How to Fight a Sinus Infection

Sinus infections, also called sinusitis, is when the spaces behind the eyes, forehead, nasal bones and cheek bones become filled with mucus, which facilitates the growing of bacteria, fungus and other germs. Sinusitis can be either acute (lasting 2 to 8 weeks and going away on its own) or chronic (lasting longer than 8 weeks and requiring a visit to a physician).

The symptoms of sinusitis usually follow a bad cold that does not improve and include:
bad breath, loss of smell, coughing, fatigue, fever, headache, pains behind the eyes, soreness in the face, congestion in the nose, sore throat, post-nasal drip.

A doctor will check for a sinus infection by pressing on your forehead and cheeks and checking the nasal passages. A doctor may even choose to do a CT scan if symptoms are more subtle or vague.

Sinusitis can usually be cleared up in about two weeks after following these simple steps.

Things You'll Need

• Warm wash cloth
• Fluids
• Steam
• Humidifier
• Saline nasal spray
• Decongestant
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Ibuprofen (Advil)
• Antibiotics

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Instructions

• 1

  Apply a warm wash cloth to your face several times a day. Rest it over your eyes and gently apply pressure. The warmth can help drain some of the mucus from the sinuses.

• 2

  Drink plenty of fluids. The more hydrated you are the more your body will expel mucus. Water will thin the mucus that's causing the clog, and hopefully it will drip out of your nose.

• 3

  Crank the heat in the shower and sit in the steam. Sit comfortably on the floor or on the toilet, close your eyes and inhale the steam. If the clog is not too severe, your nose should start running pretty easily. Do this 2 to 4 times a day. This is a great way to drain the sinuses and relax when feeling under the weather.

• 4

  Use a humidifier while sleeping. A dry room can lead to damaged mucus membranes in the nose. When the mucus membranes are not functioning properly, sinus infections can occur more easily. A humidifier will help keep your nose moist while you sleep. Also, sleeping on your side will help the drainage of sinuses, avoid sleeping on your back.

• 5

  Try a saline nasal spray. Over-the-counter sprays can help alleviate the pressure from clogged sinuses but using them for more than 5 days can actually worsen the effects of sinusitis. Talk to a doctor before using any nasal sprays.

• 6

  Try an over-the-counter decongestant. As in the above step, talk to a doctor first, as some decongestants can worsen sinusitis when used for extended periods of time.

• 7

  Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for the pains in your face or for headaches. These over-the-counter pain relievers such as Tylenol or Advil can help alleviate some pain and discomfort but will not help with sinus congestion.

• 8

  Take antibiotics if a doctor thinks they are necessary. Many cases of sinusitis will cure on their own, but if there is bacteria present, your doctor may suggest an antibiotic.