• Nasal Saline Sprays
• Nasal decongestant sprays
• Antihistamine medications
• Decongestant medications

Depending on the cause, and symptoms of your sinus infection you can take one or a combination of the above OTC products. According to http://www.entnet.org/, the goals of OTC products are to:

• Reopen the nasal passages
• Reduce nasal congestion
• Relieve pain and pressure symptoms
• Reduce potential for complications

NASAL SALINE SPRAYS

Nasal saline sprays are invaluable to the treatment of sinusitis and can be used to treat any form of infection. Most inflammation and irritation is caused due to dry nasal passageways, and the saline promotes moisture within the nasal passages. This also helps thin congestion and flush out bacteria and other debris causing irritation. Since saline is a warm salt water mixture there is no risk of becoming dependant, and it can be applied in a mist form up to six times a day.

NASAL DECONGESTANT SPRAYS

Nasal decongestant sprays work immediately to remove congestion and clear nasal passageways. The most common decongestant sprays are Afrin, Vicks Sinex, Neo Synephrine and Dristan. These medications should only be used for 3 – 5 days however, because they can damage the delicate lining of the nasal passages. This will cause increased inflammation, or “the rebound effect”, and a dependency can also be formed.

ANTIHISTAMINE MEDICATIONS

If your sinus infection symptoms are caused by allergies then antihistamines are for you. The most common antihistamines are Benadryl and Tavist, and they help to relieve itchy eyes, itchy throats, sneezing and nasal congestion. One thing to keep in mind, antihistamine do have a “drowsy” effect on patients, so it is advisable that they are taken at home when you do not have to drive or operate machinery.

DECONGESTANT MEDICATIONS

Decongestant medications come in pill form and they work by reducing the blood flow to the nasal passageways, effectively reducing inflammation leading to improved air flow and less pressure and pain. A few common decongestant medications are Sudafed, Actifed and Claritin D.

They do not treat the infection so they will often be taken combined with other medications. Side effects often include light-headedness, a general giddiness and increased heart rate. If you have high blood pressure or heart problems it is highly recommended that you consult with your physician before taking these medications.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

While all of these OTC products are effective, a combination is often taken to combat the many different symptoms of sinus infections. If you have tried these products and your symptoms have persisted for longer than 7 – 10 days, it is recommended that you consult your physician in case you might have chronic sinusitis.

There are alternatives to these OTC products as well. Sinus Dynamics specializes in the topical treatment of sinusitis through the use of compounded medication and solutions administered with cutting edge delivery devices. Actively reducing the risks of dependency, and in most cases eliminating the need for surgery, Sinus Dynamics is giving patients the relief they have been seeking in quick and easy daily treatments.

If you would like to know more about the treatments that our pharmacy offers, please contact us now on this site or call us at 1.877.447.4267. One of our friendly staff members will be standing by to help get you headed towards recovery today, so you can start breathing freely NOW!