According to the CDC, 28.9 million Americans struggle with chronic sinus infections each year. That is 11.6 percent of all adults in the United States. Are you one of those adults?
We know how frustrating it can be to get sick. So, we made a guide on how to get rid of a sinus infection. Continue reading to learn more about treating your sinus infection.
What is a Sinus Infection?
A sinus infection or Sinusitis is a build-up of fluid in the air-filled pockets of the nasal cavity. The excess fluids allow germs to develop in the cavities. Common causes of a sinus infection are viruses and bacteria.
Anyone can get a sinus infection, but some are more at risk. Here are some common sinus infection causes:
- Seasonal allergies
- Exposure to smoke
- Structural problems of the sinuses
- Poor immune system
What are the Symptoms of Sinusitis?
Symptoms of a sinus infection or Sinusitis last an average of 10 days for most individuals. Some commons signs of Sinusitis are:
- Pressure or pain in the face
- Cough
- Headache
- Post-nasal drip
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Nasal congestion
- Loss of smell
- Fatigue
If symptoms persist past 10 days, you should see a health care specialist. You should also seek medical care if you are experiencing severe pain. If your fever is increasing or has lasted more than three days, get help immediately.
You should speak to a medical professional if you have multiple sinus infections a year. They will be able to help you get this problem under control with treatments. You can learn more about sinus infection symptoms at Sinushealth.com.
How to Get Rid of a Sinus Infection
After receiving a diagnosis, doctors will prescribe a treatment based on symptom severity. If the sinus infection is severe doctors will prescribe an antibiotic.
Some common antibiotics for sinus infections are Amoxil and Augmentin. The antibiotic treatment may last between 3 to 28 days. It’s important to take the medication as directed to get the best results.
In most cases, doctors will not prescribe antibiotics in their treatment plan. They will suggest several at-home or over-the-counter treatments.
Some common treatments are:
- Warm compress
- Drinking fluids
- Nasal irrigation
- Humidifier/Vaporizer
- Steam
- Chicken Soup
- Acetaminophen
Ways to Prevent a Sinus Infection
The best way to prevent a sinus infection is to practice healthy habits. Some simple ways are to keep your hands clean and avoid people that are sick.
You can also add a humidifier to your home to prevent sinus infections. This clarifies the air within your home. You should also avoid smoking or secondhand smoke.
Doctors also suggest keeping up to date with your vaccines. Some common vaccine preventions are the flu and pneumococcal vaccine.
Learn More About Us
We hope you learned how to get rid of a sinus infection. There are many treatment options for those who have it. Don’t be afraid to mix up your treatment approach with doctor guidance.
If you enjoyed reading about this topic, check out our other blogs. We post regularly about health and fitness topics for your enjoyment.
