Difference between revisions of "Feel Better with a Sinus Infection"

#Make an appointment with your doctor if symptoms last longer than ten days. If you have a runny or stuffed nose, do not automatically assume it is a sinus infection. Typically, home care of over the counter antihistamines, rest, hydration and cold remedies can be utilized to help your body recover. The unnecessary prescribing of antibiotics is causing bacteria to no longer respond to antibiotics, rendering them ineffective. To avoid this, allow yourself time to rest and recuperate before contacting your doctor. If necessary, your doctor can evaluate your condition and prescribe medicines to help you recover and feel better.  Seek help if you experience any of the following symptoms:<ref name="rf1">https://www.idsociety.org/uploadedFiles/IDSA/Guidelines-Patient_Care/PDF_Library/IDSA%20Clinical%20Practice%20Guideline%20for%20Acute%20Bacterial%20Rhinosinusitis%20in%20Children%20and%20Adults.pdf</ref>

#* Popular decongestant pills include phenylephrine (Sudafed PE), pseudoephedrine (Sudafed 12 Hour).<ref name="rf2">http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/drugs-procedures-devices/over-the-counter/decongestants-otc-relief-for-congestion.html</ref> Generic versions of these medicines will work just as well as long as they contain the same ingredients.

#* Don't use nasal sprays, such as Afrin, for more than three days unless directed &mdash; this can actually ''increase'' congestion.<ref name="rf3">http://www.webmd.com/allergies/sinusitis?page=2</ref>

#Ask your doctor about taking OTC painkillers to help ease sinus pain. Painkillers (or analgesia) won't usually fight the direct cause of the sinus infection, but they can help with painful aches and sinus pressure. Always follow the directions on the label with these medications &mdash; they can be dangerous if taken in very high doses. Don't rely on OTC painkillers for more than about a week and a half without consulting with a doctor.<ref name="rf3" />

#*Keep in mind that the use of antibiotics to treat sinus infections is controversial among doctors, so some doctors may not be willing to prescribe them.<ref name="rf4">http://www.jfponline.com/index.php?id=22143&tx_ttnews[tt_news]=178918</ref>

#Talk to your doctor about prescription steroidal medicines for severe sinus infections. In some cases sinusitis may be severe or chronic in nature, and not due to bacterial infection. In these cases, your doctor may prescribe you a type of medicine administered through nasal spray which includes a ''corticosteroid''. These drugs help fight inflammation in your sinus passages, improving the flow of mucus and relieving pressure.<ref name="rf5">http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/corticosteroids-for-sinusitis</ref>

#* Tea: Many find that honey, ginger, and lemon are especially soothing.<ref name="rf6">http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/features/four-natural-cold-remedies-do-they-work</ref>

#Get a humidifier. A humidifier will help to keep the air moist as you sleep, which will help to make you more comfortable. You may also want to consider adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil to your humidifier. Doing so has been shown to have decongestant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which should help to clear your sinuses and aid in prevention of a sinus infection.<ref name="rf7"> http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20359267</ref>

#Suck on lozenges that contain zinc. Sucking on lozenges for a sore throat may also help to you’re your nasal passages and help you feel better. Lozenges that contain zinc may also help to shorten a cold if you start taking them within the first 24 hours of symptoms.<ref name="rf6" /> Use these lozenges as needed to keep an irritated throat feeling good.

#* Be careful about the number of lozenges you take. While they can provide comfort in small amounts, taking them in large doses or for more than five days can lead to an upset stomach or an unpleasant taste in the mouth.<ref name="rf6" />

#* In addition, water helps moisten the mucus membranes, lessening congestion and discomfort.<ref name="rf8">http://www.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/sinusitis/treatment.html</ref>

#Get enough sleep at night. When you're sick, you should aim to get quality rest &mdash; and plenty of it. Sleep is a vital part of your body's natural recovery cycle that can't be ignored. It's your body's time to rest and "repair" itself. When you're not getting enough, it becomes hard for your body to deal with diseases and infections that are affecting your health. If you can, set your normal bedtime back two hours and your wake-up time ahead one (unless you're still going to school or work) to ensure you get lots of rest. If you have a hard time getting to sleep due to your sinus infection, try some of the following strategies:<ref name="rf9">http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/features/cold-relief-6-sleep-tips-to-help-you-breathe-easier</ref>

#Irrigate your nasal passages with a neti pot. Nasal irrigation is the process of pouring a saline solution into one nostril so that it drains out the other. As it passes through your sinuses, it can help to moisten and clear sinus infections.<ref name="rf10">http://www.webmd.com/allergies/ss/slideshow-nasal-irrigation</ref> If desired, you can use nasal irrigation as an occasional method of clearing your sinuses quickly. However, studies suggest that if used too often it can actually be counterproductive, so try to limit your usage to periods of between one and three weeks.<ref name="rf11">http://www.webmd.com/allergies/guide/neti-pot-nasal-irrigation-pros-and-cons?page=2</ref> See below for instructions:

#Get some sun. Believe it or not, something as simple as the sun's rays can have a major effect on the way you feel. Humans need vitamin D (which is created when the skin takes in sunlight) for a variety of important body processes, including the functioning of the immune system.<ref name="rf12">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3166406/</ref> In addition, sunlight has been found to help fight depression, which can be a big benefit if your sinus infection has left you feeling miserable.<ref name="rf13">http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/news/20021205/unraveling-suns-role-in-depression</ref>