TREATMENT FOR ACUTE SINUS INFECTIONS

Sinus infections usually cause pain or pressure around the eyes, on the cheeks, in the upper teeth , or around the bridge of the nose . There is usually a green discharge , yellow , brown, or even bloody nose or back of the throat. A sinus infection can start a simple cold or allergy flare , which causes swelling and obstruction of the sinus. Mucus trapped in the sinuses allows bacteria to grow , leading to a full-fledged sinus infection .


Antibiotics: Colds are caused by viruses that are not susceptible to antibiotics, but when it is heavy discolored nasal discharge or if symptoms last more than seven days , you are likely to have a bacterial infection. Antibiotics kill bacteria and are generally taken for ten days.


Decongestants : Sudafed (pseudoephedrine ) is in many over -the- counter remedies against colds. It can decrease the swelling in the nose and sinuses , allowing the infected mucous flow . It is important for this material to drain your sinuses , otherwise the infection will persist . A common side effect of this drug is insomnia or a feeling of nervousness, so you might want to not take decongestants night.


Decongestant nasal sprays : Afrin ( oxymetazoline ) , Dristan , Neo- Synephrine , sprays and decongestants Generics are powerful drugs that can greatly improve the drainage of your sinuses. These drugs should only be used for 3 days. After your nose can become "hooked" on sprays and will be even more crowded than when you started to use them.


Mucous thinners : Guaifenesin is an ingredient found in many cough and cold . It loosens the mucus allowing it to flow better. Guaifenesin is available over the counter as Mucinex .


Saline nasal spray : This is simply a balanced solution of salt water. Using large amounts of the spray can help eliminate the infected mucus your nose and minimize the discharge from becoming dry . This simple treatment is one of the most important to help your resolution means infection . Ocean and Ayr are popular brands and generic saline solution works just as well . Simply Saline is free of preservatives , which some people are sensitive .


A " Neti Pot " or Saline Irrigator can more thoroughly wash the sinuses and help treat colds , allergies and sinus infections . Some people use only their Irrigator when they are sick , others like to use once a day every day to help prevent infections from starting. www.neilmed.com See for more information .


Antihistamines : Over -the-counter Benadryl (diphenhydramine ) , Claritin (loratadine , Alavert ) , Clarinex ( desloratadine ) , Allegra ( fexofenadine ) , Zyrtec ( cetirizine ) , and others are excellent for blocking allergic reactions but may worsen sinus infection, because they dry out your nose and sinuses avoid draining properly . Remember, you want to flush out all infected material . On the other hand, some people have severe allergies they still need to take their antihistamines during infection . These drugs are available with a decongestant like Claritin - D , Allegra - D and Zyrtec - D .


Prescription nasal sprays : steroid nasal sprays such as Flonase (fluticasone ) , Rhinocort , Nasacort ( triamcinolone ) , Nasonex , Nasarel , Veramyst , Qnasl , Zetonna , and others are an excellent treatment for chronic problems and sinus allergies . They probably did not help , to a lesser extent , acute sinus infections, but work best preventive . Antihistamine nasal sprays like Astelin ( azelastine ) , Astepro and Patanase can help with allergies, but does not help with sinus infections in itself. Dymista is a combination of a steroid and an antihistamine.


Steroid tablets : Prednisone or Medrol may be necessary for severe persistent infections , especially for people with severe allergies or nasal polyps . Common side effects include mood swings , insomnia, and stomach upset. More serious side effects such as joint problems can occur, especially with high doses or prolonged courses of treatment. Steroid tablets may worsen diabetes , hypertension , glaucoma , ulcers, and tuberculosis.


Drugs against pain : Tylenol (acetaminophen ) , Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen ) or Aleve ( Naprosyn) can help relieve facial pain , pressure, and headaches that accompany a sinus infection. Drugs against the most severe pain is rarely necessary.