What is the Best Way to Get Rid of a Sinus Infection?
Quick answer: Most sinus infections clear on their own within 7–10 days with home care: saline nasal rinses, hydration, steam, and rest. Over-the-counter decongestant sprays (no more than 3 days) and pain relievers help symptoms. See a physician if symptoms last more than 10 days, worsen after improving, or include high fever or severe facial pain, the warning signs the AAO-HNS Clinical Practice Guideline on Adult Sinusitis uses to distinguish viral from bacterial infection.
Acute sinus infections are one of the most common illnesses that affect adults. The sinuses are a group of air-filled spaces in the bones of the face around the nose. Symptoms of sinusitis include sinus pain, sinus pressure, nasal/sinus congestion, and postnasal drainage. These types of infections can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi. A viral sinus infection has symptoms similar to a bacterial infection, but symptoms typically improve over 10 days. A bacterial sinus infection is suspected when symptoms last 10 days or more without improving, or get worse after starting to improve (a pattern called "double-sickening" in the AAO-HNS Adult Sinusitis Guideline). Serious (invasive) fungal sinus infections are rare and mainly affect people with weakened immune systems.
Natural Remedies
Most of the time your body will clear a sinus infection on its own in about ten days. There are lots of at-home, natural remedies you should start with to help things out. At the first sign of a sinus infection, it is important to begin flushing your nose. Nasal saline kits (such as the Neti Pot) work best for this purpose. When mixing up the saline, it is important to remember to use lukewarm, distilled water. Hot showers and humidifiers can help to open up your nasal passages and help drainage. Make sure you stay well-hydrated. Drinking plenty of fluids helps thin your mucus. A healthy diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables supports your immune system.
Over-the-Counter Remedies
If your nose needs a little extra help, try some over-the-counter medications. An OTC nasal decongestant spray may be needed in order to help unblock congestion and treat inflammation. Make sure you read the directions of the decongestant spray you choose carefully: these types of sprays should NOT be used for longer than three days. Allergy sprays, such as Flonase, Rhinocort, and Nasacort, can be used for longer periods of time, but take longer to work. Oral decongestants may also help, but again are not medications that should be taken long-term. Tylenol and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (e.g. ibuprofen, naproxen) can be used to relieve any headache/facial pressure that may accompany your sinus infection.
Nothing Working? See an ENT
Oftentimes, no matter how hard you try to clear the infection on your own, your symptoms may not resolve. As a general rule of thumb, check with your doctor if your sinus infection symptoms last for 10 days or longer. During the visit with your doctor, they will determine whether you're dealing with a bacterial or viral infection. If your doctor diagnoses an uncomplicated bacterial sinus infection, watchful waiting with symptom relief is usually the first step, as long as you can follow up if you do not improve. If an antibiotic is needed, amoxicillin with or without clavulanate (Augmentin) is the usual first choice, and doxycycline is an option for people allergic to penicillin. For an uncomplicated bacterial sinus infection, the guideline recommends a 5 to 7 day course for most adults, and a recheck if you are not improving after 3 to 5 days on the antibiotic.
If after all of the above treatments your symptoms still persist, it is advisable to see a specialist. The physicians at Capital ENT & Sinus Center have several tools at their disposal to get you on the road to recovery. We use an in-office CT scan and endoscopy to further evaluate and target the problem in your nose and sinuses. Our physicians always focus on fixing our patients with minimally invasive techniques so that you can get back to living a normal and healthy life as quickly as possible.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace an in-person evaluation.
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Chronic Sinus Infections in Austin
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Balloon Sinuplasty
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