusitis after a cold. When the inflammation is caused by viruses, it typically heals within 7-14 days.
- Allergies are primarily responsible for chronic sinusitis. You may be more sensitive to this type of infection if you have asthma, nasal polyps or if you smoke.
Step 3. Check for fever
Allergic sinusitis is typically not associated with fever, while that caused by an infection, such as a common cold, often is.
A high fever (over 38.8 ° C) often indicates a bacterial sinus infection, and if so, you should see your doctor
Step 4. Check mucus for color
When it's green or dark yellow, it typically means there's an ongoing bacterial infection. If this is the case, you should contact your doctor who will prescribe antibiotics such as amoxicillin (Augmentin) or azithromycin (Azitrocin).
- Doctors often prefer to wait and watch the infection progress before giving you antibiotics. Many cases of bacterial sinusitis improve even without the need for drugs, and your doctor will want to avoid prescribing them until they are absolutely necessary, because using too many antibiotics increases the risk of getting drug-resistant infections.
- Antibiotics only help treat bacterial sinusitis, not other types of sinus infections.
- Only 2-10% of acute sinus infections are caused by bacterial infections.
Step 5. Know when to see your doctor
In addition to a high fever and dark yellow or green-looking mucus, there are other symptoms that should prompt you to go to the doctor. If you have any of the following symptoms, you need to be examined in order to find the right therapy:
- Symptoms lasting more than 7-10 days;
- Symptoms such as headaches that are not reduced by taking over-the-counter medications
- Oily cough with dark yellow, green or bloody mucus;
- Shortness of breath, tightness or chest pain
- Stiffness or severe pain in the neck
- Otalgia;
- Changes in vision, redness or swelling around the eyes
- Allergic reactions to drugs. These symptoms may include hives, swelling of the lips or face and / or difficulty in breathing;
- Worsening of asthma symptoms in people with this disorder.
- If you have had chronic sinusitis in the past, you should see your doctor. he will help you find a treatment for persistent sinusitis; they may also refer you to an allergist or an otolaryngologist (nose, ear and throat specialist) to determine the possible causes.
Part 2 of 4: Treating Symptoms with Medication
Step 1. See your doctor
If you are taking any prescription medications, it obviously means that you have gone to the doctor first. However, in some cases you must contact them even before taking any over-the-counter medication, especially if you have other medical conditions or are taking other medicines. While many over-the-counter products are safe for adults, there are some circumstances where they could create complications and make treatment more difficult.
- Never give children adult medications, as well as cold medications that are not recommended for pediatric use.
- Pregnant women should also limit their intake of certain cold medications, and nursing mothers should consult their pediatrician or nurse before taking over-the-counter medications.
Step 2. Take antibiotics as directed
If your doctor prescribes these medications for bacterial infection, be sure to complete the full course, even if you start to feel better; this way you minimize the risk of the infection returning or becoming resistant to drugs.
- The most common antibiotics that are prescribed for this type of infection are amoxicillin (the most common) and azithromycin (given to those allergic to amoxicillin).
- Among the most common side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and skin rashes; if you have more serious signs such as fainting, breathing problems or hives you should see your doctor right away.
Step 3. Take antihistamines for allergies
If your sinus problem is caused by perennial or seasonal allergies, these drugs can reduce them, because they act directly on the body's reaction to allergens by preventing histamines from binding to receptors in cells. Antihistamines can block the symptoms of allergic sinusitis before they even occur.
- These drugs usually come in tablet form, such as loratadine (Clarityn), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), and cetirizine (Zirtec). They are also available in liquid or chewable form, especially for children.
- Check with your doctor or pharmacist to find out which antihistamine is most effective for your specific case.
- Do not take these medications if you have acute sinusitis without first seeing your doctor, as they can aggravate the situation by thickening the nasal secretions.
Step 4. Take pain relievers to relieve pain
This category of drugs does not cure the infection, but it can soothe some unpleasant symptoms associated with the disorder, such as headache or sinus pain.
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Paracetamol (Tachipirina) or ibuprofen (Brufen) relieve pains such as headaches or sore throats and can reduce fever.
Keep in mind that ibuprofen should not be given to babies who are less than 6 months old
Step 5. Try a nasal spray
This over-the-counter product can provide immediate relief from blocked nasal passages. There are three different types of nasal sprays: saline, decongestant, and steroid.
- Decongestant sprays such as Afrin should not be used for more than 3-5 days, as they may aggravate congestion.
- Salt sprays can be used safely for extended periods and help clear mucus.
- Fluticasone (Flixonase) is a steroid spray used to treat allergy symptoms. It can be used for a longer period than decongestants, but it is not recommended if you have a sinus infection, as it is specific for allergy symptoms.
Step 6. Take a decongestant
This category of drugs helps relieve rhinorrhea and pain due to sinusitis. Do not take the drug for more than 3 days, otherwise you risk causing rebound congestion.
- Among the most common are phenylephrine (Sudafed) and pseudoephedrine. Some antihistamines also contain a decongestant ingredient.
- Some of these also containing a decongestant ingredient such as pseudoephedrine must be prescribed by the doctor.
- Some decongestants contain acetaminophen. Do not take this active ingredient in further doses, if you are already taking decongestant drugs that contain it, as excessive consumption can cause serious consequences.
Step 7. Consider taking a mucolytic
This type of drug (such as guaifenesin / Broncovanil) dissolves secretions making it easier to expel them from the nasal passages. There isn't much evidence to show its effectiveness for treating sinusitis, but it can still help you.
Part 3 of 4: Alternative Treatments
Step 1. Get more rest
If you continue to not get enough sleep or work too many hours, your body will need more time to heal from the infection. If possible, try to take a whole day of absolute rest.
Try to sleep with your head slightly raised. This will promote mucus drainage and reduce congestion
Step 2. Drink plenty of fluids
Stay well hydrated to loosen mucus and reduce the feeling of closure in the airways. Water is the best drink, but decaffeinated tea, sports sodas that contain electrolytes, and clear broths are also good alternatives.
- Men should drink at least 3 liters of fluid every day, while women should drink at least 2.2 liters. If you are sick, you should drink even more.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages, as this will aggravate swelling of the sinuses. Caffeine dehydrates and may further thicken the mucus.
Step 3. Use a neti pot or nasal wash syringe
Rinsing the nasal passages (also called "irrigation") helps to naturally dissolve the mucus present. You can do this several times a day, as it has no particular side effects.
- Use sterile saline for this treatment. You can purchase a ready-made solution or make your own using boiled, distilled, or sterile water.
- Tilt your head about 45 degrees; you should go over a sink or in the shower to make cleaning easier.
- Put the nozzle of the neti pot (or the tip of the syringe) into the nostril and gently pour the solution into the nose; it should come out of the other nostril.
- Repeat the procedure on the other side.
Step 4. Breathe in the steam
The steam helps keep the nose cavities moist and makes breathing easier. Take a very hot shower or inhale the steam from a bowl of hot water. Using a menthol bath bomb may also help.
- If, on the other hand, you want to breathe in the steam from the bowl, carefully pour the boiling water into a container resistant to high temperatures (do not breathe in the steam from the water that is still on the stove!). Place the bowl on a table or at a height that is comfortable for you to be able to hold over your head.
- Leave your head above the container, but not too close to the water so you don't get burned.
- Cover your head and bowl with a light towel and breathe in the steam for 10 minutes.
- If you wish, you can add 2 or 3 drops of eucalyptus oil or other decongestant oils to the water.
- Repeat the procedure 2-4 times a day.
- If you do this with children, be careful when moving near boiling water and do not leave the child unattended.
Step 5. Activate a mist humidifier
Dry, hot air irritates your sinuses, so if you turn on a humidifier when you sleep, you can breathe better. This accessory is effective regardless of whether it is cold or hot spray. You can also add a few drops of essential oil, such as eucalyptus, to the water tank as it helps to further reduce congestion (but check your owner's manual first if possible).
Check for mold. If the air is very humid, mold may start to form around the humidifier; it is therefore important to wash it regularly to keep it in excellent hygienic conditions
Step 6. Apply warm compresses
To relieve pressure and pain on your face, you can put heat on the painful area.
- Dampen a small towel and put it in the microwave for about 30 seconds; the towel should be slightly warm, but not too hot to be uncomfortable.
- Place it on your nose, cheeks, or near your eyes to relieve pain and leave it in place for 5-10 minutes.
Step 7. Eat spicy foods
Some studies have found that spicy foods, such as chili or horseradish, help relieve sinusitis.
- The capsaicin found in chili peppers and spicy foods helps loosen mucus and promotes its drainage.
- There are also other "spicy" foods that can make you feel better - like ginger.
Step 8. Drink the tea
A boiling, caffeine-free tea or herbal tea soothes throat pain, especially if it also contains ginger and honey; it also helps reduce coughing. However, you must avoid those teas that contain a lot of caffeine, because this substance is dehydrating and also causes insomnia.
- You can make a simple ginger tea at home; grate 30 g of fresh root, pour it into a cup of boiling water and leave it to infuse for at least 10 minutes.
- You can also find other herbal teas or teas that help relieve a sore throat. Find out at the nearest herbalist's shop.
- Benifuuki Japanese green tea, drunk regularly, helps reduce allergic and nasal symptoms.
Step 9. Treat your cough
Sinusitis is often accompanied by cough; to relieve the discomfort and discomfort of this ailment, you must keep yourself well hydrated, drink hot drinks such as herbal teas and take honey (the latter is only suitable for people over one year of age).
Step 10. Stop smoking
Cigarette smoke, even when it is passive, causes irritation to the walls of the nasal passages and promotes infection. In the United States alone, secondhand smoke contributes about 40% of chronic sinusitis cases each year. Give up this habit and also stay away from secondhand smoke when you suffer from sinusitis.
To prevent future sinus infections and promote overall health, you should quit smoking completely. Smoking substantially damages every organ in the body and reduces life expectancy
Part 4 of 4: Preventing Sinusitis
Step 1. Treat allergy and cold symptoms
The inflammation in the nasal cavities caused by these disorders facilitates the development of sinusitis.
Get vaccinated. This reduces the risk of contracting the flu virus, which is the main factor responsible for acute viral sinusitis
Step 2. Avoid exposing yourself to pollutants
If you stay in polluted environments and contaminated air, you irritate the sinuses more and aggravate the already present sinusitis. Strong fumes and chemicals cause irritation to the mucous lining of the sinuses.
Step 3. Maintain good hygiene habits
Viral infections are the most common causes of sinusitis. You can reduce the risk of getting these diseases by frequently washing your hands with soap and water.
Wash your hands after shaking them, touching public surfaces (such as door handles or supports in public transport) and when cooking, before And after preparing meals.
Step 4. Drink lots of water
Water allows you to hydrate the body well and helps prevent congestion; it also facilitates the dissolution of mucus in order to expel it better.
Step 5. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables
These foods are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, which help the body stay strong and healthy.
Foods such as citrus fruits have a high content of flavonoids, a compound that helps strengthen the immune system and fight, viruses, inflammation and allergies
Advice
- If you experience pain in the ear canals (behind the lower jaw) you may have an ear infection. Go to a doctor, as antibiotics may be needed to eradicate it.
- Do not put tap water in the solution you use with the neti pot. If you don't want to use filtered water, boil the water from the aqueduct and let it cool until it reaches a suitable temperature. The water that comes out of the tap could contain the amoeba, a parasite that causes a serious infection.
- Drink specially prepared infusions to clear the airways, relieve congestion and sore throat.
Warnings
- See your doctor immediately if you have difficulty breathing, experience chest pain, stiffness or severe pain in the neck, redness, pain or swelling of the face or eyes, or have other symptoms of dehydration from not drinking enough; be especially alert to these symptoms if the patient is a child or a newborn.
- If you have chronic sinusitis, discuss with your doctor about the different treatments you can have. In some cases, surgery may also be required to help you breathe better.
