Inhale steam two to four times per day by leaning over a bowl of hot water (not while the water is on the stove) or using a steam vaporizer. Inhale the steam for about 10 minutes. Taking a hot, steamy shower may also work. Mentholated preparations, such as Vicks Vapo-Rub, can be added to the water or vaporizer to aid in opening the passageways.
Expectorants are drugs that help expel mucus from the lungs and respiratory passages. They help t thin mucous secretions, enhancing drainage from the sinuses. The most common is guaifenesin (contained in Robitussin and Mucinex, for example).
Over- the-counter (OTC) liquid cough medications or prescription tablets can also combine decongestants and cough suppressants to reduce symptoms as well as to eliminate the need for the use of many medications. Read label ingredients to find the right combination of ingredients or ask the pharmacist for help.
Pain medication such as ibuprofen (Motrin and Advil are examples), aspirin, and naproxen (Aleve) can reduce pain and inflammation. These medications help to open the airways by reducing swelling. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be used for pain and fever but does not help with the inflammation.
The main goals in treating a sinus infection or sinusitis involve reducing the swelling or inflammation in the nasal passages and sinuses, eliminating the infection, promoting drainage from the sinuses, and maintaining open sinuses.
Blood cells and lining cells of the mucosa in the sinuses can normally fight off foreign invaders. However, when overwhelmed by viruses and bacteria, coupled with a depressed immune system or over-reactivity to allergens, the result is the inflammation associated with sinusitis. With appropriate therapy, a short-lived infection can be treated effectively.
Because foreign substances trigger numerous reactions, many treatments are available that can treat the symptoms of inflammation.
Decongestants help reduce airway obstruction and are important in the initial treatment to alleviate symptoms.
Both nasal and oral decongestants have side effects, including general stimulation causing increased heart rate and blood pressure, insomnia, nervousness, anxiety, tremor, dry mouth, blurry vision, and headache. They may also cause an inability to urinate. Therefore, persons with a history of cardiac disease, high blood pressure, anxiety, or urinary problems (especially prostate disorders) should consult a physician before using decongestants.
In addition, combining decongestants with other over-the-counter or prescribed medicines with similar side effects may cause dangerous complications.
Fever can be a symptom of a sinus infection or a cold. Simple congestion with a low-grade fever probably indicates a cold and may not call for medications or antibiotics. Those also experiencing facial pain or headaches may have a sinus infection.
A doctor often can treat simple sinusitis. If left undiagnosed and untreated complications of sinusitis can occur that may lead to severe medical problems and possibly death. The following complications are medical emergencies and require immediate treatment in a hospital's emergency department.
Headache, fever, and soft tissue swelling over the frontal sinus may indicate an infection of the frontal bone, called Pott's puffy tumor or osteomyelitis. Usually, this complication is limited to children.
Infection of the eye socket may result from ethmoid sinusitis. The eyelid may swell and become droopy. Fever and severe illness are usually present. A person with this infection may lose the ability to move the eye, and permanent-- blindness may result.
Ethmoid or frontal sinusitis may also cause the formation of a blood clot in the sinus area around the front and top of the face. Symptoms may be similar to those of eye socket infection with the addition of a fixed and dilated pupil. This condition usually affects both sides of the face.
If a person experiences mild personality changes, headache, neck stiffness, high fever, altered consciousness, visual problems, or seizures, infection may have spread to the brain. Coma and even death may follow.
The diagnosis of a sinus infection is usually made based on a medical history assessment and a physical examination. Adequately distinguishing sinusitis from a simple upper respiratory infection or a common cold is important.
Sinusitis is often caused by bacteria and requires antibiotics for treatment. Sinusitis can also be caused by viruses (meaning antibiotics would not help). Upper respiratory infections and colds are viral illnesses.
Proper diagnosis of these potentially similar conditions prevents confusion as to which medications should be given. Overtreating viral infections with antibiotics can be dangerous.
In most cases, diagnosing acute sinusitis requires no tests. When testing is needed, the CT scan can clearly depict all of the paranasal sinuses, the nasal passages, and the surrounding structures.
A CT scan may indicate a sinus infection if any of these conditions is present: Air-fluid levels in one or more sinuses and total blockage in one or more sinuses. Also, thickening of the inner lining (mucosa) of the sinuses.
Mucosal thickening can occur in people without symptoms of sinusitis. Therefore, CT scan findings must be correlated with a person's symptoms and physical examination findings to diagnose a sinus infection.
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