How To Kick A Sinus Infection Fast

Sinus Infection Or Allergies

Congestion, Allergy, and Sinus Pressure Relief using Sinus Lymphatic Drainage Massage at Home

Sinusitis Symptoms , Allergies, and Common Cold are almost identical.

How can you tell which one is responsible for your misery?

Well, apparently a bacterial sinus infection lasts longer than the common cold. The mucus tends to thicken and discolor, and pressure and pain are involved in the horror story too.

Allergy Signs and Symptoms:

Sneezing & stuffy or runny nostrils
Clear or whitish nasal drip
Itchy watery eyes

Pain in the upper teeth
Pressure or pain in upper cheeks, top of the nose, between eyes or forehead
Stuffed nose, mucus is thick and yellow, greenish or grayish
Symptoms last more than 10-14 days

But whatever it is, the following remedies can help either.

When Should You Talk To An Ent About A Sinus Infection

You should schedule a consultation with an ear, nose, and throat doctor if you are experiencing these sinus infection symptoms:

An infection that lasts longer than 10 days
Chronic, recurring sinus infections
Sinus pain and pressure that is disrupting your daily activities
At-home remedies dont work to relieve your symptoms
Increase in pain

Family doctors or primary care physicians can help with basic sinus infection treatment by prescribing antibiotics and prescription-strength decongestants. But recurring sinus infections or chronic issues should be addressed by an ear, nose, and throat specialist also known as an otolaryngologist. Depending on your insurance coverage, you might need a referral from your primary care physician before visiting an ENT.

What Is A Sinus Infection

Sinuses are air-filled cavities that are present in the facial bones and drain into the nose. They are present in the forehead, cheeks, and near the eyes.

A sinus infection occurs when the sinus gets blocked and mucus gets trapped in it. This causes viruses, bacteria, or, rarely, fungi to grow easily due to the moist and stagnant environment. A sinus infection is also called acute sinusitis.

There are several ways to treat a sinus infection and relieve symptoms at home with the help of home remedies and over-the-counter medications such as nasal sprays, painkillers, and antihistamines. It can take about 7 to 10 days to get rid of a sinus infection.

Recommended Reading: Can Mirena Cause Yeast Infections

How Long Does A Sinus Infection Last Over The Counter

Also, some of my patients spray nasal decongestants, like Afrin. But if used for more than three days, these over-the-counter medicines can cause more sinus swelling. Viral sinusitis should resolve in less than 10 days. But if the sickness is linked to allergies or bacterial infection, symptoms can last longer.

Recommended Reading: The Best Sinus Infection Medicine

Natural Home Remedies For Sinusitis

Sinusitis is a condition that impacts the daily lives of 1 in 10 of our family, friends, and neighbors in Scottsdale and surrounding areas. If you are one of the thousands in our community that are trying to find out how to cure sinus infections permanently, then you understand how the symptoms of sinusitis make daily life difficult. Dizziness is one of the most common sinus infection symptoms and a sinus headache follows as a close second. Sinus sufferers also struggle with symptoms such as:

Sleep disruption
Nasal congestion or post-nasal drip
Breathing problems
Coughing, sneezing, runny nose

These symptoms result in countless hours of missed work/school, a loss of productivity, and impaired ability to fully enjoy all that life has to offer.

What Causes A Sinus Infection

Before you can begin finding relief from the symptoms of a sinus infection, its important to understand whats causing it.

One of the most common causes of sinusitis is a virtual infection, such as the common cold or influenza. As a result, most people have experienced at least a mild sinus infection at some point.

Its not common for a viral infection to develop into a secondary bacterial infection but it does happen occasionally. And, in some cases, fungal infections may be the source of the sinusitis symptoms.

People who suffer from allergies , nasal polyps, a deviated septum, or dental infections are also more likely to experience a sinus infection. In many cases, these sufferers will develop chronic sinusitis, requiring treatment management strategies.

Yoga Can Help Drain Mucus From Sinus Passageways

If you are in the midst of a sinus infection, a supported yoga pose where your head is elevated will help you feel better without putting too much pressure on your sinuses, says Leslie Kazadi, a certified yoga therapist who teaches around Los Angeles and online at YogisAnonymous.com.

One pose Kazadi suggests is Supported Reclined Cobblers Pose.

How to Try Supported Reclined Cobblers Yoga Pose

Place a bolster or rolled up blanket under your back and lie on your bed or floor.

Bend your knees and bring the soles of your feet together you can place yoga blocks or rolled towels under your knees to make this more comfortable.

Relax your arms out to your sides. Remain here for as long as is comfortable.

Come out of the pose by rolling off the bolster or blanket and onto your side, then pressing your hands against the floor to sit up.

Over The Counter Medications

For help alleviating sinus pressure and pain, try ibuprofen and a decongestant. Some medications include a combination of pain reliever and decongestant.

Mild antihistamines like Claritin and Allegra are helpful in moderation. Strong antihistamines like Benadryl are often way too drying. Be careful not to take antihistamines too often.

Even though you want your nose to stop running, too many antihistamines can make it more likely that youll get sinus infections in the future.

Drugs like Mucinex and Flonase can also be helpful in thinning the mucus in your nose and sinuses.

If you use Afrin, make sure you stop after three days. Though it can seem like a miracle drug, using it more than three days in a row can lead to something called rebound congestion. In other words, when you stop using the Afrin after continuous use, your nose becomes more congested than it was in the first place!

Schedule An Appointment With Independence Ear Nose & Throat

The Secret Cure for a Sinus Infection!

At Independence Ear, Nose & Throat, we have the expertise and experience to diagnose your symptoms and prescribe the proper ear, nose, & throat treatment to make your life easier. All you have to do is call us today at 772-888-1880, and well book you an appointment with one of our hearing health professionals.

Dont Miss: Does Amoxicillin Help With Sinus Infection

Don’t Miss: How To Reduce Tooth Infection Without Antibiotics

What To Do For Sinus Pressure And Pain At Home

Here are the top 10 at-hometreatments to help ease your sinus pain and inflammation to get rid of your sinus infection faster.

Flush. Use a Neti pot, a therapy that uses a salt and water solution, to flush your nasal passages. Nasal irrigation using the Neti pot has been a tried-and-true sinus treatment method for centuries. I have patients who swear by Neti pots and use them daily or weekly to keep their sinuses flowing well. Remember to use distilled water only.

Spray. Use an over-the-counter nasal decongestant spray that contains salt water to help keep your nasal passages moist, unblock congestion and treat inflammation. Some sprays, like Afrin®, can only be used for a maximum of three days. If you exceed three days, you will get “rebound” or worse nasal congestion. Other nasal sprays, like fluticasone, are more effective the longer you use them.

Hydrate. Drink a lot of fluidswater and/or juiceto help thin your mucus. Avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, which can cause dehydration.

Rest. Get plenty of rest to help your body fight infection and speed up recovery. While you sleep, prop yourself up with a couple of pillows. Staying elevated can help you breathe more comfortably.

Steam. Breathe in steam from a pot or bowl of warm water or take a hot shower. You also can place a warm, wet towel on your face, followed by a cool towel. to help ease sinus pain and open your nasal passages.

How To Get Rid Of A Sinus Infection Naturally

Sinus sufferers who want real relief without pharmaceutical side effects have discovered that natural home remedies for sinus infections are safe and highly effective. These solutions target the underlying inflammation, promote natural sinus drainage, and help prevent additional infections.

The safest and most effective natural solutions involve the use of water in the form of liquid, vapor, or mist. Water penetrates the blockage allowing mucus to drain naturally so that the sinuses can begin the healing process. These solutions have the added benefit of helping to reduce the intensity and duration of sinus symptoms and improving quality of life.

Dont Miss: How Do You Get Rid Of A Mouth Infection

Also Check: Most Common Antibiotic For Urinary Tract Infection

Getting Rid Of A Sinus Infection Without Antibiotics

How can I get rid of a sinus infection without antibiotics? Here are a few non-antibiotic treatment options you might consider:

Over the Counter Remedies: Certain OTC medications can relieve the symptoms, which in turn helps your sinuses to heal. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be helpful in managing symptoms during your recovery time. Some people also find it beneficial to use antihistamine medications to reduce congestion and post-nasal drip.

Sinus Rinses: If you are experiencing nasal congestion, it can be helpful to clear the sinuses. Not only does this treatment reduce your symptoms, but it changes the sinus environment to reduce the risk of infection development. Sinus rinses can be done with OTC saline solutions or prescription products. Or, you can try an at-home treatment using a neti pot and sterile water.

Herbal Remedies: Aromatherapy or herbal tea can be another solution to reduce your symptoms of a sinus infection. Some patients find it soothing to smell eucalyptus or peppermint, which helps to clear the upper respiratory tract. Try adding a few drops of essential oil into your humidifier to spread the scent in the air.

If you find that these at-home sinus infections dont work, then it might be time to talk to a doctor for medical treatment.

Acute Vs Chronic Sinusitis

Yoga For Sinus: Benefits, Poses, And Precautions

With acute sinusitis, symptoms occur for four weeks or less. Symptoms include cloudy or colored drainage from the nose along with one or more of the following symptoms:

Stuffy nose or congestion
Other cold-like symptoms.

Acute progresses to chronic sinusitis if these symptoms last for at least 12 weeks, and your nasal blockage is so severe that you start to lose your senses of smell and taste.

Oftentimes, but not always, acute and chronic sinusitis are caused by the same thinga virus or other bug that your body just cant seem to fight off. Your primary care provider or an ENT specialist, can help determine what type you have and how to best treat it.

Don’t Miss: Z Pack Antibiotic For Ear Infection

Boosting Your Immune System

Please do not skip this step. Boosting your immune system is critical if you want this 2-day cure plan to work.

If youre going to do the neti pot and an hour later eat some junk food and work until midnight, then just forget about it.

1. One of the best ways to boost your immune system is by taking Fermented Cod Liver Oil.

What a great immune system booster. It contains vitamins A and D, as well as essential Omega-3 fatty acids.

2. Oregano oilis rightfully called natures antibiotic.

You only need a few drops of high-quality organic Oregano Oil a day to give your immune system a good boost.

3. Vitamin C a powerful anti-oxidant. You can try 3-4 chewable Vitamin C a day to supercharge your immune system and speed up healing or make your own Vitamin C supplement at home.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar my grandmother used to cure just about any ailment she had with 1-2 spoons of Raw Apple Cider Vinegar in a cup of warm water twice a day.

Try Quercetin A Powerful Herb Youve Likely Never Heard Of

Quercetin is a natural plant component found in everything from onions and apples to green tea and red wine. Like many plant ingredients, it is an antioxidant. For sinus problems, quercetin has also been found to stabilize the cells in the body that release histamine the chemical that stimulates mucus secretion in the sinuses.

The Alternative Medicine Review article recommends quercetin as helpful for sinusitis, suggesting a typical oral dose of 400 to 500 mg taken three times per day.

Read Also: Where To Go For Yeast Infection

Is It Ok To Take An Over The Counter Decongestant

It is, but beware of many of these OTC medications which contain alcohol, artificial flavors and dyes, and other chemicals like parabens and PEGs. They also often contain Pseudoephedrine, the active decongestant ingredient, which some people have a negative reaction to. We recommend only taking them sparingly such as before a flight if you really need to decongest, or to decongest for sleep.

Is Your Sinus Infection Acute Or Chronic

How to Clear Your Sinuses Naturally With Supercharged Neti

A short-term sinus infection is often referred to as acute sinusitis. Most cases of acute sinusitis last about a week, but this type of short-term sinus infection can last up to four weeks. If you suffer from a sinus infection that lasts longer than 12 weeks despite treatment from your doctor, its considered chronic sinusitis.

Also Check: Does A Sinus Infection Require Antibiotics

Also Check: Can You Get Rid Of An Infection Without Antibiotics

First Line Of Defense Against Sinusitis: Nasal Irrigation

One of the simplest, cheapest, and most effective ways to prevent and treat sinus problems is nasal irrigation. Using a homemade solution, you can often relieve sinusitis symptoms, reduce reliance on nasal sprays and antibiotics, and improve your quality of life. At least once a day, follow these steps:

Stir ½ teaspoon of non-iodized salt and ½ teaspoon of baking soda into 2 cups of lukewarm distilled or previously boiled water .

Fill a small bulb syringe with the saltwater solution.

Lean over your bathroom or kitchen sink, insert the tip of the syringe just inside one nostril, and gently squeeze the bulb. The water will run back out the nostril and into the sink. Use at least one full bulb of solution.

Repeat the procedure in the other nostril.

Thoroughly rinse and dry the bulb syringe or neti pot after each use.

Sinusitis Wont Go Away Consider Balloon Sinuplasty

Whether this is your first bout with sinusitis that wont go away or you experience sinus infections on a regular basis, you should know that getting rid of sinusitis is well within reach.

At Sinus Solutions of South Florida, Dr. Napoleon G. Bequer has provided hundreds of patients with relief from chronic sinusitis using the balloon sinuplasty procedure. So if you have sinusitis that wont go away, contact us online, call us at 561-790-7744, or take our sinus quiz today to see if youre a viable candidate for balloon sinuplasty.

Related Resources:

Also Check: What To Do If You Have A Wisdom Tooth Infection

Will My Sinus Infection Clear Up On Its Own

The first few weeks of the common cold aren fun, but the acute sinusitis that can develop afterwards doesnt help either. Unfortunately, sinus congestion and the common cold go hand in hand. Acute sinusitis frequently is caused by the common cold, but also can be caused by allergies and bacterial and fungal infections.

Dont Miss: Does Gardasil Work After Infection

Ingredients In Sinuvil Sinus Formula

17 Best images about Cold remedies on Pinterest

Sinuvil Sinus Formula contains natural ingredients from plants, trees or herbs.Sinuvils gentle herbal formula helps stimulate the immune system and activate natural killer cells enabling the bodys own defense mechanism.*

PELARGONIUM SIDOIDES is a medical plant native to Africa. Clinical studies show that its effective for supporting the respiratory tract..* .

N-ACETYLCYSTEINE is a special form of amino acid cysteine found in egg whites, red pepper or garlic. NAC is widely used in Europe for sinus and lung support. Several clinical studies have found that NAC is highly effective \ . It thins out mucus, draining it out of sinuses and the lungs . NAC protects your cells through its antioxidant activity .*

QUERCETIN is a flavonoid present in apples, citrus fruits and strawberries. It is the secret behind the saying An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Quercetin has amazing anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting effects. All these activities are caused by the strong antioxidant action of quercetin. Studies have shown improved respiratory function for people who consume plenty of apples . . It not only reduces inflammation ,but also helps compensate for the negative effects of pollution. *

BUTTERBUR is a plant that grows in northern parts of Europe and Russia. For many centuries, it has been used as an herbal remedy for respiratory health maintenance. A clinical study showed that Butterbur helps improve lung ventilation . *

Recommended Reading: What Essential Oil Is Good For Tooth Infection

Post Nasal Drip Treatment

The treatment for your post nasal drip will depend on whats causing it. For example, its easier to resolve postnasal drip caused by spicy foods than it is to kick a sinus infection. Its important to address the underlying condition in order to treat post nasal drip.

In addition to treating the cause, some remedies can help specifically with post nasal drip, Thompson says. Here are a few common remedies:

1. Try nasal irrigation

Nasal irrigation with saline is highly recommended to combat post nasal drip. Saline irrigations help flush out excess and thick mucus, Thompson says. Also, saline irrigations moisturize the nasal cavity and reduce the symptom of post nasal drip.

Using a neti pot, flush one side of your nose, then the other, with distilled or boiled water . Be sure to follow instructions carefully so that you dont increase your risk of infection by flushing your nose.

2. Breathe in steam or a humidifier

Steam or a humidifier can help clear mucus from your nose. Humidifier and steam inhalation can help moisturize the air and thin the mucus so that it passes more freely, Thompson says.

Thats why chicken soup or a cup of tea can also be great remedies the hot liquid and steam help clear your nasal passages.

3. Stay hydrated

Drinking enough water can help thin mucus, preventing the irritating postnasal drip feeling that something is stuck at the back of your throat.