If you have a sinus infection, it may become inflamed with thicker mucus that clogs your nasal passages. Your sinus will have increased pressure from fluid buildup. This can cause bacteria to become trapped, causing further infection to your lining. This is called sinusitis and can last 3-8 weeks. If you don’t find any quality medicine for sinusitis, you can develop a chronic condition that will last longer.
There are several medication choices to help speed up recovery and reduce the chance it will become chronic. Consult your doctor which medicine suits you best.
One common trigger of sinus infections is congestion. When you use decongestants, the sinuses can open and drain. Some options include:
Antihistamines are a great medicine for sinusitis. Antihistamines can help with nasal allergies that lead to infections and inflammation. Some doctors will advise against them because they can cause too much drying out and cause drainage to slow down. Some antihistamines are available over-the-counter while others need a prescription.
Nasal steroids can help with inflammation and are available with prescription. These are best for those who are suffering from allergies; they don’t dry out the nasal passages quite as much as antihistamines. These are often used when a person needs medication for a longer period of time.
Nasal sprays are often saline-based and are safe for use. They provide relief by adding moisture to your dry nasal passages and helping to thin mucus secretions, flushing out bacteria, dust and dirt.
Antibiotics are prescribed when your doctor suspects there may be a bacterial infection with your sinusitis. If you start taking an antibiotic, it is important to finish the course so the infection is killed off. Not every sinus infection will need antibiotic treatment. Antibiotics come with side effects and can lead to problems when taken too casually.
Expectorants are another great medicine for sinusitis. They help you cough mucus up, clearing the lungs. Guaifenesin is one of the most common types found in over-the-counter cough syrup. These medications are recommended for those with a cough related to sinusitis. They are not recommended for children younger than four.
Leukotriene modifiers can help with reducing inflammation in the lungs, nose, sinuses, eyes and skin caused by leukotrienes. They are used for those with aspirin sensitivity or nasal polyps and can be used in combination of nasal sprays and antihistamines. Some may elevate your liver enzymes, so work with your doctor on the right treatments.
Pain relievers such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen or naproxen can help you with relief from sinus pain.
If you find that drugs like antibiotics and others are not effective or if there are abnormalities such as polyps obstructing drainage, surgery may be recommended. An endoscope and general anesthesia are used to perform the surgery. Usually, you can get back to normal activities within a week of surgery. Full recovery takes about six weeks.
Besides the choices of medicine for sinusitis, you can also try natural remedies for relief.
You need to seek medical help if: