How can I Manage Recurring Sinus Infections?

Recurring sinus infections can occur when something causes inflammation in the sinus cavities. There can be many causes of recurring infections in the sinus cavities, which may include an allergic reaction, an infection, nasal polyps and failure to properly take medication for the initial infection. To manage recurring sinus infections, an individual may use nasal sprays. Often, pain relievers, different types of decongestants and antibiotics may also be used when the cause is another infection. In some situations, surgery may be performed to manage recurring infections.

Nasal sprays can be used to manage recurring sinus infections. There are several different kinds of nasal sprays an individual may use. For instance, an individual may use saline or corticosteriod sprays. In many cases, corticosteriod sprays may be the most helpful. This is generally because they help reduce inflammation in the sinus cavities caused by the recurring infection.

Recurring sinus infections may also be managed with the help of pain relievers. Sinus infection pain can be very overwhelming. Often, the pain caused by a sinus infection will spread into the eyes, ears and sometimes the teeth and jaws. Additionally, a sinus infection can sometimes cause a fever and a pain reliever may be used to manage this symptom as well. An anti-inflammatory may also be used to manage recurring sinus infection inflammation.

Decongestants may also be used to manage recurring sinus infections by breaking up lingering mucus. Generally, they work by promoting sinus infection drainage. In many cases, some people may benefit from taking a decongestant purchased over the counter. For a recurring infection, a prescription decongestant may best serve the individual. For a recurring sinus infection, it is best to consult a doctor on the best way to take the medicines, whether purchased over the counter or with a prescription.

A recurring bacterial sinus infection is commonly managed with antibiotics. In most cases, the course of antibiotics for a recurring infection will be longer than those used for a standard bacterial sinus infection. When taking antibiotics, it is important to use them exactly as the doctor prescribes. In the average case, this will cut down on the likeliness of recurrences.

Recurring sinus infections can also be managed with surgery. Generally, surgery is only performed for sinus infections in extenuating circumstances. For example, if an individual gets recurring sinus infections due to large nasal polyps, he or she may have surgery to remove the polyps. Doctors will usually order several tests and heavily weigh the pros and cons of the individual case before deciding on surgery for recurring sinus infections.