We know how frustrated you are with your sinus infection and the myriad of treatment options that are available. Let’s outline a few methods of treatment and while this is just a short list, the most important thing is to make sure you speak to your healthcare provider to ensure you are on the right track. The severity of your disease will  determine how to manage the problem.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are standard treatments for bacterial sinus infections. Antibiotics are usually taken from 3 to 28 days, depending on the type of antibiotic. Because the sinuses are deep-seated in the bones, and blood supply is limited, longer treatments may be prescribed for people with longer lasting or severe cases.

Overuse and abuse of antibiotics have been causing a major increase in antibiotic resistance. Therefore, patients with sinus symptoms should consider taking an antibiotic only if symptoms (including discolored nasal discharge) persist beyond 7-10 days.

Antibiotics help eliminate a sinus infection by attacking the bacteria that cause it, but until the drugs take effect, they do not do much to alleviate symptoms. Some over-the-counter medications can help provide relief.

Nasal decongestant sprays

Topical nasal decongestants can be helpful if used for no more than three to four days. These medications shrink swollen nasal passages, facilitating the flow of drainage from the sinuses. Overuse of topical nasal decongestants can result in a dependent condition in which the nasal passages swell shut, called rebound phenomenon.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines block inflammation caused by an allergic reaction so they can help to fight symptoms of allergies that can lead to swollen nasal and sinus passages.

Nasal decongestants and antihistamines

Over-the-counter combination drugs should be used with caution. Some of these drugs contain drying agents that can thicken mucus. Only use them when prescribed by your allergist.

Topical nasal corticosteroids

These prescription nasal sprays prevent and reverse inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages and sinus openings, addressing the biggest problem associated with sinus infection. Topical nasal corticosteroid sprays are also effective in shrinking and preventing the return of nasal polyps. These sprays at the normal dose are not absorbed into the blood stream and could be used over long periods of time without developing “addiction.”

Nasal saline washes

Nasal rinses can help clear thickened secretions from the nasal passages.

Surgery

If drug therapies have failed, surgery may be recommended as a last resort. It is usually performed by an otolaryngologist. Anatomical defects are the most common target of surgery.

Your surgeon can fix defects in the bone separating the nasal passages, remove nasal polyps, and open up closed passages. Sinus surgery is performed under either local or general anaesthesia, and patients often can go home on the same day.

Complementary Therapies

An area to explore are the available complementary approaches to dealing with the problem of infections of the sinus and management of the associated symptoms. Herbal Medicines contain either single or multiple ingredients of herbs that have been used traditionally for symptomatic relief. These medicines and remedies can be obtained from a number of sources however; when embarking on this type of treatment it’s always a good idea to speak to your healthcare provider.

It is very important not to ignore the signs of sinus infection since early treatment can certainly help to reduce the length of time where you suffer the symptoms