How long does a sinus infection last?
A sinus infection has similar symptoms to a common cold. The big difference between the two is how long those symptoms linger. Sinusitis symptoms typically last no longer than 10 days. Chronic sinusitis can last for 12 weeks or longer.
Sinus infections almost always get better on their own. Antibiotics won’t help a sinus infection caused by a virus or an airborne irritation, like secondhand smoke. But there are some things you can do to try to speed up the recovery process of sinus infection symptoms dizziness.
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Drink plenty of waterrnTo help flush the virus out of your system, make sure you’re adequately hydrated. Aim to drink at least 8 ounces of water every 2 hours.
Eat foods with antibacterial propertiesrnTo fight the virus, add antibacterial foods like garlic, ginger, and onions to your meals.
You can also try drinking ginger tea. Add raw honey for an extra boost. Honey is packed with antioxidants and has antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Add moisturernKeeping your sinuses hydrated can help relieve pressure. Here are some tips to for hydrated sinuses:
At night, sleep with a humidifier in your bedroom to help relieve nighttime nasal blockages.rnDuring the day and before bed, use natural saline nasal sprays. These can be purchased from your local drugstore and used several times a day to help break up congestion. Avoid sprays that contain Oxymetazoline because you can become dependent on this spray.rnExpose your sinuses to steam. Take regular hot showers and breathe in the damp air. You can also fill a bowl with boiling water and lean over it for 10 minutes. Cover both your head and the bowl with a thick towel. Keep your nose 10 inches above the water.rnClear the sinuses with oilsrnEucalyptus oil can help open up the sinuses and get rid of mucus. One study has found that the main ingredient in eucalyptus oil, cineole, helped people with acute sinusitis recover faster.
To alleviate sinus or upper respiratory infections, use eucalyptus oil externally on the temples or chest, or inhaled via a diffuser when the oil is added to boiling water.
Make sure you only use food-grade essential oils. Rub one drop of each oil on the roof of your mouth, then drink a glass of water.
Use a neti potrnNasal irrigation is a process often used to ease the symptoms of sinusitis. According to recent research, using a neti pot with a saline solution can get rid of some symptoms of chronic sinusitis.
Follow the directions supplied with your specific neti pot. Here are general directions:
Fill the pot with the saline solution.rnIncline your head over the sink at a 45-degree angle.rnInsert the spout of the pot into your top nostril. Carefully pour the saline solution down that nostril.rnRepeat the process with the other nostril.rnAdvil sinus congestion and painrnBe careful to sanitize your neti pot after every use. Only used distilled water. Water straight from the sink may have contaminants, like bacteria or parasites, which could make your condition worse.
Ease facial pain with warm compressesrnApplying moist, warm heat may help soothe sinus pain. Place warm, damp towels around your nose, cheeks, and eyes to ease facial pain. This will also help clear the nasal passages from the outside.
Use over-the-counter (OTC) medicationsrnIf you’re not finding relief from home remedies, ask your pharmacist to recommend an OTC treatment. OTC decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), may relieve sinusitis symptoms by narrowing the blood vessels.
This helps reduce inflammation and swelling. It may improve the flow of drainage from the sinuses.
If you have high blood pressure, consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking pseudoephedrine. There’s a line of cold and sinus medications specifically for people with high blood pressure called Coricidin HBP.
Pain caused by a buildup of pressure in the nasal passages may be eased by using one of the following:
AspirinrnTylenol sinus severernacetaminophen (Tylenol)rnibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)rnIf the nasal congestion is caused by an allergic reaction, antihistamines may help block inflammation.
Always follow your pharmacist’s advice and the guidelines on the package when taking OTC medications.
Get a prescriptionrnYour doctor is unlikely to prescribe antibiotics unless you have chronic sinusitis or if your sinus infection is bacterial. Your allergist or primary care provider will determine whether your sinus infection is caused by bacteria or a virus. They’ll do this by:
asking about your symptomsrncarrying out a physical examinationrnswabbing the inside of your nose (not routinely done)rnAmoxicillin (Amoxil) is a commonly prescribed drug for acute sinus infections. Amoxicillin-clavulanate (Augmentin) is often prescribed for a bacterial sinus infection.
Depending on the type of antibiotic, they may be taken from 3 to 28 days. It’s important to take antibiotics for as long as your doctor has prescribed them. Don’t stop taking them early, even if your symptoms improve.
Take it easyrnIt takes time to get over sinusitis. Get plenty of rest to help your body fight the infection.
Seeking help for a sinus infection
Consult your doctor if you or your child has:
a temperature higher than 100.4°F (38°C)rnsymptoms that have lasted for more than 10 daysrnsymptoms that are getting worsernsymptoms that aren’t eased by OTC medicationrnseveral sinus infections over the past yearrnIf you have a sinus infection for eight weeks or more or have more than four sinus infections per year, you may have chronic sinusitis. Common causes of chronic sinusitis are:
allergiesrnnasal growthsrnrespiratory tract infectionsrnWhat causes a sinus infection?
A sinus infection occurs when the tissue in the sinuses swells up. This leads to a buildup of mucus, pain, and discomfort.
The sinuses are the air-filled pockets in the bones of the face that form the top part of the respiratory tract. These pockets run from the nose into the throat.
A sinus infection may be caused by anything that stops the sinuses from draining, such as:
the common coldrnhay feverrnexposure to allergensrnnonallergic rhinitisrnchanges in air pressurernViruses cause 9 out of 10 sinus infections in adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Trusted Source.
To reduce your risk for sinus infection:
Wash your hands often, especially after you’ve been in crowded places, like public transportation.rnKeep up to date with recommended immunizations.rnLimit exposure to people with colds or other upper respiratory infections, if possible.rnAvoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smokernUse a clean humidifier to keep the air moist in your home.rnGet plenty of rest if you have a cold to reduce your risk for complications, like sinusitis.rnWhat are the symptoms of a sinus infection?
Common symptoms of sinusitis include:
nasal congestionrnloss of sense of smellrnmucus dripping down the throat from the noserngreen nasal dischargerntenderness under the eyes or on the bridge of the nosernmild to severe pain in the forehead or templesrnsinus tooth painrnsinus pressure in earsrncoughrnfatiguernfeverrnbad breath or unpleasant taste in the mouthrnWhat’s the outlook?
Sinus infections are very common. Symptoms normally go away on their own within 10 days. OTC medications and natural remedies may help relieve your symptoms. If your symptoms last more than 10 days, talk to your doctor.