Sinus Infection Symptoms

So you're suffering from sinus infection symptoms. Should you go to the doctor and get some good old antibiotics, or let your body fight the infection?

From experience, I know doctors will often recommend antibiotics for sinus infections.

When I started even thinking a sinus infection was coming on, I would think "okay if I don't feel better in a few days I will go the doctor and get some antibiotics".

I thought antibiotics were the absolute cure for sinus infections. So I would run to the doctor and ask for antibiotics (even though sometimes I wondered if the antibiotics symptoms were worse than the sinus infection symptoms).

I would start feeling better a few days after starting on the antibiotics, so I was convinced they were the key.

Until later, when I had a sinus infection, and the antibiotic I always took, did nothing for me. My doctor thought perhaps this particular antibiotic would no longer work for me. I don't quite understand if the bacterial infection was now resistant to that antibiotic. Or, if that particular antibiotic would no longer be effective for my body.

In any case, it bothered me that an antibiotic no longer worked for me. I came to the realization that I was relying on antibiotics too soon, without giving my body a chance to fight the infections naturally.

Makes you think - how did our ancestors ever get over those sinus infections without antibiotics? Perhaps you don't really need antibiotics?

Could it be that you really don't need antibiotics to get over that sinus infection?

I am not saying that there aren't cases when you should go to your doctor and get antibiotics. If you have a severe sinus infection and the sinus infection symptoms have been hanging on for weeks - go to your doctor and get some antibiotics!

I'm just encouraging you to show some restraint. First try to get over the sinus infection naturally, by using common sense and taking care of yourself. Or, even better take care of yourself when at risk, thus preventing sinus infection symptoms in the first place.

I'm a firm believer that it's better to help your body fight the sinus infection naturally

I hate sinus infections (who doesn't)! I am a pretty healthy guy, I rarely get sick but when I do get sick it seems like it's always those sinus infection symptoms.

Since I am prone to getting sinus infections after colds, and have to live with those miserable sinus infection symptoms for weeks, I have learned a few things.

I have learned that the best things you can do to stop those sinus infections is to keep from getting the sinus infection in the first place. Brilliant!!!

Okay, I'm not a doctor and I'm not giving out medical advice, I'm just letting you know about my experiences with the dreaded sinus infections. I have had enough sinus infections over the years that I have learned simple things I can do to keep from getting the sinus infection, or at least reducing the length of the symptoms.

In most cases, sinus infections are a result of first having a cold. So, the most important thing you can do is to take care of yourself while you have your cold, and as you get over your cold, allowing you body to do it's job the best that it can.

You want to take good care of your body so your immune system can fight the cold and fight off any bacterial infection that is trying to attack your sinuses.

1. Get plenty of rest. I'm not saying you need to stay home from work, but when you get home from work rest. Take a break, lay down on the couch and watch some worthless television, or read a book.

2. Take care of your body by staying away from alcohol and tobacco. Alcohol will dehydrate your body and you want your body to be hydrated, that's why you should also drink plenty of fluids. If you are a smoker, well you know what that is doing to your body - perhaps it's a good time to quit smoking.

3. Drink a lot of fluids like water, juice, hot decaffeinated teas and soup. Stay away from caffeine drinks like coffee. If staying away from coffee in the morning is a hard one for you, have some hot tea or a cup of decaf coffee.

4. Run a humidifier when you are home and while you sleep.

5. Use a saline solution nasal spray to keep help the nasal cavities moist and clear.

6. Get rid of that handkerchief. If you carry a handkerchief with you, to blow your nose on when you have a cold - get rid of it. All of the blowing of your nose into that dirty handkerchief, leads to a breeding ground for bacteria that can end up in your sinuses. Use disposable tissue paper instead.

7. Wash your hands well, especially after being out in public. And, keep your hands away from your nose. Huh? Men have a tendency to pet their mustaches, which puts their fingers against their nose. Another opportunity for bacteria to invade their nasal cavity.

Yeah, you may be like me, I was my own worst enemy in some cases. But, you can teach an old dog new tricks and I have learned how to reduce the chances of me going through those miserable sinus infection symptoms.

Just by being aware of what leads to your sinus infections, and taking extra precautions can go a long way in preventing your sinus infection and associated symptoms.

Give these seven common sense tips a try - I think you'll be surprised how far a little common sense can go.

Over the years I have been prone to developing sinus infections and have learned how to deal with sinus infection symptoms. During that time I have tried a number of sinus infection treatments.

On the rare occasion that I do get a sinus infection, I have found this natural sinus infection treatment recipe, has worked the best for me.

One of the most effective ways to help eliminate sinus infection symptoms is keep you nasal cavities clean, clear and healthy. The best way to keep your sinus cavities clean is to use a sinus irrigation system.

Some of the benefits of sinus irrigation are:
Shrinks swollen sinus membranes
Draws fluids out of swollen tissues
Improves mucus flow
Thins thick mucus for better flow
Washes out of allergy causing irritants
Improves sense of smell
Reduces bad breath
Reduces the length of colds
Reduces the length of sinus infections
Provides relief for sinus infection symptoms
Reduces the need for medications for sinus problems

For sinus irrigation, you really have a couple of options. Mix your own homemade irrigation solution made from house hold products, and irrigate with something like an ear syringe, or a baby bulb syringe. Or, purchase a sinus irrigation system that includes the pre made irrigation solution and the application system.

Each solution has it benefits. Of course making your own nasal irrigation system from home will save you money, and allow you to adjust the irrigation solution to your liking. The most common sinus irrigation solutions are salt based. It's best trying to match the salt level to that of your body. Following is a fairly common solution mixture.
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon white Karo syrup
1 pint warm water

But, if you are uncomfortable mixing your own irrigation solution, or if you want a more powerful type of irrigation, you may be better off purchasing a sinus irrigation system. Pulsating sinus irrigation systems are very popular and do a very good job. However they are usually pretty expensive.

I don't like mixing my own sinus irrigation solutions, but I also don't want to pay $100 for a pulsating irrigation system. So I have not been good about nasal irrigation, even though I know it really helps reduce my sinus infection symptoms.

Finally I have found a great, new, inexpensive sinus irrigation system with a great sinus irrigation solution, and an easy to use delivery system. The best part is, it costs about a third of the pulsating sinus irrigation systems.

The irrigation solution contains dead sea salt which is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. Plus the solution doesn't burn like my own sinus irrigation mixtures, and other solutions I have paid for.

The actual irrigator is pending a patent, is small enough to take with you when you travel, and it can be used by my kids (4 and older). The irrigator cleaning efficiency is very high, and you can easily control the flow speed of the irrigation solution.

I don't really like irrigating my sinuses, but when I feel the need, the NasalCare sinus irrigation system works well for me.

So, if you haven't yet tried sinus irrigation, I suggest you give the NasalCare system a try.

Best Antibiotics for Sinus Infections

An antibiotic is a combination of two words - 'anti' and 'bacterial'. Therefore, an antibiotic is something that destroys bacteria. The Encarta Web Dictionary defines an antibiotic as 'a naturally produced substance that kills or deactivates bacteria, only it has no effect against viruses'. Antibiotics keep bacteria from reproducing inside the body. Antibiotics for sinus infections are very effective as a treatment.

The natural in-built immunity of our body defends against bacterial diseases. When the symptoms of an illness occur, the antibodies destroy the bacteria. Of course a healthy body is more able to fend of illness than a body with a weakened immune system. With the absence of a strong immune system, the body is not capable of fighting sinus infections and your body needs an extra push that antibiotics can provide.

Some of the more common antibiotics include penicillin, cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones and macrolides. The bacteria in the human body feed upon the nutrients, that enable them to develop, and then to split. The bacteria create more cell walls as they develop. Penicillin prohibits the bacteria from building cell walls, which leads to the bacteria bursting. Amoxicillin is probably the most prescribed antibiotic for sinus infections.

Cephalosporins work in a similar way, by destroying the cell wall production of the bacteria. These are effective sinus infection antibiotics for those who are allergic to penicillin. Macrolides do not kill bacteria directly, but instead limit their growth by stopping them from multiplying. This speeds up the recovery time of the body's immune system. In the category of macrolides, common antibiotics for sinus infections are erythromycin and clarithromycin.

The most recent entry into the world of antibiotics are fluoroquinolones, which affect the reproduction process of the bacteria at the DNA level. Among the fluoroquinolones class, the most popular and effective antibiotic is maxifloxacin.

The choice of antibiotic you should take, depends on a variety of factors. Factors including the ability of the body to absorb the drug into the blood stream, the body's resistance to the drug, the type of infection and the cost of the drug, to name a few. The antibiotics prescribed vary from person to person in terms of their effectiveness.

Therefore, antibiotics for sinus infections should only be taken after being prescribed by a doctor, after a careful analysis of the severity of the illness, and consideration of any allergic reactions or side-effects.

To keep from having to take antibiotics for sinus infections, I suggest you take preventative action and keep those sinuses healthy.

I prefer this natural treatment for sinus health.

Sinus Infection or A Cold?

Allergies, colds and viral infections are somewhat common. Sinusitis, sinus infections, are something completely different than allergies or colds.

We all have four air filled sinus cavities in our head that are connected to our nasal passages. Sinusitis occurs as a result of mucous accumulation and blockage in the sinus cavities. Symptoms of sinus infections vary from mild headaches, to severe facial pain and swelling. Sinus infections commonly follow viral infections. This happens because viral infections cause the sinus membranes to swell, limiting drainage and air flow.

Though a sinus infection may seem to be a normal cold, it is much more than that. A sinus infection can last from two to three weeks, to as long as three months if it becomes chronic. Pus filled nasal discharges, facial tenderness, and extreme fatigue are signs of sinus infections. Cough and cold symptoms are often common with sinus infections.

Although sinusitis is fairly easy to detect, medical tests like a CT scan are sometimes used to confirm the disease.

It is possible, but rare, to run a fever when having a sinus infection. Swelling around the eyes may be visible at times. Swelling and redness of the nasal passages also indicates sinusitis.

Most people think that the beginning of a sinus infection is just another normal cold. They try curing it with over the counter medicines. It's only after days of misery and no relief, that they realize they have much more than a common cold. Nausea, upset stomach and fatigue are also symptoms of sinus infections.

Sleeping with an open mouth is another common symptom for those who suffer from sinus problems. The nasal passages become completely blocked causing simple tasks like breathing to become difficult. A person who is suffering from a sinus infection may also experience a disruption to their sense of taste and smell. Having bad breath is also common when having a sinus infection. It's not uncommon for those with sinusitis to be able to taste their own bad breath at times, which is very annoying.

Sinusitis is not a rare disease, in fact it's very common. Though it is fairly easy to cure sinus infections naturally, there are times when prescribed medications are required. In extreme instances, where there is a history of chronic sinusitis, surgery can help eliminate future sinus infections. Many times a deviated septum (usually due to a broken nose) increases the chances of getting sinus infections. Having surgery to have your nose broken and straightened can help. Your doctor can help you determine whether this would be a viable option for you.

Prevention is the best way to avoid sinus infections. I suggest you take preventative action and keep those sinuses healthy. I prefer this natural treatment for sinus health.