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Sinus Infection Treatments

Treatment

Moisturizing

Drinking lots of fluids may keep your nasal secretions thin. This will avoid plugging up your nasal passages and sinuses. Salt water nose sprays or irrigation may also loosen nasal secretions.

Using Steam Treatments

Keep a humidifier running in your bedroom. Fill a bowl with steaming water every couple of hours, and make a steam tent with a towel over your head. This will let you breathe in the steam.

Using Decongestants

Use either decongestant pills or nasal sprays to shrink nasal passages. Don't use nasal sprays for longer than 3-4 days in a row. If you need longer treatment, your doctor may prescribe intranasal corticosteroid medications, especially if you have had recurrent sinus problems.

Using Antihistamines

Allergy medications called antihistamines may help sinusitis symptoms if they are caused by allergies. But they may also dry out the nasal mucosa.

Using Antibiotics

Your doctor may decide to give you antibiotics if the infection seems to be caused by bacteria. Although, studies have shown that antibiotics are not effective in treating acute sinusitis. *

Using Over-the-Counter Pain Medication

You can use acetaminophen , ibuprofen , or aspirin to treat sinus pain.

Note : Aspirin is not recommended for children with a current or recent viral infection. Check with your child's doctor before giving your child aspirin.

Using Cough Medicines With Guaifenesin

These can help you cough up secretions.

Having Surgery

Surgery is a last resort for people with very troublesome, serious chronic sinusitis. It includes:

  • Repair of a deviated septum
  • Removal of nasal polyps
  • Functional endoscopic sinus surgery—a lighted scope is used to enlarge the sinuses to improve drainage

If you are diagnosed with sinusitis, follow your doctor's instructions .

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2024 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.

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