Treating a sinus infection means unblocking and draining the sinuses. Corticosteroid nasal sprays such as Flonase and Nasacort are the best source for treatment because they help reduce swelling in the nasal passages.
What nasal spray is best for a sinus infection?
Decongestants . These medicines help reduce the swelling in your nasal passages and ease the stuffiness and sinus pressure. They come as nasal sprays, like naphazoline (Privine), oxymetazoline (Afrin, Dristan, Nostrilla, Vicks Sinus Nasal Spray), or phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine, Sinex, Rhinall).
Can nasal spray make sinus infection worse?
You’re Using Nasal Spray Too Much
Over the counter nasal sprays work great in alleviating sinus infection pressure in the short term, but can have lasting effects if not properly used. The main chemical in nasal spray can cause your sinus infection to get worse!
What is the fastest way to get rid of a sinus infection?
Here are the top 10 at-home treatments 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. …
- Spray. …
- Hydrate. …
- Rest. …
- Steam. …
- Spice. …
- Add humidity. …
- OTC medication.
What should you not do with a sinus infection?
Don’t Drink Alcohol. You need plenty of fluids, but steer clear of cocktails, wine, and beer. Even though booze is a liquid, it makes you dehydrated. It also can cause your sinuses and the lining of your nose to swell, which makes your symptoms worse.
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.)
What does flonase do for a sinus infection?
Look into nasal sprays. Store-bought saline nasal spray loosens up mucus, temporarily clearing it from your nasal passages. A steroid nasal spray like fluticasone (Flonase) may help tame inflammation, especially if you have underlying allergies.
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.
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 is better for a sinus infection Sudafed or mucinex?
Sudafed has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment for nasal congestion. Mucinex has been shown to be safe and effective in treating chest congestion.
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.
Do I need antibiotics for sinus infection?
Antibiotics are not needed for many sinus infections. Most sinus infections usually get better on their own without antibiotics. When antibiotics aren’t needed, they won’t help you, and their side effects could still cause harm.
How does apple cider vinegar get rid of a sinus infection?
Apple cider vinegar works by binding to pathogens and helping the body get rid of them more effectively. The cider contains vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and malic acids that are can target blockages. When taken orally, it breaks up mucus and clears airways, while its antibacterial properties wipe out the infection.
Should I stay home with sinus infection?
The only time you should definitely not go to work with a sinus infection is if you also have a fever. This may be a sign of something more contagious, as it isn’t very common with a sinus infection alone. If you’re suffering from a fever, do yourself (and your co-workers) a favor, and stay home to recover.
Are you still contagious with a sinus infection?
Sinus infections caused by bacteria or allergies are not contagious. However, if your infection is caused by a virus, then it likely is contagious. Viruses can be spread from person to person, or even in the air through coughing or sneezing.
Is walking good for sinus infection?
If you want to exercise when you have a sinus infection, good choices are a bike ride or brisk walk. However, it is best to avoid activities where you have to lower your head. This is only going to increase sinus pressure.