Sinusitis - Can Medications Really Help?

Why Do We Suffer from Sinusitis and Sinus Discomfort?

Your body's nose and sinus membranes have similar responses to viruses, allergic insults, and common bacterial infections. Your sinus membranes become swollen and congested. This congestion causes pain and pressure; mucus production increases during inflammation, resulting in a drippy, runny nose. This is sinusitis.

These secretions may often thicken over time, maybe slow the drainage, and may lead to future bacterial infection of the sinuses. This is chronic sinusitis.

Sinusitis has all kinds of symptoms. Congestion of the nose membranes may even block the eustachian tube going to the ear, resulting in a feeling of blockage in the ear or liquid behind the eardrum. Additionally, nasal airway congestion causes the individual to breathe through your mouth.

Every year, almost 40 million Americans suffer from sinusitis, which typically includes congestion, thick yellow-green discharge, (snot!), facial pain, and pressure. Many do not understand the nature of their illness or what produces their symptoms. Consequently, before visiting a physician, they seek relief for their sinus discomfort by taking non-prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications.

So What Is the Role of OTC Sinusitis Medicine?

There are many different Sinusitis OTC medicines available to relieve the common complaints of Sinusitis, sinus pain and pressure, allergy problems, and congestion. Most of these Sinusitis medications are combination products that associate either a pain reliever such as acetaminophen with a decongestant or an antihistamine. Knowledge of these products and of the probable cause of Sinusitis symptoms will help the consumer to decide which product is best suited to relieve the common symptoms associated with Sinusitis or sinus inflammation.

Personally I would avoid all these so-called Sinusitis drugs, but at least we can look at them now.

OTC Sinusitis medicines are basically designed to help reduce symptoms produced by the inflammation of membranes and sinuses. The aims of OTC Sinusitis medicines are to: (1) open to nasal passages; (2) reduce congestion; (3) stop pain and pressure feelings; and (4) help prevent complications. The medicines come in several types.

Sinusitis Saline Sprays: Non-medicated Sinusitis Sprays
Sinusitis saline is an OK addition to the list of OTC Sinusitis medicines, at least it won't damage you! It is OK for most types of Sinusitis problems. The extra liquid provided by the saline helps reduce secretions and helps in the removing of germs and bugs. There is little or no risk of becoming "addicted" to saline. Sadly, it should be used as a mist to the nasal passages up to six times per day.

Sinusitis saline or salt solution can also be made at home. Simply dissolve six teaspoons of clean common salt in a pint of water. Let it cool. Another great and simple proven Sinusitis solution is to use a sinus infection treatment that destroys sinus infection bacteria - without damaging your immune system. As far as I am concerned, this Sinusitis remedy is the best by far. It is simple, safe and effective. see details below.

Sinusitis Nasal Decongestant Sprays: Medicated Sinusitis Nasal Sprays

Afrin nasal spray, Neo-Synephrine, Otrivin, Dristan nasal spray, and other brands decongest the swollen nasal membranes. They are reckonned to clear nasal passages and are said to be useful in treating the common cold or viral infection. I have nothing against these products, but personally I would avoid sticking a chemistry lab up my nose!

Sinusitis decongestant sprays are said to be safe to use. Some say they are especially appropriate for preventing eustachian tube problems when flying in planes, and to halt the progression of sinusitis infection after a cold. I reckon they should only be used for about 4 days because lengthy use can lead to rebound congestion or "getting hooked on the stuff!"

The patient with Sinusitis swelling caused by seasonal allergy problems, hat fever, could use a cromolyn sodium product or spray. The spray has got to be used often (four or five times a day) during season to stop the release of histamine from the membranes, which can lead to the allergic reaction. Some say it works best before symptoms start by stabilizing the membranes and has few side effects.

Again, the simple proven solution is to use a nasal Sinusitis decongestant that destroys Sinusitis bacteria without damaging your fragile immune system.

Sinusitis Decongestant Medications

Sinusitis Pressure and Sinusitis congestion are common symptoms of Sinusitis or nasal swelling. Medications can relieve swelling, pressure, and congestion but do not treat the cause of the inflammation. They can sometimes reduce blood flow to the membranes which can mean improved airflow, maybe less breathing through the mouth, reduced pressure in the sinuses and head, and so less pain.

OTC decongestants do not relieve runny noses. Their side effects may often include light headedness and giddiness and maybe increased blood pressure and heart rate. (Patients with high blood pressure or heart problems should consult a Doctor before using.) Also, some medicines can interact with decongestants leading to other side effects. Both of these 'cocktail drugs' are available as single products or in combination with a pain killer or an antihistamines. They are advertised as "non-drowsy" due to a side effect of stimulation of the nervous system. If anything, they make you hyper!

Sinusitis Decongestant-combination Products
Some medicines are like cocktails- they are combined or mixed to reduce the number of pills that you take. Tylenol® Sinus or Advil Cold and Sinus® are products that join a pain killer with a decongestant . These cocktail products are said to relieve sinus and cold/flu symptoms yet retain all the qualities of the individual drugs, and I guess that includes all those side effects too.

Sinusitis Antihistamine Medications
Sinusitis Antihistamines are said to combat allergy problems that lead to nasal problems. OTC Sinusitis antihistamines like (Benadryl®), could be used for relieving allergy symptoms like itching, sneezing, and blocked nose. They are said to stop the drainage often associated with the allergy but not blockages or congestion. Antihistamines definately cause sedation causing grogginess and dryness after use. Newer nonsedating antihistamines are available. (Kind of makes you think- Why put the sedative in in the first place...?)

Sinusitis Decongestant Combination Products
Sinusitis Antihistamines and Sinusitis decongestant products are often mixed to prevent the many symptoms of Sinusitis, congestion and drainage and stop some of the side effects of both products.

The combined allergy products are designed to relieve congestion and a runny nose. To avoid side effects, I would consider using a natural treatment that does not make you drowsy in any way at all. Try Sinus Doctor Sinusitis Treatment.

It is natural with no known side effects. But more to the point, I have spoke to several people who swear that their inusitis symptoms disappeared in minutes. I tried it on my father and it cleared his long term sinusitis after just two or three doses.

I personally recommend Sinus Doctor Natural Sinusitis Decongestant Treatment. It seems to stop sinusitis symptoms in minutes and destroys the sinusitis germs pretty quick too.

Joe Johnson 's quality sinusitis treatment can be seen at : 
http://www.sinusinfectiondiscovery.com

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Article Source: Francis Taylor