How To Kill A Sinus Infection Without Going to the Doctor
Sinus infections are a very common condition. Many “colds” turn into sinus infections because the mucous congestion blocks the sinuses causing them to become inflamed.
The key word here is INFLAMMATION. Inflammation in the sinuses can cause a runny nose, greenish and yellowish mucous production, and even pain. But these symptoms do not mean that you have a bacterial sinus infection.
Certainly a bacterial sinus infection would benefit from an antibiotic. But did you know that 9 out of 10 sinus infections are actually caused by viruses? That’s right, an antibiotic will not cure these infections.
Even more, if you can get rid of the mucous congestion blocking the sinuses and thus decrease inflammation, your body will actually fight off the infection on its own. This will also prevent it from turning into a bacterial infection.
Many physicians are very quick to give out an antibiotic. There are likely a number of reasons for this.
Part of the reason is because many patients feel that an antibiotic will make them better. And I understand this. When you are sick, you’d do anything you can to improve quicker.
Anecdotally, patients who have been treated previously with an antibiotic believe the antibiotic improved their symptoms when the reality is that the symptoms would likely have improved whether they took the antibiotic or not.
In fact, with other non-antibiotic medications, the symptoms could have improved even quicker without the side effects of antibiotics.
The other part of the equation is a doctor’s desire to please their patients. Most doctors realize that antibiotics are generally unnecessary for most sinus infections. Unfortunately it’s easier and quicker to just give out the antibiotic to patients.
You see, it takes less time to educate the patient regarding why antibiotics are not necessary. And the antibiotic generally pleases the patient because it gives a certain hope their illness will be cured.
However, in my own practice, I have noticed that taking just a little extra time to explain why the antibiotic is not necessary, while giving other medications that can help decrease the congestion and inflammation, keeps the patient just as satisfied while doing the right thing for the patient.
And you know what? These other treatments can actually lessen the symptoms and decrease the duration of the illness more than antibiotics.
First it’s important to understand how a doctor determines whether a sinus infection is serious or not.
5 Ways to Recognize Serious Signs of Sinus Infections.
#1: Duration
The length of the infection is an important determinant of the seriousness of the infection.
I usually consider most infections less than 3 weeks to be viral or inflammation related to congestion. At this point, the best treatment is usually medications that decrease the congestion and inflammation. This in turn will alleviate the symptoms and ultimately cure the illness.
When the illness continues beyond 3 weeks, bacterial infection can begin to develop. Though antibiotics can be considered at this point, other treatments may still be the best answer if they have not yet been given a try.
#2: Mucous Color
I will dispel a myth right here and now. Yellowish/greenish mucous does not necessarily mean the infection is bacterial.
Viruses can cause the same color mucous. The reason for the mucous is generally not the actual bacteria or virus, but the body’s immune response to the intruder.
So don’t worry just because you see a colored mucous when you blow your nose. This will also improve as the infection abates.
#3: Sinus Pain
Sinus pain can occur anytime throughout a sinus infection. This is normal and means there is inflammation in the sinuses, as we discussed previously.
However, severe pain, redness over the skin, hardened skin over the sinuses, or even a severe headache are not generally normal and can indicate a bacterial infection.
If your pain is mild when you push on your sinuses, you have a general ache throughout the sinuses, or even a minor sinus headache, treatment other than antibiotics can relieve your symptoms.
#4: Fever
Fever can indicate a number of infections. In general fever is a good thing in my opinion, showing that the body has the ability to mount an immune response to the intruder.
A fever can be caused by both viruses and bacteria. So how do you differentiate between the two?
One way is to see the height of your temperature. A fever is generally considered to be over 100.4 degrees F. I know, you may say that your normal temperature runs low so a fever for you is 99 or above. I understand that this is an elevated temperature for you. But convention currently defines fever as 100.4 or above.
Either way, the higher the temperature, the more I would be concerned for a bacterial infection. However, if I had a fever, I probably would not start thinking about anything other than a virus until the temperature begins rising above 102 degrees F.
If the fever is persistent over a number of days and not relieved by tylenol or ibuprofen, this can also be concerning.
If you are concerned about a fever during a sinus infection, it’s probably best to see a doctor for an evaluation.
#5: Previous Unsuccessful Treatment
It’s important for a doctor to ask their patients what they have been doing to treat their symptoms.
The general response I get is tylenol or ibuprofen for pain or body aches, or Dayquil/Nyquil. Don’t get me started about why I don’t like Dayquil or Nyquil. I will write a separate article on this when I have the chance. Needless to say, the dosing of the different medications in these mixed solutions is just not enough to alleviate symptoms fully.
But I digress – most people have not maximized the potential medications to help their sinus infection. For those that have maximized these medications or have issues with serious sinus infections in the past, antibiotics may be considered.
I would say these patients with previous issues are the minority and most could benefit from a new regimen of sinus medications, NOT an antibiotic.
8 Treatments For Sinus Infections Other Than Antibiotics
#1: Saline Nasal Wash
Saline nasal wash can be a great way to thin out the mucous in the sinuses enough to clear out the blockage. I recommend starting this early on in the course of the illness to prevent the infection from worsening.
You can even make this at home using 2 cups of water and a 1/2 teaspoon of salt. I would add a 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of baking soda to prevent burning that can occur with use. There are also plenty of over the counter saline nasal sprays that you can purchase. You can use this 4-6 times per day.
#2: Vaporizer
Vaporizers are great because they can also thin out the mucous and make you feel a lot better. An easy home remedy, steam is probably the best way to use this treatment. Beware if you are an asthmatic as the steam could cause worsening of the asthma symptoms.
#3: Steroid Nasal Spray
Steroid nasal sprays such as Flonase have been my “go to” remedy recently and the great news is that they are now over the counter. The general recommendation is to use 1-2 sprays per nostril daily.
But I have found great relief using 2 sprays in each nostril twice daily. At these higher doses it is important to remember that you should use this short term, no more than 5-7 days.
These medications can significantly reduce inflammation allowing the congestion blockage to clear and significantly alleviate symptoms.
#4: Decongestants
Basically any over the counter decongestant pill will work fine. I have generally used sudafed. They can definitely work to decrease congestion.
These medications should be used in tandem with others that decrease inflammation like steroid nasal sprays and ones that thin out mucous. They can be very helpful to alleviate symptoms and help to prevent progression to worsening infection.
I would avoid decongestant nasal sprays such as Afrin or phenylephrine. These will work initially to help symptoms but can have a bad rebound effect causing worsening congestion and runny nose when discontinued. Stick to the pills for decongestants and you will be set.
#5: Guaifenesin
Guaifenesin such as Mucinex can certainly break up the mucous, allowing the congestion to clear more quickly.
I find that using this medication alone has done little to alleviate my symptoms or speed up my recovery.
But in combination with other medications listed here, it could be beneficial. And there is little downside in regards to side effects to using this medication.
#6: Breathe Right
Breathe Right strips can be very helpful when congestion is a significant symptom. Though I don’t believe these will help speed up recovery or prevent worsening illness, they can certainly improve symptoms – especially at night when sleeping can be difficult.
#7: Netti Pot
The Netti Pot is used to rinse out the sinuses and help clear the mucous blockage. I have used this before and have not found much benefit.
It feels a bit weird when the water goes in one nostril and out the other. However, it’s another easy remedy that could provide some relief and prevent worsening of infection. Personally, I would just stick to the saline nasal spray.
#8: Atrovent Nasal Spray
This is the last treatment I mention, but perhaps one of the best. Unfortunately, this medication is not yet approved for over the counter use. You will have to get a prescription from your physician.
Atrovent nasal spray is usually used for seasonal allergies causing congestion and runny nose. But more recently providers have noticed that it can work very well for sinus infections to help clear the mucous blockage.
It works by stopping glands from over-producing mucous. What a great benefit for those suffering from a sinus infection. This is another “go to” medication for me when I see patients with sinus infections. It’s also safe in pregnancy and in children 5 and older. Ask your doctor if it is right for you.
Conclusion
Ultimately any infection takes time to resolve. Viral infections usually last anywhere from 1-2 weeks so don’t expect immediate results.
Antibiotics are not necessary in 9 out of 10 cases and I would highly recommend trying the treatments above in combination with each other before resorting to seeing your doctor for an antibiotic.
Certainly if you are concerned that you have concerning symptoms, or the treatments described here are not working, then seeing your doctor would be advised.
What do you think? Are there any other treatments that have helped you in the past? Do you think we should try to avoid antibiotics for sinus infections? Comment below.