Sinus infection

[Toonces]

I can't believe there isn't a thread on this topic already... :confused:

Does anyone know if sinus infections eventually go away on their own, or would I need to take an antibiotic, or are there natural remedies? I have a killer headache and my cheekbones feel like someone hit me in the face with a bat. I'm BFing so my options are somewhat limited. I hate taking antibiotics unless absolutely necessary.

Thoughts/recommendations?

[endymion411]

i get a lot of headaches, tension at the top of my nose and above my eyes. i started doing a saline sinus rinse every day and it has helped tremendously!

i mix my own solution but there is also a commercial product available (i think it is called something like NeillMed).

hope you find something that works for you!

[tenofcups]

Not a doctor--this is just MY opinion based on MY experiences. But for me, no, they will not go away on their own. In fact, the longer I let one go before getting treatment, the longer it seems to take for it to clear up after I start an antiobiotic.

BUT there's also a difference between a sinus infection and just a sinus headache (or even a series of sinus headachess) because of changes in the weather or other temporary conditions. Those headaches will go away without treatment.

I'd at least check with your doctor and see what s/he says.

[KrissyCat7]

I agree with tenofcups. The longer I let mine go the worse they get. In my experience I usually require an antibiotic to make it clear up. Check with your doctor and maybe they can give you some other suggestions.

[bluberry]

I have had sinus infections for the last 11 years, and in the time, I've also had 4 sinus surgeries. One surefire way to tell if you have a sinus infection is (TMI) by the color of your mucus. If it is repeatedly anything but clear, you most likely have a sinus infection. So take a quick peek when you blow your nose.

I've never had a sinus infection that has taken care of itself without some medical intervention. What ends up happening is drainage down the throat begins, which might leave you susceptible to a throat infection too. And I agree with a PP who said, the longer you wait, the harder it is to get rid of. BTW, they don't always prescribe antibiotics. Sometimes, they just prescribe oral steroids (ex. prednisone).

[sublime311]

The sooner you start on antibiotics the sooner you will begin to get relief from the pain.

[BumbleB]

Sinus Infections are different from sinus headaches. Another thing to remember is that each person is different.

For example, I am able to stop a sinus infection on my own most of the time now that I know a few natural remedies. The saline solution tip is a great one - another thing that I have found to really help with both congestion and holding off an infection is a hot/cold treatment on my face. Basically, you boil water and fill one bowl with that and fill another bowl with ice and water. Then you use a washcloth and alternate 5-6 times. 2 minutes on hot, 40 seconds on cold.

When sinus pressure and headaches are constant and you do start getting colored mucus, that is a good sign that it really is a sinus infection and most of the time if it gets to the point where it bothers you consistently for days in a row you probably should see a doctor. That is when I know I've done everything I could to hold it off and it is just not working and then in my case only antibiotics can save me at that point - and I'm learning you have to be forceful with Doctors when you know what your body needs. :rolleyes:

I went about 3 years without sinus infections doing the natural remedies, but this winter was hit with one (a few weeks ago) I think the environment and the type of winter we've had played a huge role in my inability to fight this one off.

[Deorah]

Another thing that is very helpful is to take accidophilus, because sometimes your sinus infections can be caused by an overabundance of yeast in your body..;) I take two extra strength accidophilus pills ever 4 to 6 hours and do that till the sinus pressure starts to ease off which is usually within the first 48 to 72 hours of treatment.

[Toonces]

Thanks ladies! My sinus pain went away after I took Tylenol, so maybe it was a sinus headache and not an infection... ?? I'm going to see how I feel tomorrow. I've had a sore throat for a couple of days. I'll try the natural remedies that were listed and see if that does any good for what I have now.

[diam124]

Maybe it's allergies? My DH is prone to sinus infections and allergies and he's been miserable this week with a sore throat from post-nasal drip. He's pretty sure it's allergies and not a cold

[tgal]

Urrrggg, I am queen of sinus infections! FYI, if you have asthma or environmental allergies you can be more prone to getting them. This year has been the worst. I usually get one in spring and again in fall. So far with all the weather fluctuations, I've had 3 since December. I am now taking meds for #3 and I think this is the worst one I've had EVER, so thanks for posting all the home remedies, I am going to try some of these just to help relieve the pain because nothing is helping and the meds aren't working fast enough.

BTW, pain and pressure are not a sure sign of a sinus infection, as the pp mentioned that can be allergies. TMI, but green mucus is the major indication, especially if you have it longer than 1st thing in the morning!

[coquelicot]

My sinus infections all typically start with a sore throat. Within 48 hours, I begin getting congested. Then the sneezing and runny nose kick in. If I don't get medical attention somewhere in this time frame, it goes into bronchitis, and I can cough incessantly for several weeks after that. The fact that I'm slightly asthmatic doesn't help this. It usually takes an antibiotic to prevent the bronchitis (I guess it keeps the mucus from draining into my throat?). Once I did get a steroid shot right in the hip to clear me up. If I get medical attention, I usually start feeling better in a couple of days.

I usually don't get headaches, though, with sinus infections. Sometimes allergies do bring them on. YMMV.

Knock on wood, I haven't gotten a sinus infection since December. I get about 2-3 a year on average. It doesn't help that I live in one of the Allergy Capitals of the US.

Hope you're feeling better!

[Toonces]

Thanks, ladies! I think it was allergies after all. My sore throat & headache went away. I never had that with allergies before - always just had a runny nose. I guess it's getting to be that time of year.