Millions of Americans suffer with painful sinus symptoms every year. This leads to billions of dollars being spent every year as people search for ways to cure their painful symptoms. Sinus infections (sinusitis) also take countless hours away from people in which they could be at work, hanging out with family, or working on a hobby. The good news is that you no longer have to suffer. At MidState ENT we can create a treatment plan that is affordable and unique to you.
What is Sinusitis?
The sinus cavities are empty spaces in the face around the nose and eyes. They help with breathing, speaking, and maintaining air flow. The sinuses also help to keep you healthy by capturing substances like viruses and bacteria in your mucus. The mucus then drains out of the body so the substances can’t make you sick.
Sinusitis and sinus infections occur when your body is exposed to viruses, bacteria, or fungi that causes your nasal cavities to swell. When the sinuses swell, mucus can’t drain out and the substances that are trapped in the nasal cavities can’t get out. This is what leads to sinus infections. Because sinus infections occur once the nasal cavities become swollen, people with allergies are more likely to suffer from chronic sinus infections.
Some of the most common sinusitis symptoms include:
- Postnasal drip: the feeling of mucus running down the back of the throat
- Abnormally colored nasal discharge: mucus that is greenish in color
- Congestion: Stuffiness of the nasal passage
- Facial Pain: Including headaches, teeth pain, pain around the eyes and nose
- Facial swelling: The area around the eyes or nose becoming sensitive or inflamed
- Other symptoms: tiredness, bad breath, and fever
It is important to see a qualified professional when dealing with a sinus infection because all sinus infections are unique. Our physicians can work with you to create a unique treatment plan that may include several different sinus infection remedies.
Sinus Infection Home Remedies
If you only suffer from sinus infections once or twice a year and they are typically mild, then you may be looking for natural home remedies to avoid the doctor. The best way to reduce symptoms or eliminate the infection all together is to promote natural mucus drainage. This is why most natural remedies focus on reducing swelling and draining mucus. Some home remedies include:
- Increase water intake: Dehydration can keep the body from working properly so staying hydrated is the first step in naturally curing sinus infections.
- Use vapor and mist: Humidifiers can help break up small blockages in the nasal passages. Mist moves into the nose and penetrates the mucus to make it loose and break it up. Once it is broken up, the mucus can successfully run out of the nasal passages.
- Use a sinus rinse or neti pot: Sinus rinses are best used for mild infections. A sinus rinse works by running a purified saline solution through the nasal passages. This helps to break up blockages and mucus and, when used as directed, can provide relief for some patients. It is important to use all neti pots as directed because they can cause damage or increase the severity of an infection.
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Sinusitis Treatment with Medication
In certain situations, medication can help treat sinusitis by eliminating the sinus infection and allowing the body to heal.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are the best defense against bacterial sinus infections. A variety of medications can be used to make sure that the bacteria is targeted and eliminated efficiently.
Most of the time, sinus infections can be healed by the body naturally but for sinus infections that aren't going away, antibiotics may help the body to fight off the infection. Although antibiotics are good for getting rid of bacterial infections, they will not be a long-term solution for people who suffer from chronic sinusitis.
Nasal Spray
The two major nasal sprays that help to eliminate the symptoms of sinusitis include:
Nasal Decongestants
Nasal decongestants work to reduce swelling to allow for the mucus to drain naturally. This can help relieve symptoms in the short term but are not recommended in the long run.
Nasal Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are also used to reduce swelling in the nasal passages and can be used as a long-term treatment option. They can help reduce symptoms and further inflammation.
Antihistamines and OTC Medication
Antihistamines and OTC’s are good for reducing symptoms in the short term but are not a great long-term solution. When you are considering OTC’s it is important to pay attention to ingredients and consult your doctor. Over the counter medications can impact your health and cause other problems if not used correctly.
Sinus Surgery
Sinus surgeries are used as a long-term solution for people who are suffering from recurring sinusitis as a result of a blockage. Nasal blockages include deviated septums and nasal polyps. Sinus surgery involves the removal of bones or tissue and they require a long recovery process. There is now a better way to get long lasting sinus pain relief.
Balloon Sinuplasty: The simple long-term solution for chronic sinusitis
Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive, in office procedure that helps patients who have chronic sinus problems due to blockages. Balloon sinuplasty gently moves blockages out of the way so that you can breathe easy again. Balloon sinuplasty works immediately and requires very little recovery time. Want to learn more about balloon sinuplasty?
Find Relief At MidState ENT
At MidState ENT we can help you breathe easy again. Our ENT physicians can create a unique treatment plan that will work for you. We can help you no matter what ENT issue you are suffering from.