Sinus Infection: What Can Help With Sinusitis
In the course of a cold or a flu-like infection, it often comes to a sinus infection (sinusitis). Treatment with medication is not always necessary here. In many cases you can too home remedies help.
Acute sinusitis is usually caused by a a flu-like infection caused. home remedies can often be sufficient to treat an acute sinus infection, says a recent one contribution the renowned Mayo Clinic (USA).
Inflamed mucous membranes
With sinusitis, the mucous membranes of the paranasal sinuses are inflamed. the inflammation is usually accompanied by symptoms such as a blocked nose, difficult nasal breathing, a restricted sense of smell and pressing pain in the face. Sometimes there is also fever, headache or toothache.
Unless a bacterial infection develops, most cases resolve within a week to 10 days. In the meantime, there are some things that affected patients can do once morest their complaints can do.
Home remedy relief
Home remedies that can bring relief from a sinus infection include:
Inhale warm steam: Drape a towel over your head as you breathe in the humid air from a bowl of warm or moderately hot water. Some people add chamomile or peppermint, for example. Or take a hot shower and breathe in the warm, humid air.
Apply warm compresses: Place warm, damp towels around your nose, cheeks, and eyes facial pain to alleviate.
Drink enough: The intake of additional liquids thins the mucus and promotes the drainage of secretions (drainage).
Using a saline nasal spray: Douching or spraying with saline can help remove thick mucus and clear the sinuses.
Medication
In addition to home remedies, some people for sinusitis also rely on over-the-counter remedies medicationsuch as decongestants (decongestants), which work by narrowing blood vessels to reduce the inflammation and swelling that causes sinus congestion.
These medicines are available in liquid, tablet and nasal spray form. Use them no longer than three to five days at a time, according to the Mayo Clinic post.
Also intranasale Steroide are sometimes used. These reduce inflammation, which can also decrease mucus production. They work best when used consistently for more than a week. Therefore, starting at the first sign of symptoms and continuing daily until the discomfort has subsided is recommended in the post.
Medications such as aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen can Pains alleviate pressure build-up in the sinuses.
Always use over-the-counter products as directed. Also note that many over-the-counter cough and cold products have multiple active ingredients contain. It’s important to compare these if you’re taking more than one product.
On the use of Antibiotics can be omitted in most cases.
Medical help for longer-lasting complaints
If symptoms persist for more than ten days, or you develop a fever or worsening sinus pressure, increased discharge, or facial pain—especially following a period of improvement—your doctor may need to refer you to a bacterial sinus infection investigate.
In addition to the common cold allergies another common cause of acute sinusitis. If you have frequent or recurring episodes of acute sinusitis or develop chronic sinusitis, it is recommended that you see an allergist for evaluation. (ad)
Author and source information
This text corresponds to the specifications of medical specialist literature, medical guidelines and current studies and has been checked by medical professionals.
Sources:
- Mayo Clinic: Mayo Clinic Q and A: Sinusitis and treatment options, (Abruf: 04.10.2022), Mayo Clinic
Important NOTE:
This article contains general advice only and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. He can not substitute a visit at the doctor.