Sinusitis Home Treatment

Sinusitis is a condition characterized by the inflammation and swelling of the cavities that surround the nasal passages, known as the sinuses. The condition can be acute (brief) or chronic (lasting longer than eight weeks), and is highly treatable. The method of treatment, however, is dependent on the cause, and can include a combination of medication and at-home remedies.

Causes and Symptoms

• Sinusitis, whether acute or chronic, is commonly associated with the common cold, though the possible causes are myriad. They can include tumors or nasal polyps, a deviated septum, allergies, a respiratory infection, injury to the face and immune system cells known as eosinophils.

  The symptoms of sinusitis vary depending on the severity of the condition, and typically include: difficulty breathing through the nose due to obstruction; a thick, yellow drainage (mucus) through the nose and down the back of the throat; pain in the areas surrounding the eyes, nose, cheeks and forehead; and a cough, which is often worse at night and when lying down. Other symptoms, though not as common, include: pain in and around the ears; sore throat ,nausea and fatigue; and bad breath. The symptoms of chronic sinusitis last longer and typically result in a greater feeling of fatigue.

Lifestyle Treatment

• There are a number of ways in which you can relieve sinusitis symptoms at home, expedite the healing process and prevent it from recurring. These include:

  Getting plenty of rest and consuming adequate amounts of fluid, which can help thin out the mucus and aid in its drainage.

  Using steam from a shower or a boiling tea kettle can help loosen the mucus and drain the sinus cavities.

  Use a neti pot or a bulb syringe to flush out the sinus cavities with warm water (called a nasal lavage).

  Sleep with your head propped up on pillows to allow gravity to work and allow drainage. This can also help prevent excessive coughing while attempting to sleep.

Medical Treatment

• The most basic medical treatment available for the treatment of sinusitis is over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen to control pain and OTC saline nasal sprays to clean out the nasal passages. Other possible OTC treatment options include oral decongestants such as Sudafed and decongestant nasal sprays such as Afrin. Although effective, they should only be used for a day or two, as repeated and excessive use can cause what is known as rebound congestion.

  Your doctor may also prescribe nasal corticosteroids such as fluticasone and oral or injected corticosteroids such as prednisone, which help reduce inflammation. Oral corticosteroids are typically only used for severe cases of sinusitis, and they possess the potential of causing severe side effects if used for an extended period of time. As a result, they are typically only prescribed for the treatment of severe asthma symptoms.

  If your sinusitis is caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics are usually prescribed. Examples include amoxicillin, doxycycline and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. You will take the antibiotics for approximately two weeks, and you must use the entire prescription, even if symptoms clear up after a few days.

  In rare cases, surgery may be necessary. Surgical procedures to treat sinusitis typically involve the widening of the nasal passages, the removal of polyps or the repair of a deviated septum. If you have chronic sinusitis, this may be an option; however, you should always discuss with your doctor the best method of treatment.