Sinus infections cause pain, pressure and congestion.
Sinus infections are painful and cost Americans about $5.8 billion each year in health care costs. There are about 32 million cases of chronic sinusitis reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention per year. If you are suffering from a sinus infection, there are home remedies and over-the-counter medications that might to help relieve some of that pressure and pain.
The Facts
A sinus infection occurs when the nasal and sinus membranes swell because of allergies, viruses and bacteria. People suffering from a sinus infection might experience pain and pressure, nasal congestion and a thick, yellowish-green nasal discharge.
Home Remedies
One of the most popular home remedies for a sinus infection is apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar thins out the mucus quickly, offering fast relief. Put 2 tbsp. in 8 oz. of water and drink it all down at once. You should notice a big difference in your congestion if you do this several times a day for two to three days. Other home remedies for sinus infections include hydrogen peroxide, cayenne pepper, grapefruit seed extract and oregano oil.
Over-the-Counter Medications
Nasal saline sprays work by thinning out the nasal secretions and removing infectious agents from the nose. Medicated nasal sprays clear nasal passages immediately, but you should only use them for up to five days because prolonged use can have an adverse effect and make swelling and congestion worse. Decongestants relieve pressure, congestion and nasal swelling by reducing blood flow to the nasal membranes. Antihistamines help allergy-related congestion, reducing symptoms such as sneezing, itching, nasal congestion and drainage. Ask your pharmacist to recommend the best over-the-counter medication for your particular sinus symptoms.
When to See Your Doctor
Over-the-Counter sinus infection treatments are best for short-term use. If you have a sinus infection that won't go away, you might be suffering from chronic sinusitis. Your doctor will likely prescribe a steroid nasal spray, long course antibiotics or oral steroids to help relieve your sinus symptoms. If medications don't help, you might need surgery to completely get rid of your chronic sinus infections. The surgery is usually performed through the nose, and consists of removing polyps, enlarging the sinus openings and correcting any deformities that might make the obstruction worse.
