How do i get rid of sinus infection over-the-counter

Most : Most sinus infections are viral at first so using nasal decongestant spray for up to three days, decongestant pills, and/or saline lavage to rinse out the mucous can help clear the infection. Viral infections can take up to 7-10 days to clear. Of course, bacterial infections may require an antibiotic prescription to clear.

Inflammation : Inflammation of the sinuses may arise as a result of allergies, upper respiratory tract infections with viruses, bacteria or fungi (yeast infection) although another not commonly recognized cause of inflammation of the sinuses arises from reflux of acid from the stomach (laryngopharyngeal reflux or lpr). Most cases are due to a viral infection and resolve over the course of 10 days. This does not however mean that you should be waiting for ten days for resolution of a sinus infection before seeing a physician. A sinus infection is suspected if you experience a headache/facial pain or pressure of a dull, constant, or aching sort over the forehead, between or behind the eyes, over one or both of your cheeks or in the very back of the head. This pain is typically localized to the involved sinus and may worsen you bend over or when lying down. Pain often starts on one side of the head and progresses to both sides. Sinusitis may be accompanied by thick nasal discharge that is usually thick yellow or green in colour and may contain pus (purulent) and/or blood. Often a localized headache or toothache is present (especially the upper teeth and more commonly the canine teeth) and it is these symptoms that distinguish a sinus-related headache from other types of headaches, such as tension and migraine headaches. Infection of the eye socket is possible, which may result in the loss of sight and is accompanied by fever and severe illness. Another possible complication is the infection of the bones (osteomyelitis) of the forehead and other facial bones — a condition also known as pott's puffy tumor. Sinus infections can also cause middle and less commonly inner ear problems due to the congestion of the nasal passages. This can be demonstrated by dizziness, "a pressurized or heavy head", clogging of the ear, popping and crackling sensation from dysfunction of the tube that equalizes the pressure in the middle ear (eustachian tube) or vibrating sensations in the head. The over the counter first line of treatment should include a nasal decongestant spray like afrin which indeed should be limited to three days or less, a mucolytic agent like Mucinex (guaifenesin) or Robitussin to make the thick secretions more watery so they can drain more easily and be removed naturally by the body. Both Mucinex (guaifenesin) and Robitussin come in several preparations. Whenever the name of the medication ends with a d (e.g. Mucinex (guaifenesin)-d) it also contains a decongestant that will help to reduce the amount of discharge and mucous. The advantage of an oral decongestant is drying your nose; the disadvantage is its common side effects including feeling wired at night (having trouble falling asleep) and occasional sensation of a strong, fast or irregular heartbeat, also called palpitations. If, however you feel that within a few days the pain or pressure over your forehead, cheeks, behind your eyes is either the same, worst or accompanied by thick yellow or green mucous or if accompanied by other signs like double or blurry vision, swelling of any part of the face or eyes, fever, prolonged symptoms, neck pain or rigidity etc. Prompt medical attention is in order.