The treatment for asinus infectiondepends on the punch in of sinusitis and the source of the inflammation or infection.
For example, you might needantibioticsto help clear up a bacterial sinus infection.
Acute sinusitis may last up to four weeks, while a chronic case may last for months or longer.
Verywell / Tim Liedtke
Some people also get recurrent episodes of sinus inflammation.
Prescription Steroid Medications
Steroid nasal sprays open up the nasal passageways by relieving inflammation.
There is no risk of rebound congestion with their use.
Certain people may be instructed to use prednisone up to four times each day.
How quickly it works will vary.
Always be sure to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions when using any prescription.
Prednisone for Sinus Infections
Prednisone, an oral steroid, may be prescribed for some sinus infections.
However, research shows that it may be best left for severe cases.
Antibiotic treatment in adults is usually continued for five to seven days.
For children, it is usually given for 10 to 14 days.
The course of the antibiotics might be extended to four to six weeks.
Antifungal medications may be prescribed for invasive fungal sinusitis, and a surgical procedure may be needed.
These are customized for each person and steadily increase the amount of allergen to reduce your sensitivity.
Desensitization treatment may also be done if aspirin allergy is the cause of their sinusitis.
What is the treatment for a sinus infection while pregnant?
Using a steam vaporizer or a warm orcool mist humidifiermay help keep your mucus thin.
Inhalation of steam mixed with eucalyptus, chamomile, or peppermint may also help.
While there’s no scientific research that these additives improve symptoms, you may find them soothing.
Hot vaporizers are a burn hazard and should not be used near your face or around children.
Sinus Pain Relief
Sinusitis can cause headaches,toothache, and pain and pressure in the face.
But ibuprofen and naproxen should not be combined because this may increase the risk of side effects.
Aspirin should not be given to children due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome.
Aspirin intolerance can also be associated with nasal polyps and asthma (Samter’s triad).
If over-the-counter pain relievers don’t control your pain, consult your healthcare provider.
Nasal Congestion Relief
Nasal congestion, runny nose, andpostnasal dripcan all be symptoms of sinusitis.
A variety of over-the-counter decongestant medications may help control symptoms of chronic sinusitis.
Examples of decongestants include:
Always consult with your physician before taking Sudafed or Sudafed PE.
OTC steroid nasal sprays may help treat congestion, especially with chronic sinusitis.
These need to be taken over a longer period to get the full benefit.
They are usually safe to use daily for an extended time, but you should check with your doctor.
These drugs do not pose a risk of rebound congestion.
They are not recommended for adults or children with acute bacterial sinusitis.
Some antihistamines cause drowsiness, which may also be beneficial if yoursymptoms are preventing you from sleeping at night.
These often require surgery, which may be done by an ENT specialist.
Sinus surgery is done with general anesthesia and is usually minimally invasive and done with anendoscope.
A tiny fiber-optic tube is passed through the nostrils into the sinus cavities, and no incision is needed.
Other CAM therapies/approaches may also be suggested, but there’s not enough supporting research to recommend them.
Self-treating a condition and avoiding or delaying standard care may have significant consequences.
Summary
Sinus infections are treated in various ways, depending on what’s causing them.
In severe cases, you may be prescribed a short course of steroid medication such as prednisone.
Sometimes surgery is needed for chronic cases.
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