Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinus glands that can be caused by an infection or as the result of allergies. When the condition is the result of an infectious bacteria, it is usually preceded by a cold or flu-like illness. Symptoms of a sinus infection include headache, facial pain and runny nose.
Antibiotics
A sinus infection often looks at first like a cold, which is viral and will not respond to antibiotics. A cold typically runs from five days to a week and should clear up on its own with rest and fluids. After seven days, however, if symptoms persist, there is a good chance that a sinus infection is the cause of the illness. Many ear, nose and throat doctors prefer to take a sample, or culture, from the throat to identify the bacteria in order to prescribe the proper antibiotic. Once started, antibiotic treatments should begin to clear up the symptoms within one or two days. The most common antibiotics used to treat a sinus infection, according to the Mayo Clinic, include amoxicillin, doxycycline or a combination medicine. A physician may prescribe a different antibiotic if the infection persists after the first treatment.
Over the Counter
Over-the-counter medications can help relieve the symptoms caused by a sinus infection. Saline nasal solution can be sprayed into the nasal cavities to rinse out the sinuses two or three times a day. Corticosteroids, which come in nasal spray form, are used to fight the inflammation caused by the infection. The Mayo Clinic recommends products that contain fluticasone, mometasone, budesonide or triamcinolone. Decongestants that come in various forms such as liquid, nasal spray and tablets can help to dry up the sinuses. Decongestants should be taken for only two or three days to avoid reinfection. Aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be used to reduce fever and as pain relievers.
Home Remedies
In addition to the medications, there are steps that can be taken to improve the recovery from a sinus infection and make the patient more comfortable while the drugs work. Rest is important to allow the body time to heal. Fluids such as juice and water can help to dilute the mucus that results from a sinus infection and promote additional drainage. Steam can help to alleviate the pain of a sinus headache as well as assist with drainage. Holding the head, covered with a towel, over a steaming sink of hot water is one way to get steam into the sinuses, while hot showers, baths and steam rooms also can prove effective. Sleeping with the head elevated will prevent the drainage from moving into the lungs and chest, and warm compresses applied to the eyes and nose can soothe painful, throbbing sinuses.
