Sinus Relief Remedies
Sinus infections, or sinusitis, are an infection of the sinus cavity and surrounding passages. Sinus infections can cause swelling in the nasal passages, making breathing difficult. Symptoms of sinus infections include fevers, headaches, congestion, runny nose, sore throat, wheezing and a yellowish or greenish nasal discharge. Sinus relief remedies vary from medical treatment to alternative therapies. Only a doctor can diagnose a sinus infection. Sinus infections can sometimes be confused with a cold or flu virus. Sinus infections can be acute, or have a sudden onset, whereas some unfortunate people suffer from chronic sinus infections. Sinus infections can be caused by bacteria or a virus.
Medication Treatment Options
Sinus infections are often treated with prescription antibiotics. Sinus infections of a viral nature often have to just run their course. Antibiotics are generally prescribed for 10 days. Never stop taking your antibiotics before you have finished the prescription, even if your symptoms have improved. This can run the risk of causing the sinus infection to recur, as your body is still killing off the infection.
Some over-the-counter medications may help relieve symptoms while you were waiting for the antibiotics to take effect. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help with fevers and body aches. Nasal decongestant can help the nasal passages. Be wary when using nasal sprays, as they can cause a physical dependence, making symptoms recur worse than they were to begin with. Try not to use a nasal spray for more than 2 days.
Lifestyle changes
Sometimes lifestyle changes are the only sinus relief remedies you need to control your symptoms. Keep the humidity in your room around 45 to 50%. If you live any baseman area or a humid climates run a dehumidifier. For those who live in a dry climate, you can run a humidifier in your bedroom. Alternatively, you can try breathing through a moist towel for a short period of time to improve symptoms, or breathe in steam from a neti pot. Air conditioners do slightly purify the air, which may help symptoms as well. Drink plenty of water to help your body thin out nasal mucous and flush out the infection.
Allergy Prevention
Take extra care if you are susceptible to allergies, as they could trigger or worsen sinus symptoms. Quit smoking or at least do not smoke in your house until you have recovered. Clean all mold out of humid areas and dust and vacuum on a regular basis to ward off dust mites. Other allergic triggers can include pollen, certain foods, animal dander and ragweed..