Sinusitis is a condition where nasal passages become inflamed, leading to pain and pressure around the nose and forehead. It also causes thick mucus to build up in the sinuses, making it difficult to breathe through the nose. People can usually get rid of this problem with medication, but some may need further treatments, such as a sinus drain or surgery. Treatment options vary depending on the cause of the infection, but many symptoms can be relieved with OTC medications and home remedies.비염축농증한의원
A sinus infection can be caused by a virus or bacteria. The body’s immune system normally fights the germs, but if there is too much mucus or a blockage in the outflow of mucus, it can be hard for the sinuses to drain. This can lead to bacterial infections, which are more serious than viral infections.
The most common antibiotics used to treat sinus infections are amoxicillin and azithromycin. However, a health care provider might use other antibiotics, especially if a person is allergic to penicillin or there is high resistance to that antibiotic in the community. It is important to follow dosing instructions carefully and take the entire course of antibiotics to help prevent recurrent infections.
Other treatment options include over-the-counter (OTC) pain medicines, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen. These medications can ease discomfort and help clear the mucus. OTC decongestants can also be helpful, as they reduce swelling of the nasal and sinus passages. However, it is best to avoid decongestants that combine antihistamines because they can dry out and thicken the mucus.
Allergy medications can also help, especially in people who have allergies that can trigger sinusitis. Allergy tests can help diagnose these, and allergy shots might also be a good option for people with chronic sinusitis.
Getting plenty of rest and staying hydrated can help ease sinusitis. Some people find that applying a warm compress on the face helps, too. Others can try rinsing the sinuses with a saline solution from a nasal spray or Neti pot. This can loosen mucus and make it easier to drain. Some people might find that herbal therapies containing herbs like cowslip, gentian root, licorice, sorrel or verbena can be effective in helping to soothe and drain the sinuses. Sinus surgery is often recommended only as a last resort, when drug therapies fail to improve the condition. It can be performed by an ear, nose and throat surgeon (otolaryngologist). This type of surgery can fix structural problems in the nasal or sinus passages, remove polyps or open blocked passages. It can be done in an outpatient setting, and people can go home on the same day. It is typically performed under local or general anesthesia. This can improve the quality of life for people with chronic or recurrent sinusitis. It can also help reduce the frequency of acute attacks. It can also reduce the need for long-term use of antibiotics.라경찬한의원