I feel a sinus infection coming on... can it be prevented?

[laurajetter]

Ugh, I've had a sinus infection only one time in my life, and that was the last time I was sick maybe 6 months ago or so. It was NOT fun... It was such a miserable thing, and although I usually try to stick things out and not go to the doctor unless I have to, I couldn't deal with this because it wasn't going away and was becoming unbearable.

Now, I just got over a humdrum cold, nothing too bad, but my nasal congestion isn't going away, it's actually increasing... and my jaw is starting to hurt... and the pressure is building... THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED LAST TIME! It's not to the point of being as bad as it was last time, but I think I'm heading down the same road.

To those who know about sinus infections since I'm sort of a newbie, is there anything I can do to prevent it from getting worse? Is there something I can do to make it go away entirely or is it necessary to get antibiotics from the doctor? Will I more than likely get a sinus infection every time I get sick now that I have the past 2 times?

Any info is appreciated.

Laura

 

[CEDmom]

If it really is a sinus infection there's not much you can do but get to a dr quickly. The bacteria is in there and multiplying by the second so delaying going to a dr will just make it worse.

That being said it's possible it's not bacterial and in that case there are things you can do. The important thing is to get the sinuses to open up. One of the best things I do is to put Vicks vapor rub (the cream kind) on my sinuses and then breathe in steam (boil a pot of water and sit with a towel over your head). Make sure you have tissues nearby because you'll need them.

Hope you feel better soon.

 

[Miss Jasmine]

My DH has horrible sinus problems caused by a broken septum. He doesn't want the surgery so he uses NeilMed nasal rinse every day. Since he has started using it, the infections have stayed away. http://www.neilmed.com/

I bought a kit at a local Walgreens.

If an infection has all ready set in, you will need the antibiotics. However, there are times DH starts to feel the pressure, he does the rinse twice a day and it subsides.

 

[CheshireVal]

My DH has horrible sinus problems caused by a broken septum. He doesn't want the surgery so he uses NeilMed nasal rinse every day. Since he has started using it, the infections have stayed away. http://www.neilmed.com/

I bought a kit at a local Walgreens.

If an infection has all ready set in, you will need the antibiotics. However, there are times DH starts to feel the pressure, he does the rinse twice a day and it subsides.

I also used to suffer from chronic sinusitis (I'd have a couple of infections a year but they'd last 2-3 months and required several courses of antibiotics.)

Then I got a nasal rinse kit and I haven't had one since I started using it! (Over a year.... knock on wood!) I use it when I catch a cold or if I start to feel the telltale sinus pressure coming on. It's been a true lifesaver for me!

 

[Steffi]

My DH has horrible sinus problems caused by a broken septum. He doesn't want the surgery so he uses NeilMed nasal rinse every day. Since he has started using it, the infections have stayed away. http://www.neilmed.com/

I bought a kit at a local Walgreens.

If an infection has all ready set in, you will need the antibiotics. However, there are times DH starts to feel the pressure, he does the rinse twice a day and it subsides.

This stuff really does help keep the infections away! My DH uses it, too, and even though he sounds like an elephant hawking up a loogie while he's using it, it's a godsend.

But if you think you already have an infection, go to the doctor... no sense in being knocked flat by a sinus infection if you can nip it in the bud with some antibiotics!