Sinusitis

Sinusitis is a swelling in your sinuses causing infection. Your sinuses may become swollen or infected during or after a cold. It is also seen in people who have hay fever, asthma, or are around air pollution. It is most common in adults, but babies and children can get it.

Home Treatment:

• Look after your cold as soon as you get one.
• Blow your nose easily and do not block off one of your nostrils while doing it.
• Drinking lots of fluid helps to keep the mucus thin and it is able to drain better.
• Do not smoke.
• Drink a glass of water or juice every hour you are awake.
• Breathe in moist (wet) air. You could take a shower or fill a sink with hot water and breathe in the air above it.
• Take an oral decongestant or use a decongestant nasal spray. Only use the nasal spray for a maximum of 3 days. Try not to take any medication with antihistamines in them.
• Take some medication like aspirin, acetaminophen (Tempera, Tylenol, or store-brand) or ibuprofen to help your headache. Do not use aspirin or ibuprofen if you are taking blood thinner. If you are unsure ask your doctor or pharmacist.
• If you have mucus running down the back of your throat, you could gargle with warm water to prevent a sore throat.
• Sleep with your head raised up at night.

Return to the Emergency Department IF:

• Your cold symptoms last longer than 10 to 14 days or your symptoms seem to get worse instead of better.
• You have more swelling in your face, or you have blurry vision.
• Fever and sinus pain that gets worse.
• You have colored discharge from your nose that lasts more than 7 to 10 days.
• Your facial pain continues after 2 to 4 days following your visit to the Emergency Department.
• You have colored drainage and a fever you should be seen within in 1 or 2 days.
• You still have trouble with your sinuses even after taking all of your antibiotics as directed.