Sinusitis, or a sinus infection, is a common ailment. You can get a sinus infection following exposure to a virus, bacteria, or fungus. The symptoms of a sinus infection include pressure in your sinus cavities, postnasal drip, and fever. A few remedies can help you deal with these symptoms.

Sinusitis treatment

If you have a sinus infection, drink lots of water. Staying hydrated increases drainage of any mucus you have. Hot tea does the same. Exposure to steam also helps break up congestion and open your sinuses to promote sinus drainage. Boil water and stand over the pot after taking it off the stove to inhale the steam created, or purchase a vaporizer or humidifier to keep in your house and use it periodically. To enhance the effects of the humidifier or vaporizer, try adding some eucalyptus or peppermint oil, or a bit of menthol rub. Taking painkillers such as ibuprofen or naproxen can lessen sinus pressure and headaches, open your airways some, and reduce swelling of your nasal cavities. Acetaminophen can help reduce any fever you may have. You may also want to take decongestants and expectorants. Decongestants break up mucus lodged in your chest due to the postnasal drip. An expectorant help loosen phlegm so that you can cough it up and clear it out of your chest. Expectorants also make the mucus thinner, allowing you to remove it more easily. Sometimes, over-the-counter nasal sprays and cough medicines help with mucus drainage. You may turn to apple cider vinegar for a similar effect. Drink small amounts of apple cider vinegar throughout the day during your sinus infection, as the vinegar works as a decongestant and mucus thinner. Sometimes, a sinus infection won't clear up on its own. In these cases, you need to see a doctor. If the infection is bacterial, the doctor should prescribe an antibiotic, such as amoxicillin. You need to take most antibiotics for sinus infections for at least 10 days. It is common for some people to need antibiotics for up to 21 days to clear the infection up. Generally, your doctor monitors your progress, and if there is no change in symptoms within a week, she may prescribe a stronger antibiotic. Very rarely, you may need to have a surgical procedure to unblock your sinuses. This is usually done only if your sinus infections are chronic and severe.

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