What causes sinus problems?

What causes sinus problems?

Sinusitis is usually caused by a virus and often persists even after other upper respiratory symptoms are gone. In some cases, bacteria, or rarely fungus, may cause a sinus infection. Other conditions such as allergies, nasal polyps, and tooth infections can also contribute to sinus pain and symptoms.

What is sinusitis symptoms and treatments?

Drainage down the back of the throat (postnasal drainage) Nasal obstruction or congestion, causing difficulty breathing through your nose. Pain, tenderness and swelling around your eyes, cheeks, nose or forehead. Reduced sense of smell and taste.

What is the symptoms of sinusitis?

Common symptoms of sinus infections include:

• Runny nose.
• Stuffy nose.
• Facial pain or pressure.
• Headache.
• Mucus dripping down the throat (post-nasal drip)
• Sore throat.
• Cough.
• Bad breath.

Is sinusitis serious?

Sinusitis, even in its chronic form, is not typically dangerous. In some cases, however, it may indicate a serious underlying condition. A doctor can help identify the cause, so see a doctor if sinus pain or pressure lasts longer than a week or two.

Can you be hospitalized for sinusitis?

Serious cases are immediately treated with IV antibiotics. Patients are usually admitted to the hospital for a CT scan to see if fluid needs to be drained, Dr. Sindwani says. Also in rare cases, sinus infections in the rear center of one’s head can spread into the brain.

How do you know if a sinus infection is serious?

When a Sinus Infection May Be Dangerous

1. Swelling. If you experience swelling around your eyes, this can be a red flag for severe sinusitis.
2. Pain. When there is excessive pain in your eyes, ears, head or throat, you likely have a severe sinus infection.
3. Fever.
4. Feeling Disoriented.
5. A Persistent Infection.

What antibiotic is for sinus infection?

Amoxicillin (Amoxil) is acceptable for uncomplicated acute sinus infections; however, many doctors prescribe amoxicillin-clavulanate (Augmentin) as the first-line antibiotic to treat a possible bacterial infection of the sinuses. Amoxicillin usually is effective against most strains of bacteria.

What is the best over-the-counter medicine for a sinus infection?

Sinusitis: Over-the-Counter Medicines

• Try a pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve facial pain and headache.
• Use a decongestant nasal spray, gel, or drops (such as Claritin Allergy or Drixoral) to help a stuffy nose.
• Try an oral decongestant for a stuffy nose or head.

Is mucinex good for 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. (Be sure to drink a full glass of water when you take it.)

Can Vicks help sinus infection?

Answer From Jay L. Hoecker, M.D. Vicks VapoRub — a topical ointment made of ingredients including camphor, eucalyptus oil and menthol that you rub on your throat and chest — doesn’t relieve nasal congestion.

What is better for a sinus infection Sudafed or mucinex?

Sudafed has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment for nasal congestion. Mucinex has been shown to be safe and effective in treating chest congestion.

What should I drink for a sinus infection?

Drinking plenty of clear fluids will help people stay hydrated and can also help loosen mucus and clear congestion. Good choices for fluids to drink when a person has a sinus infection include: plain water. hot water with lemon, honey, or ginger.

What tea is good for sinuses?

Ginger tea helps you hydrate and steam out the sinuses, but it also contains anti-inflammatory gingerol, which reduces inflammation in your mucus membranes. 6.

What not to eat with a sinus infection?

Food to Avoid Avoid dairy if you have had previous episodes of sinus infections. Also, try to avoid refined sugar as it is pro-inflammatory and increases the production of mucus. Other foods to avoid include tomatoes (contain histamines), chocolate, cheese, gluten, and fruits like bananas, which can cause congestion.

What to put in boiling water to clear sinuses?

Whether it’s from a hot shower or piping hot cup of tea, steam can thin mucus and help it drain from your nose. For faster relief, pour boiling water into a large bowl. Cover your head with a towel, lean over the bowl, and breathe in the steam. You can do this three to four times a day.

What is the best natural decongestant?

9 Ways to Naturally Clear Up Your Congestion

• Humidifier.
• Steam.
• Saline spray.
• Neti pot.
• Compress.
• Herbs and spices.
• Elevated head.
• Essential oils.

How can I unblock my nose?

Here are eight things you can do now to feel and breathe better.

1. Use a humidifier. A humidifier provides a quick, easy way to reduce sinus pain and relieve a stuffy nose.
2. Take a shower.
3. Stay hydrated.
4. Use a saline spray.
5. Drain your sinuses.
6. Use a warm compress.
7. Try decongestants.
8. Take antihistamines or allergy medicine.

Where do you put Vicks for nasal congestion?

Vicks VapoRub is an ointment that you can use on your skin. The manufacturer recommends rubbing it on your chest or throat to relieve congestion from colds.

Can you put Vicks in your nose?

It’s not safe to use Vicks VapoRub inside your nose as it can be absorbed into your body through the mucus membranes lining your nostrils. VVR contains camphor, which can have toxic effects if absorbed into your body.

Why is Vicks VapoRub banned?

It contains camphor which is toxic if swallowed or absorbed into the body and the manufacturers do in fact warn that VapoRub should not be applied in or near the nostrils and not used on children under 2 years of age.

How do you relieve sinusitis?

Treatment

1. Saline nasal spray, which you spray into your nose several times a day to rinse your nasal passages.
2. Nasal corticosteroids. These nasal sprays help prevent and treat inflammation.
3. Decongestants.
4. OTC pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or aspirin.

What is the most common cause of sinusitis?

Rhinoviruses, influenza viruses, and parainfluenza viruses are the most common causes of sinusitis.