Common cold and sinus infection symptoms are similar. The difference is in the duration of those lingering symptoms. Normally, the symptoms last for not more than ten days, but in chronic sinusitis, the suffering can be more than 12 weeks.
According to the ENT doctors at the Baton Rouge Clinic, treatments for sinuses depends on the kind of infection. In the case of a viral sinus infection, there is no treatment but if it is a bacterial infection then the doctor will prescribe antibiotic therapy.
The doctor determines the cause of sinus infection after they discuss your symptoms, conduct a physical examination, and swab the inside of your nostrils.
Symptoms of sinusitis
- Stuffy nose
- Headaches
- Excessive mucus in throat
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Facial pressure
- Fatigue
- Aching teeth or jaw
- Fever
- Bad breath
Helpful steps to get relieved from sinus infection symptoms
Antibiotics will not help if you struggle with a viral infection of airborne irritation [secondhand smoke]. You can try to speed the recovery process by taking the following steps.
Drink lots of water
Sufficient hydration is needed to flush the virus out from your system. After 2 hours, drink minimum one glass of water.
Consume immune-boosting food
Garlic, onions, and ginger are immune-boosting food that will help to combat the virus, so add them to your meals. World Health Organization has recommended that it is healthy to eat 2 to 3 grams of fresh garlic daily. Drink ginger tea including raw honey. Honey is rich in anti-bacterial, antioxidants, and antifungal properties.
Keep sinuses moist
Hydrating the sinuses helps to relieve pressure. Some tips to keep sinuses hydrated –
- A humidifier in the bedroom helps to stay relieved from nasal blockages at night-time.
- To break congestion, use saline nasal sprays during the day as well as before bedtime.
- Take a hot shower and breathe damp air.
- Lean over a bowl filled with boiling water. Use a thick towel to cover yourself together with the bowl and breathe the steam for 10 minutes to break the congestion.
Clear congestion with essential oils
Nilgiri or Eucalyptus oil helps to open sinuses and eliminate the mucus. Ensure to purchase food-grade essential oils. You can rub some drops on a handkerchief and inhale slowly.
Apply warm compresses
A warm, damp towel placed around your eyes, nose, and cheeks will help to ease the facial pain. Even the nasal passage from outside gets cleared.
Call the doctor if the sinus infection lasts for more than ten days or symptoms worsen or temperature is above 100.4°F or you suffered from sinus infection several times within a year.
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