The Secret of Great Health Care
Sinus infections
Check out How to Cure a Sinus Infection. It is a more natural way to relieve sinus infections instead of antibiotics, decongestants and nasal sprays. Sinus infections are another cause of head congestion. They are typically the common cold that has gone awry.
Sinus infections are a very common reason for antibiotic prescription. Acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (ABRS) (which is the medical way to say sinus infection) is often misdiagnosed when a common cold is present. This leads to the over utilization of antibiotics. It is the fifth most common diagnosis for which an antibiotic is given.
The average adult is plagued with 2-4 colds each year and children are afflicted with 6-8 colds each year. The common cold is associated with symptoms that make you feel sick – sinus pressure, sinus congestion, sneezing, runny nose and fever. Symptoms usually improve over a 3-7 day period and if they do not get better or get worse, a bacterial sinus infection may be present.
A virus or bacterium causes sinusitis. Bacterial sinusitis is diagnosed when symptoms are present beyond 10-14 days.
A true sinus infection can be associated with many different symptoms including: nasal congestion, thick nasal drainage, cough, face or dental pain, increased facial pressure when leaning forward, headache, sore throat, post-nasal drip, bad breath, fatigue, fever and decreased ability to smell.
One of the most important jobs of a health care provider is differentiating between viral sinusitis and bacterial sinusitis (cold versus sinus infection). This is challenging. Certain questions need to be considered by patients and health care providers when differentiating between the two conditions.
Free PDF Ebook: Cough, Sniffle, Sneeze Other diagnoses to consider Children with sinus infections may have less severe headache and facial pain when compared to adults. Children are also more likely to have persistent nasal congestion, daytime cough and gagging on mucous with occasional vomiting. Chronic sinusitis is a sinus infection that lasts beyond 12 weeks and are more common in those with nasal polyps, a deviated septum, are immunocompromised (have cancer or HIV) or suffer from allergies. It is characterized by chronic nasal congestion but is also associated with fatigue, post-nasal drip and headache. Testing for infections Most cases of sinus infections do not require medical testing other than an interview and physical exam by the doctor. The use of x-rays and other radiological tests are not generally recommended, as they are not very accurate. There are times that x-rays, CT scans or MRIs are indicated. It is sometimes used in those with a complicated case of sinusitis, or those who are not responding to treatment or if there is concern of a complication. The best test to pick up a sinus infection is the CT scan. X-ray is often used but it lacks sensitivity. Ear, nose, throat specialists will sometimes run more fancy tests (such as nasal endoscopy [sticking a camera up the nose] or culturing sinus material). Complications are not common in sinus infections. Some people are more likely to get complications than others. Those who have a weakened immune system are more prone to complications including those with HIV, diabetes or cancer. Certain factors may be indicative of complications and need rapid follow up (see the Red Flags section). Complications include: Red Flags Treatments Treatment of nasal congestion includes both mediation and non-medication methods to relieve symptoms. Rest and hydration should be employed in those with sinus infections. Fluid thins the mucus and helps the body get rid of it. Fluid will also help prevent dehydration, which is especially important in someone with a fever. Utilization of humidity should improve symptoms. A hot shower or a cool mist humidifier may help provide some relieve. Applying a warm washcloth over the sinuses may ease pressure in the face. Nasal saline improves runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throats, cough and the number of sick days in children with cold symptoms. Salt-water gargles can relieve sore throat that often accompanies sinus infections. Multiple over the counter products are available for the relief of sore throats.
Over the Counter Medications To purchase products discussed in this chapter visit The Drug Store Over the counter medications have been thoroughly studied in adults, but these medications have not been studied as well in children. New labeling laws have recommended that the use of many over the counter medications be limited in children under the age of 4. Many of the complications resulting from over the counter medication use in children have been from incorrect dosing. Caregivers need to assure proper doses when giving medications to children. OTC medications in sinus congestion Antihistamines are not recommended for those with bacterial sinus infections. These medications may thicken nasal secretions. The first generation antihistamines may lead to sedation. Other side effects include: dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation and inability to urinate. They are effective at managing the symptoms of sneezing, runny nose and watery eyes. Second-generation antihistamines are effective in the treatment of allergic symptoms but are not recommended in sinus infections.
Decongestants are effective medications in the treatment of nasal congestion. They come in a variety of forms, including: oral, nasal spray or vapor inhaler. Decongestants reduce nasal congestion by constricting the blood vessels in the nose. It also constricts blood vessels in other parts of the body and may lead to an increase in blood pressure. Topical decongestants should not be used for more than 3 days as it may lead to chronic congestion and reliance on the topical decongestant.
The last OTC medication that may provide benefit in sinus infections is guaifenesin (see table 8). There are multiple formulations of this product. The benefit of this medication is that it thins mucus and help the body get rid of it. In sinus infections the combination of guaifenesin with pseudoephedrine may be helpful. Analgesics and antipyretics are helpful in the management of pain and fever. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are the two most commonly used medications in the treatment of pain and fever. Some people like a natural cure to sinus infection. Check out How to Cure a Sinus Infection. It is a more natural way to relieve sinus infections instead of antibiotics, decongestants and nasal sprays.
Antibiotics for Acute Sinusitis Most patients with sinus infections have a viral sinusitis and will not derive benefit from antibiotics, but there are times that antibiotics are helpful. Unfortunately, antibiotics are a very common prescription given to patients for colds. When symptoms persist beyond 10-14 days bacteria may be causing some of the symptoms and the use of antibiotics may resolve the infection. See the antibiotic table for common antibiotics. Some patients may actually clear their infection without the assistance of antibiotic even if symptoms have persisted beyond 10-14 days.
Adults who have mild symptoms such as mild pain and a fever of less than 101 degrees Fahrenheit may be treated with close monitoring and symptom management instead of antibiotics. Sinus infections are typically diagnosed without diagnostic tests and treatment is based on factors the doctor ascertains from the patient. Amoxicillin – which is a type of penicillin - is recommended in both adults and children as the first line antibiotic of choice in bacterial sinus infections. Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), azithromycin (Zithromax), clarithromycin (Biaxin) and some quinolones can also be used in adults who are highly allergic to penicillin. The nation has seen an increase in the amount of resistance there is to TMP-SMX and avoiding this antibiotic may be the best strategy, if another option exists. Individuals whose allergic reaction does not involve difficulty breathing or hives may consider the use of a cephalosporin the treatment of sinusitis. About 10 percent of people who are allergic to penicillin are also allergic to cephalosporins.
What is to be expected? Improvement should be noticed in 3-5 days with complete resolution by day 12. Individuals who do not respond to treatment may need a different antibiotic in the treatment of sinus infections. The second line choice to amoxicillin is amoxicillin-clavulanate (Augmentin) or cefuroxime axetil (Ceftin). The use of probiotics are one strategy that will significantly reduce the risk of Clostridium difficile and other complications of antibiotic use. When you are on antibiotic it is critical to take probiotics to reduce the risk of this complications. Probiotics can be found here. Always keep a supply of probiotics on hand because you never know when you will need to go on antibiotics.
PreventionThose with recurrent sinusitis should be evaluated for allergens, structural abnormalities or environmental factors that may be contributing the disease. Pollution, mold, cigarette smoke or barotrauma can contribute to recurrent infections. Testing for allergic rhinitis, nasal polyps or a septal deviation may provide a cause of recurrent infection. The same strategies used to prevent the common cold are also helpful in the prevention of sinus infections. Questions to Ask Your Health Care Provider
Complications
The goals of treatment include:
Over the counter medications may provide significant relief of symptoms but they are not as effective in kids as they are in adults. Many over the counter medications need to be used with extreme caution in many people.
Natural Treatment for Sinus infection
