Sinusitis

Sinusitis is inflammation or infection of the sinuses. The symptoms of sinusitis can be similar to a cold.  The key difference is that a cold usually improves within 7 to 10 days whereas sinusitis may last longer and worsen with time. 

Home remedies for cold symptoms or sinusitis:

• drink plenty of fluids (6-10 glasses of water or juice per day)

• apply moist heat ( hot towel or gel pack)  to your face for 5-10 minutes, several times a day.

• breathe warm, moist air from a steamy shower, hot tub, or even a sink filled with hot water. Using a humidifier will increase the moisture in the air in your home. 

• using saline nasal spray (e.g. Ocean) to irrigate and drain nasal cavity.

• use over the counter antihistamines to dry nasal secretions.

• blow nose gently when needed. forceful blowing may force thick mucus back into the sinuses and block them. 

If your symptoms persist longer than 7-10 days, despite the above home treatments, you should consider seeing a clinician. The most common causes of sinusitis are viral infection and allergies.  In these situations antibiotics have no added benefit.  In fact, overuse of antibiotics promotes the development of resistant bacteria.   Antibiotic treatment should be used only when your clinician suspects a bacterial infection.  If you are prescribed an antibiotic, you should tale the medication as directed.  Do not skip or discontinue the medication until the full course of antibiotics is complete.