I see sinusitis and sinus-related symptoms all the time in the clinic. This time of the year, it happens more commonly with weather changes and allergens.
It is often mistreated, and many become chronic sinusitis with long-term symptoms.
Going back to the basics. Sinuses are bony boxes in your forehead, cheeks, and behind your nose. These are usually filled with air. That’s when they feel normal and light.
When you have a cold from viruses, or bacteria or have seasonal allergies, your sinuses get inflamed, and this pours fluids into the bony cavities. Silent reflux can be a big trigger for chronic or recurrent sinus problems which is largely missed, or the cause is not treated frequently.
When these bony boxes or cavities are filled with fluid, they make them feel heavy and often give you a headache, cheek pressure, or toothache-like feeling. Sometimes you may feel ear pressure or ear pain and dizziness too.
Post-nasal drip keeps happening, and you get a sore throat from the drainage and also cough. Occasionally a fever and swollen neck glands can also be present.
Most folks immediately get an over-the-counter Pseudoephed or “cold and sinus” pill, thinking it will fix it. Or some folks run to get antibiotics and that fails badly as well.
It does feel better for a day or two when this medication dries up the mucus in your sinuses. But remember, your sinuses are full of mucus, and fluid has not been decongested or drained. The moment moisture comes back in, the mucus swells and becomes fluffy again, giving you the same feeling of fullness. Do you think you will feel better? of course not!
Whenever you have sinusitis meaning sinus pressure, headaches, the first step is to decongest.
How do you decongest? Here are couple of ways to decongest
- Steam inhalation – this opens up your sinuses and allow your sinuses to drain
- Mucinex plain or Guaifenesin 600 mg twice a day for 1-2 weeks
- Anti-histamine like Claritin or Zyrtec 10 mg once a day for 1-2 weeks
- Nasal spray with light dose of steroid like Flonase (Fluticasone) or Nasacort (Triamcinolone)
- Drink plenty of room temperature water throughout the day to help liquify your mucus and get it flowing.
- Vitamin C, D and Zinc is helpful to assist with your immune system so your body can fight off the bugs quicker. Super C tablets are now available that are a combination of C, D and Zinc and can be taken one pill twice a day for a week or two when you are sick.
- Netty pot / saline sinus rinse is a great option as well.
Try all of these things right away and if not better see a doctor.
When to take antibiotics for sinuses?
- If your symptoms are lasting over 7 days in spite of all above treatments
- Sinuses are tender to touch
- If you have swollen and tender lymph nodes in your neck
- Your sinusitis was getting better and now started to get worse
- At the discretion of your physician depending on your other medical conditions
Other important things to not forget is hand hygiene!
If you have silent reflux or GERD symptoms, manage those well so you do not land up having chronic sinus congestion.
I hope this information helps you in managing future colds and sinuses!
Let me know if you are interested in hearing about any other common medical illnesses.
Have a happy and safe Holiday season!
