A sinus infection, or sinusitis, is a common problem for many people. There are some different remedies for sinus infection relief, depending on the severity of the infection and the frequency of occurrences. Some people experience an acute sinus infection, which is a single infection, and others suffer from chronic sinus infections, which can be much more difficult to get rid of. It is helpful to recognize the symptoms of a sinus infection, which include pain and pressure in the forehead, around the eyes, and in the front of the face, as well as post nasal drip and fever.
All of these symptoms may not be present in different types of sinus infections; a doctor will be able to determine with certainty if it is a sinus infection. Depending on the severity of the sinus infection, the main source of sinus infection relief may need to be antibiotics. It is important to always take antibiotics exactly as prescribed, and to take the entire dose even if the infection appears to be gone. Not taking the entire dose of antibiotics can cause the infection to return worse than before, and it could even cause the bacteria to become resistant to antibiotics.
Aside from treatment from a doctor, there are some at-home remedies for sinus infection relief. To relieve pain and reduce swelling in the sinuses, it is often recommended that one take an over-the-counter decongestant, as well as a pain reliever. Many medications in the drugstore are designed for sinus pain, and may include a decongestant, expectorant, and pain reliever in one; again, be sure to read the package and to follow the directions precisely.
It is also important to stay hydrated when trying to get sinus infection relief. Drink a lot of water as well as hot beverages such as tea. Taking a hot shower or standing over a pot of steaming water can also help to open the sinuses and provide some sinus infection relief; the water should not be boiling or still on the stove to avoid the risk of burns. Sleeping with a humidifier at night can also help to moisten the sinuses and relieve pain.
Many people try to prevent sinus infections through the use of a neti pot. This is a small pot filled with warm saline, and inserted into one nostril, then the other; the water then runs through the nostril and out the other side, cleansing the sinuses. Detailed instructions may be found online, and this can be a great way to prevent sinus infections, help to clear up existing ones, and even help boost the immune system and improve allergies.