Sinusitis is swelling of the sinuses, usually caused by an infection. It's common and usually clears up on its own within 2 to 3 weeks. But medicines can help if it's taking a long time to go away. Sinusitis is common after a cold or
flu. Symptoms of sinusitis include: Signs of sinusitis in young children may also include irritability, difficulty feeding, and breathing through their mouth. The sinuses are small, empty spaces behind your cheekbones and forehead that connect to the inside of the nose. Sinusitis
causes the lining of the sinuses to swell up. This stops mucus draining into your nose and throat properly, making you feel blocked up. You can often treat mild sinusitis without seeing a GP by: If you have a high
temperature or you do not feel well enough to do your normal activities, try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people until you feel better. You do
not need to use all of the solution, but make a fresh solution each time you clean your nose. A pharmacist can help with sinusitisA pharmacist can advise you about medicines that can help, such as:
You can buy nasal sprays without a prescription, but they should not be used for more than 1 week. Find a pharmacy Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:
Treatment for sinusitis from a GPIf you have sinusitis, a GP may be able to recommend other medicines to help with your symptoms, such as:
You might need to take steroid nasal sprays or drops for a few months. They sometimes cause irritation, sore throats or nosebleeds. A GP may refer you to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist if, for example, you:
They may also recommend surgery in some cases. Surgery for sinusitisSurgery to treat chronic sinusitis is called functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). FESS is carried out under general anaesthetic (where you're asleep). The surgeon can widen your sinuses by either:
You should be able to have FESS within 18 weeks of your GP appointment. The ENT UK website has more information about FESS. Page last reviewed: 02 February 2021
Here are the best medicines for sinus congestion and when to see a doctor if your symptoms are severe Sinus congestion can be relieved with both over-the-counter (OTC) medications and home remedies. Learn about the best medicines for sinus congestion and when to see a doctor if your symptoms are severe. 5 medicines that help relieve sinus congestion
Brand names of some of the best OTC medications for sinus congestion include:
What home remedies can help relieve sinus congestion?When your nose is stuffy and congested, you can keep your nasal passages and sinuses moist by:
What causes sinus congestion?Sinus congestion has many causes, with the most common cause being a virus. In some cases, it can be caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. Other causes of sinus congestion include:
When to see a doctor for sinus congestionSinus congestion usually resolves with over-the-counter medications and home remedies within a week. The CDC recommends consulting a medical professional if you notice the following:
SLIDESHOWA Cold or The Flu? How to Tell the Difference See SlideshowMedically Reviewed on 5/19/2022 References
Image Source: iStock Image Morgan Griffin. How to Treat Nasal Congestion and Sinus Pressure. WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/allergies/sinus-congestion Sinus Infection. American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology: https://acaai.org/allergies/allergic-conditions/sinus-infection/ Jayne Garrison. 6 Steps to Fight Sinus Problems. WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/allergies/sinus-tips Acute sinusitis: Do over-the-counter treatments help? Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acute-sinusitis/expert-answers/acute-sinusitis/faq-20058562 What gets rid of a sinus infection fast?Treatment. Saline nasal spray, which you spray into your nose several times a day to rinse your nasal passages.. Nasal corticosteroids. ... . Decongestants. ... . Allergy medications. ... . OTC pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or aspirin.. Can you clear up a sinus infection without antibiotics?This may give you the idea that you need antibiotics, but most clear up without them. Antibiotics have no effect on viruses and aren't recommended within the first week of developing a cold. About 70% of sinus infections go away within two weeks without antibiotics.
Is mucinex good for a 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.
What is the fastest way to get rid of a sinus infection at home?A sinus flush, or nasal irrigation, is one way to clear out your sinuses at home. All you need is a saline solution and a neti pot or bulb syringe… Most sinus infections resolve on their own within 10 days, but here are some things you can do to help get rid of sinusitis and improve your symptoms.
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