Do not take antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (one brand: Benadryl), loratadine (one brand: Claritin), or cetirizine (one brand: Zyrtec) for sinus symptoms because they make mucus thicker and harder to drain.
Is Zyrtec good for sinus infection?
Along the same lines as OTC options, antihistamine medications, such as Sudafed, Claritin, Zyrtec or Benadryl, can also offer sinus infection symptom relief. While these medications specifically target allergy symptoms, sinus infection symptoms can be similar, making antihistamines worth a try.
Can antihistamines make sinuses worse?
Antihistamines — These medications help to relieve the symptoms of nasal allergies that lead to inflammation and infections. However, some doctors advise against using antihistamines during a sinus infection because they can cause excessive drying and slow the drainage process.18 мая 2020 г.
Can allergies make a sinus infection worse?
When you have allergies or a cold, your nose and sinuses get inflamed. That blocks mucus from draining, which can cause an infection — not to mention pain and pressure. If you have allergies, you’re more likely to have sinus problems.
What can make a sinus infection worse?
Dry air isn’t the only thing that can irritate your nose and make your sinusitis symptoms worse. Inhaling cigarette smoke, strong perfumes, pollutants or any airborne allergen that affects you can lead to further inflammation and greater sinus pressure. If you’re a smoker, don’t smoke when you have a sinus infection.
What will dry up sinuses?
“Decongestants dry up the mucus that collects in the back of the throat as a result of the infection. Expectorants melt the mucus.” Look for over-the-counter decongestants that contain pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine, such as Sudafed.
Can you take Zyrtec for sinus pressure?
Do not take antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (one brand: Benadryl), loratadine (one brand: Claritin), or cetirizine (one brand: Zyrtec) for sinus symptoms because they make mucus thicker and harder to drain.
What is the best allergy medicine for sinus drainage?
If severe nasal congestion is your worst symptom, a decongestant may be your best choice. Decongestants cut down on the increased fluid production in your nose caused by allergies, which relieves swollen nasal passages and congestion.
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Decongestants combined with an antihistamine:
- Allegra – D.
- Clarinex – D.
- Claritin – D.
How do I unclog my nose from allergies?
Here are eight things you can do now to feel and breathe better.
- Use a humidifier. A humidifier provides a quick, easy way to reduce sinus pain and relieve a stuffy nose. …
- Take a shower. …
- Stay hydrated. …
- Use a saline spray. …
- Drain your sinuses. …
- Use a warm compress. …
- Try decongestants. …
- Take antihistamines or allergy medicine.
How do you know if its sinus or allergies?
Allergies and sinus infections can have similar symptoms. One of the key differences is the itchiness of your eyes and skin that can occur with allergies, as well as the thick, yellow or green nasal discharge that’s notable with sinusitis. Another difference is the timeline.
Which nasal spray is best for sinusitis?
Corticosteroid nasal sprays such as Flonase and Nasacort are the best source for treatment because they help reduce swelling in the nasal passages.
Does blowing nose help sinus infection?
Avoid blowing your nose – Many medical experts feel that blowing your nose causes the bacteria that normally live in your nose to be propelled into the sinus chambers. The sinus inflammation prevents the bacteria from being swept out by normal cleansing, which can lead to more significant bacterial sinus infection.
What helps relieve itchy sinuses?
How to treat a nose tickle at home
- Avoid triggers. …
- Take over-the-counter (OTC) allergy drugs. …
- Take cold medicine. …
- Blow your nose less. …
- Hands off. …
- Use a humidifier. …
- Try capsaicin nasal spray. …
- Try a neti pot.
Why won’t my sinus infection go away with antibiotics?
If your sinus infection just won’t go away or keeps coming back, it may be time to see an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. An ENT treats conditions of the ear, nose, throat, head, face, and neck. It may be time to see an ENT if: You’ve completed several courses of antibiotics without success.
Is mucinex good for sinus infection?
Nasal irrigation and decongestants can help in the treatment of chronic sinusitis by keeping mucus loose and nasal passages clear. The mucus-thinning agent guaifenesin (Mucinex) is another option. (Be sure to drink a full glass of water when you take it.)
How do I know if my sinus infection is bacterial or viral?
A viral sinus infection will usually start to improve after five to seven days. A bacterial sinus infection will often persist for seven to 10 days or longer, and may actually worsen after seven days.