“What medications help with sinus infections?”
My daughter has a sinus infection. What medications help with sinus infections?
4 Answers
Sinus infections (Sinusitis) refer to inflammation of the sinus cavities. There are a variety of antibiotics or steroids that can be prescribed to help treat infection but an alternative that naturally alleviates symptoms of sinus infections is Sinus Rinsing/Irrigation, preferably with my innovative Patent-Pending SinusReLeaf Natural Sinus Rinse, which contains herbal ingredients such as CBG/CBD and Xylitol for anti-microbial protection of delicate nasal mucous membranes, in addition to decreasing sinus inflammation as well. Check it out at https://www.sinusreleaf.com!
For a true sinus infection I would start with a Zpac, an antihistamine(allegra), and a course of steroids (prednisone)Steroids should be taken for 10 to 14 days and stay on the antihistamines for at least that long..
Dr. Scott K. Sokol
Pediatrician
Most sinus infections are usually and initially caused by viruses with other cold symptoms. It can be treated with rest and fluids, Motrin or Tylenol for fever or discomfort, a humidifier And saline nasal spray. However if the symptoms continue for let us say 7-10 days especially If the fever continues and the nature of the mucus changes it may then be a bacterial sinusitis. At that point you may need to have the child seen or your primary care doctor on the basis of The history might then prescribe an appropriate antibiotic.
For sinus infections (sinusitis), the treatment approach depends on whether the infection is viral, bacterial, or chronic. Here’s a brief overview:
For Viral Sinus Infections
1. Symptomatic Relief:
• Decongestants: Medications like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can help reduce nasal congestion.
• Nasal Sprays: Saline nasal sprays can help keep nasal passages moist. Decongestant nasal sprays like oxymetazoline (Afrin) can be used for short-term relief (no more than 3 days to avoid rebound congestion).
2. Pain Relief:
• Analgesics: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help with pain and reduce fever.
For Bacterial Sinus Infections
1. Antibiotics: If the sinus infection is bacterial and symptoms are severe or persist for more than 10 days, antibiotics may be prescribed. Common antibiotics include:
• Amoxicillin: Often the first choice.
• Amoxicillin-clavulanate (Augmentin): Used if amoxicillin alone is not effective or if there is concern about antibiotic resistance.
• Doxycycline or Fluoroquinolones: Alternatives for those allergic to penicillin.
For Chronic Sinusitis
1. Nasal Corticosteroids: To reduce inflammation, such as fluticasone (Flonase), mometasone (Nasonex), or budesonide (Rhinocort).
2. Oral or Injected Corticosteroids: In severe cases, short courses of oral corticosteroids like prednisone may be used.
3. Saline Irrigation: Regular use of saline nasal irrigation with a neti pot or squeeze bottle.
4. Allergy Treatment: If allergies contribute to sinusitis, treating the allergies with antihistamines or allergy shots (immunotherapy) may be beneficial.
General Advice
• Hydration: Keeping well-hydrated helps thin mucus and promotes drainage.
• Humidification: Using a humidifier can help keep nasal passages moist.
It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the exact cause of the sinus infection and to receive appropriate treatment recommendations, especially for children. If your daughter has severe symptoms, a high fever, or symptoms that persist beyond 10 days, she should see a physician for further evaluation and potential prescription medications.
For Viral Sinus Infections
1. Symptomatic Relief:
• Decongestants: Medications like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can help reduce nasal congestion.
• Nasal Sprays: Saline nasal sprays can help keep nasal passages moist. Decongestant nasal sprays like oxymetazoline (Afrin) can be used for short-term relief (no more than 3 days to avoid rebound congestion).
2. Pain Relief:
• Analgesics: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help with pain and reduce fever.
For Bacterial Sinus Infections
1. Antibiotics: If the sinus infection is bacterial and symptoms are severe or persist for more than 10 days, antibiotics may be prescribed. Common antibiotics include:
• Amoxicillin: Often the first choice.
• Amoxicillin-clavulanate (Augmentin): Used if amoxicillin alone is not effective or if there is concern about antibiotic resistance.
• Doxycycline or Fluoroquinolones: Alternatives for those allergic to penicillin.
For Chronic Sinusitis
1. Nasal Corticosteroids: To reduce inflammation, such as fluticasone (Flonase), mometasone (Nasonex), or budesonide (Rhinocort).
2. Oral or Injected Corticosteroids: In severe cases, short courses of oral corticosteroids like prednisone may be used.
3. Saline Irrigation: Regular use of saline nasal irrigation with a neti pot or squeeze bottle.
4. Allergy Treatment: If allergies contribute to sinusitis, treating the allergies with antihistamines or allergy shots (immunotherapy) may be beneficial.
General Advice
• Hydration: Keeping well-hydrated helps thin mucus and promotes drainage.
• Humidification: Using a humidifier can help keep nasal passages moist.
It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the exact cause of the sinus infection and to receive appropriate treatment recommendations, especially for children. If your daughter has severe symptoms, a high fever, or symptoms that persist beyond 10 days, she should see a physician for further evaluation and potential prescription medications.
