Use over-the-counter (OTC) medications OTC decongestants
Decongestant
A decongestant, or nasal decongestant, is a type of pharmaceutical drug that is used to relieve nasal congestion in the upper respiratory tract. The active ingredient in most decongestants is either pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine. Intranasal corticosteroids can also be used as decongestants and antihistamines can be used to alleviate runny nose, nasal itch, and sneezing.
- 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.
What is the best over the counter for sinus infections?
What can I take over the counter for sinusitis?
- 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.
When do you really need antibiotics for that sinus infection?
When to Use Antibiotics for Sinus Infections. If your sinusitis is caused by a bacterial infection, you may require antibiotics to get better. Typically, antibiotics are needed when: Sinus infection symptoms last over a week; Symptoms worsen after starting to get better
Will my sinus infection clear up on its own?
Treatment for sinus infections can vary depending on the cause and severity of the condition. The worst cases may need surgery, while some infections need antibiotics or steroids. Fortunately, most sinus infections are mild and clear up on their own. Most sinus infections clear up on their own after about a week.
What is the best OTC treatment for a sinus infection?
- Sinus pressure
- Discolored nasal drainage (yellow or green)
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Headache
- Fever
- Bad breath
- Tooth pain
- Ear pressure
What is the best over-the-counter medicine for a sinus infection?
Our picksBenadryl Allergy Plus Congestion Ultratabs.Best OTC sinus decongestant for a headache. Advil Sinus Congestion and Pain.Afrin No-Drip Severe Congestion.Little Remedies Decongestant Nose Drops.Sudafed PE Day and Night Sinus Pressure Tablets.Cabinet Nasal Decongestant Tablets.Mucinex Nightshift Cold and Flu Liquid.
How can I get rid of sinusitis fast?
What Is the Fastest Way to Get Rid of Sinusitis?Get Treatment. ... Flush Your Sinuses. ... Use a Medicated Over-the-Counter Nasal Spray. ... Use a Humidifier. ... Use Steam. ... Drink Water. ... Get Plenty of Rest. ... Take Vitamin C.More items...
What can I take over-the-counter for my sinuses?
Decongestants. These medicines help reduce the swelling in your nasal passages and ease the stuffiness and sinus pressure. They come as nasal sprays, like naphazoline (Privine), oxymetazoline (Afrin, Dristan, Nostrilla, Vicks Sinus Nasal Spray), or phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine, Sinex, Rhinall).
How do you get rid of a sinus infection without antibiotics?
Home Remedies: Treating acute sinusitis without antibioticsInhale warm water vapor. Drape a towel over your head as you breathe in the moist air from a bowl of warm or moderately hot water. ... Apply warm compresses. ... Drink plenty of fluids. ... Use a saline nasal spray. ... Use a neti pot.
Does Covid act like sinus infection?
“COVID-19 causes more of a dry cough, loss of taste and smell, and, typically, more respiratory symptoms,” Melinda said. “Sinusitis causes more discomfort in the face, congestion, nasal drip, and facial pressure.”
What kills a sinus infection?
Generic antibiotics like amoxicillin or cefdinir can be used to stop the growth of or kill bacteria to resolve a sinus infection. Other popular antibiotics prescribed for sinus infections include Zithromax (azithromycin) or Augmentin.
What is a natural antibiotic for sinus infection?
Look for herbal teas made with mullein leaf, chamomile, comfrey, marshmallow, and fenugreek, as they all bolster the respiratory system, or thyme, sage, and elderflower which are natural antimicrobials.
Does Sudafed help with sinusitis?
SUDAFED® Sinus Pressure and Pain tablets work to relieve pressure and pain and helps unblock your sinuses. They also help provide relief from the headache, fever and discomfort that often accompanies sinus congestion.
What happens if you let a sinus infection go untreated?
Left untreated, a sinus infection has the potential to spread to your meninges (the protective coverings around your brain and spinal cord), causing them to become inflamed — a condition called meningitis.
How do I know if my sinus infection is bacterial?
What are the symptoms of acute bacterial rhinosinusitis?Face pain or pressure that's worse when leaning forward.Postnasal drip.Nasal congestion.Pain in your upper jaw.Toothache in your upper jaw.Yellow or greenish discharge from your nose.Fever.Cough.More items...
Will mucinex help 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 best over the counter medicine for sinus infection?
So if you want a sinus infection remedy that can ease your discomfort at a reasonable price, this is the option for you. 2. Ayr Saline Nasal Gel, With Soothing Aloe. For buyers looking for something that doesn’t have too much of a menthol scent, Ayr Saline Nasal Gel with Soothing Aloe is the best over the counter medicine for a sinus infection.
What is the best treatment for sinusitis?
Menthol. Menthol has been a long trusted ingredient for the relief of congestion, used in many lozenges, topical creams, and other healthcare products for the reduction of mucus accumulation. In sinusitis treatments, menthol is incorporated to dislodge mucus and soothe nasal tissues for calming relief against inflammation.
What is the best way to treat sinus infection?
Sinus infection treatments most often come in these three major delivery methods: Spray. Fast and convenient, sprays are the ideal method of delivery for people on the go.
What is the best sinus medicine for kids?
The mixture menthol, eucalyptol, spearmint, pine, and cinnamon pack s a powerful minty punch that leaves the sinuses clear and free from congestion for hours on end. What’s more, the all natural solution causes zero side-effects, making it the best sinus medicine ever for little children.
How long does nasal spray last?
A single application around the nasal cavity and nostrils can provide lasting relief for up to 6 hours, making it the ideal solution for those who do not want to keep applying throughout the day. It is also ideal for use before bedtime, working well to keep the sinuses clear while you snooze. 3.
What is the best way to get rid of stuff nose?
Spray. Fast and convenient, sprays are the ideal method of delivery for people on the go. These products aim to loosen congestion throughout the nasal cavity to provide temporary relief against stuff nose and difficulty breathing. Rinse.
What are the ingredients in sinus medicine?
The most common active ingredients in sinus infection treatments are: Salt.
Over-The-Counter Chronic Sinusitis Treatments
For many, trying home remedies for chronic sinusitis is an easy place to start. Home remedies recommended by ENTs include saline nasal irrigation with a squeeze bottle with warm water, a neti pot, or saline sprays to moisten the nasal pathways clearing the sinus openings.
Your Chronic Sinusitis Self-Assessment
Chronic sinusitis symptoms often get misdiagnosed as other conditions. Allergies, colds and upper respiratory infections share similar symptoms. Yet, chronic sinusitis is a specific category of disease with many new treatment options available. Use our self-assessment to determine if your symptoms could be related to chronic sinusitis.
How to get rid of sinuses?
Hydration. Drinking plenty of fluids is a simple and accessible treatment for chronic sinusitis. The sinuses can drain mucus more easily when you are well hydrated. An air humidifier may also help to hydrate and soothe your nasal passages.
What is the best way to clear mucus from the nose?
Mucolytics , such as guaifenesin, are chemical compounds that can help loosen and clear mucus from the nasal passages, sinuses, and lungs. They dissolve chemical bonds in mucus, making it thinner and helping it to drain more easily. Mucolytics are taken by mouth.
What is the name of the device that is used to rinse the nasal cavity?
Nasal Rinses. Nasal rinses, also called sinus washes, can be done using a Neti pot, bulb syringe, or other irrigation device. These small, handheld devices are filled with salt water, also called saline, that is then squirted or poured into the nose to rinse the nasal cavity.
Why do antihistamines cause itchy eyes?
Histamines can cause stuffiness, a runny nose, and watery and itchy eyes. Antihistamines work by blocking these chemicals in order to alleviate allergy symptoms .
Can decongestants be used as a nasal spray?
Decongestant medications contain ingredients that reduce swelling in the nasal passages and sinuses, which may alleviate symptoms such as stuffiness, facial pain or pressure, and headache. Decongestants can be applied as a nasal spray or taken by mouth.
What are the drugs used for sinusitis?
The following list of medications are in some way related to, or used in the treatment of this condition. Select drug class All drug classes quinolones (9) sulfonamides (7) analgesic combinations (3) upper respiratory combinations (21) second generation cephalosporins (6) third generation cephalosporins (7) ...
What is the name of the inflammation of the sinuses?
Other names: Acute Sinusitis; Chronic Sinusitis; Infection, sinus; Sinus Infection; Sinusitis, Acute; Sinusitis, Chronic. Sinusitis is an inflammation or swelling of the tissues that line our sinuses. Sinuses are air-filled spaces within our skull that help to filter and moisten the air we breathe, give resonance to our voices ...
What is the function of the cells in the sinuses?
Cells that make up the tissues that line our sinuses have two main functions – they either produce mucus to trap microbes and pollutants or have tiny hairs on their surface called cilia that sweep the mucus out of the sinus through tiny openings called ostia back into the nose.
What causes mucus to build up in the sinuses?
Infection, allergy, or pollutants can cause inflammation of the lining of the sinuses, which causes thickening of mucus and an increase in production. This can clog one or more of the ostia, preventing drainage of mucus back into the nasal cavity. Pressure builds up, and symptoms of sinusitis develop. Common symptoms include:
Why does my sinus feel like it's a toothache?
Most cases of sinusitis are caused by viruses and occur following a cold or the flu, or are due to allergies or pollutants such as cigarette smoke.
How long does sinusitis last?
Chronic sinusitis is sinusitis that lasts for more than 12 weeks.
Can bacteria cause sinusitis?
However, it is common for bacteria to also become trapped, so even if bacteria were not the original cause of the sinusitis, they take advantage of the moist, airless environment and quickly multiply, contributing to the symptoms and prolonging the course of the condition.
What is the best medicine for sinus infection?
carrying out a physical examination. swabbing the inside of your nose (not routinely done) Amoxicillin ( Amoxil) is a commonly prescribed drug for acute sinus infections. Amoxicillin-clavulanate ( Augmentin) is often prescribed for a bacterial sinus infection.
How to treat sinusitis with OTC?
OTC decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine ( Sudafed ), may relieve sinusitis symptoms by narrowing the blood vessels. This helps reduce inflammation and swelling.
What is sinus infection?
A sinus infection occurs when the tissue in the sinuses swells up. This leads to a buildup of mucus, pain, and discomfort. The sinuses are the air-filled pockets in the bones of the face that form the top part of the respiratory tract. These pockets run from the nose into the throat.
How to relieve pressure in sinuses?
Keeping your sinuses hydrated can help relieve pressure. Here are some tips to for hydrated sinuses: At night, sleep with a humidifier in your bedroom to help relieve nighttime nasal blockages. During the day and before bed, use natural saline nasal sprays.
How long does sinus infection last?
The big difference between the two is how long those symptoms linger. Sinusitis symptoms typically last no longer than 10 days. Chronic sinusitis can last for 12 weeks or longer. Sinus infections almost always get better on their own.
How to get rid of sinus pain from water?
Shop for a neti pot. 6. Ease facial pain with warm compresses. Applying moist, warm heat may help soothe sinus pain. Place warm, damp towels around your nose, cheeks, and eyes to ease facial pain.
How to get rid of sinuses?
Expose your sinuses to steam. Take regular hot showers and breathe in the damp air. You can also fill a bowl with boiling water and lean over it for 10 minutes. Cover both your head and the bowl with a thick towel. Keep your nose 10 inches above the water. Shop for a humidifier and saline nasal spray. 4.
