More than 30 million people in America suffer from sinusitis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or the CDC. The sinuses are a bony structure lined with mucus membranes, located behind the eyes and nose. When someone develops sinusitis, his sinus cavity becomes inflamed and swollen. Sinus infections cause symptoms such as nasal discharge, postnasal drip, cough, congestion and sinus pain. The best sinus infection treatments include over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, natural remedies and prescribed medication. A doctor should diagnose the condition and recommend treatment.
OTC Decongestants
According to MayoClinic.com, the best OTC drugs used to alleviate the symptoms of a sinus infection are decongestants, saline spray and pain relievers. Decongestants help treat sinus infections by reducing the swelling in the sinus cavity, which allows the sinuses to drain properly. Decongestants work by causing less blood flow to the sinus cavity, which results in a reduction in inflammation.
OTC Saline Sprays
Saline sprays are a mixture of water and salt used to help moisten and cleanse the nasal passages, according to Medline Plus. Saline sprays are administered by blowing the nose, inserting the spray and squeezing the saline mist into each nostril. Blow the nose after application and wash the tip of the bottle to prevent spreading the infection, according to FamilyDoctor.org.
OTC Pain Relievers
Pain relievers are used to alleviate sinus pressure pain. Sinusitis can cause pain throughout the head due to excessive pressure. Pain may be felt in the entire head, the upper teeth or behind the eyes. Pain relievers such as XXXX.
Natural Remedies
According to MayoClinic.com, using steam, drinking more fluids and rinsing the sinuses with a neti pot are effective natural ways to treat a sinus infection. Steam is used to moisten and sooth the irritated sinus cavity; the patient can take a hot shower or inhale the steam from a pot of very hot water. Medline Plus states that drinking more fluids helps thin mucus, allowing the sinuses to drain better. A neti pot is used to flush out the nasal cavity with saline solution, loosening mucus and rinsing the mucus membranes.
Prescription Medication
A doctor may prescribe medication if the sinus infection is caused by bacteria. Bacterial sinus infections are treated with antibiotics to kill the bacteria in the sinus cavity. Most antibiotics alleviate symptoms within a few days, but a patient should complete the full course of antibiotic treatment, which is often 10 days. Nasal corticosteroid sprays are used to treat sinusitis resulting from allergies, according to the MayoClinic.com.
