Symptoms
A sinus infection, also known as sinusitis, is an inflammation of the tissues that line the sinuses. Viral or fungal infections can cause the sinuses to become inflamed, blocking air or mucus inside the passages. This blockage can cause much discomfort for the sufferer. But treating sinusitis means treating the infection, relieving the pain caused by poor drainage, and reducing the nasal and sinus swelling. Each of these symptoms needs to be treated individually.
Nasal Decongestants
A person suffering from sinusitis may experience blockage in their nasal passages. An over-the-counter decongestant will reduce swelling in the mucus membranes of the nose, making the airways easier to breathe through.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids, a prescription medication, will reduce swelling in the nasal passages. Many of these medications come in the form of an inhaled nasal spray.
Mucolytics
Mucolytics aid in thinning the mucus that blocks the nasal passages. Once the mucus is thinned, the nasal passages can be cleared more easily.
Pain Killers
Because there is often a lot of pain associated with sinusitis, pain killers or over-the-counter analgesics are often used. Products containing ibuprofen, aspirin or acetaminophen will help to reduce the pain.
Antibiotics
When sinuses become blocked with fluid, germs can grow inside and cause an infection. A doctor may prescribe antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the infection.
Tags: nasal passages, reduce swelling, sinuses become, will reduce, will reduce swelling