What Are the Treatments for Maxillary Sinus?

If you have pain, pressure or tenderness just under the cheekbones, your maxillary sinus cavities may have become infected. According to the Merk Manuals Online Library, 10 to 15 million people per year develop sinusitis symptoms, which usually pairs with inflammation of the nasal passages. Treatment focuses on improving sinus drainage and eliminating the infection.

Severe Infection

• Cases of maxillary sinusitis that have more potent symptoms usually need an antibiotic to clear up the infection. Chronic sufferers may be prescribed a lower dose for a longer amount of time. Surgery to eliminate the infection or improve drainage is a last resort.

Steam

• Steam treatments help loosen mucus and feel good. Stand in a hot shower, or lean over a bowl of steaming water with a towel over your head for 10 to 15 minutes, breathing in the steam.

Warm Compress

• A hot, moist towel placed over the cheeks eases maxillary pain and promotes drainage.

Expectorant

• Expectorants, such as Mucinex, help thin mucus, allowing for proper drainage.

Humidifier

• Adding moisture into the air dramatically improves nasal functioning, especially in the dry winter months. Place a humidifier by the bed or the room in which the most time is spent per day.

Saline Nasal Spray

• Inexpensive and effective, saline nasal sprays add moisture directly into the nasal passages. Use twice per day.