Sinus Infection Medications

Sinus Infection Medications

Before talking about the medication for sinus infection, we need to know how is it caused and where is it located? In order to have a better idea, the understanding of various types of sinus attacks and their treatment would give a better clarity. 

Sinuses are usually hollow cavities found in bones and near the nose. These cavities consist of sinus passage for the normal functioning but during infection they get swollen resulting in blockage of the inside air. Thus, causing discomfort due to the unbearable pain called the sinus attack. 

Sinus attacks are of three types

• Acute sinus attacks: Acute infections are severe. They are found to last for about three weeks.
• Chronic sinus attacks: These attacks are even more severe than acute sinus attacks and the lasts time is about three weeks to eight weeks. It could last longer in some cases and requires prolonged treatment. Some chronic infections can be treated by the use of steroids.
• Recurring sinus attacks: These types of sinus infections are found to occur very often for a particular period.

Acute and chronic sinus attacks often need long-drawn-out treatment which includes therapies using nasal rinses saline, intranasal corticosteroids, antihistamines, mucolytic agents etc., whereas for other normal sinus infections OTC drugs can also serve the purpose.  

Just not the drugs, but some of home remedies are found very helpful for short time relief from the sinus infection effects. Commonly used remedies are:-

• Inhalation of steam.
• Applying pressure on the inflamed area making use of hot/cold bag.
• Applying cinnamon, ginger, basil leaves paste and milk on the forehead along with water.
• Consumption of jalapeno peppers or ripe grape juice.
• Water instillation in nostrils and decoction of powdered mustard seeds.

There are cases in which the sinus infection occurs because of some other reasons. In that case, the ailments causing the infection need to be treated first; these include asthma, HIV infection, fungi allergies, cystic fibrosis, deficiency to the primary immune system and many others. 

Medicine available for sinusitis is called the decongestant which is an antibiotic that fights infection clearing the sinus and also acts as a pain killer. Some chronic infections can be treated by the use of steroids like prednisone. But they are often not used due to their side-effects. 

Even after all this, if the sinus infection remains uncured, there is a need for surgery. Using functional endoscopic surgery of sinus, we can enlarge the sinus opening so that it allows proper drainage. We now know various medication and ways for treatment of sinus infection. So why to suffer when we have got a lot of ways to get rid of it!