#BEST OTC MEDS FOR SINUS INFECTION HOW TO#

If you’re having trouble sleeping, try a combination cold and sinus sleep medication, like Nyquil. Throat sprays or cough drops can help with post-nasal drip symptoms. Tylenol or ibuprofen work well for fever, muscle aches, headache and sore throat symptoms. Over-the-Counter (OTC) RemediesĪny OTC remedies typically used for colds can also help treat sinus infections, as greater than 80 percent of symptoms are caused by viruses. Think you have a sinus infection? Here are the best treatment options according to Dr. Those, however, aren’t contagious to others. Alatorre says.īacteria or allergies can also cause sinus infections. Typically, you’re contagious a few days before symptoms begin until symptoms go away, which can be about two weeks,' Dr. The virus that leads to your sinus infection is contagious to others. Some people who get a common cold virus will notice swelling, inflammation and mucus buildup in the sinuses, which is a sinus infection. “The majority of sinus infections are caused by viruses. The sinus infection, itself, isn't contagious but what causes it may be. If you experience a fever greater than 100.4, notice any changes in taste or smell, recently travel or know of an exposure, it's best to get a COVID-19 test. It can be hard to tell the difference between COVID-19 and a sinus infection, especially if you've been vaccinated or have mild symptoms. Viral infections see improvement by day six or so, with a fever only in the first one to three days,” Dr. “Bacterial sinus infections can last for 10 days or more, don’t improve with time and can cause fevers of 102 degrees or higher. She lists the following as sinus infection symptoms: “Most common cold viruses can also cause yellow or green coloring to the drainage as well.” “Most feel if they have sinus drainage that isn’t clear, it’s a sinus infection – but that’s not the case,” Dr. But these symptoms, including the color of your nasal drainage, don’t necessarily mean you’re going to end up with an infection. Alatorre sees more sinus symptoms and complaints in the fall and spring, usually coinciding with increased viral illnesses.

#BEST OTC MEDS FOR SINUS INFECTION HOW TO#

Whether you’re suffering through your first sinus infection, or you get them year after year, Katherine Alatorre, DO, UnityPoint Health, covers how to get rid of a sinus infection, including sinus rinses and other remedies, to help you get relief fast. Sinus infections bring facial pain, pressure and overall discomfort, which can leave you with your head under a pillow for days.

Best otc meds for sinus infection