What is the best over the counter medicine for sinus drainage?

Healthline's picks for best OTC nasal decongestants
  • Benadryl Allergy Plus Congestion Ultratabs.
  • Best OTC sinus decongestant for a headache. ...
  • Afrin No Drip Severe Congestion.
  • Little Remedies Decongestant Nose Drops.
  • Sudafed PE Day and Night Sinus Pressure Tablets.
  • Cabinet Nasal Decongestant Tablets.


What medicine clears up sinus drainage?

Try using a medicine that thins mucus and improves sinus drainage (mucolytic). Guaifenesin is a commonly used mucolytic. Mucolytics are often combined with other medicines such as cough suppressants. Acetaminophen can be found in many forms and comes in different doses.

How do you stop sinus drainage down your throat?

Typically, postnasal drip can be alleviated at home. Elevate your head at night to help mucus drain. You can also gargle saltwater, inhale steam, use a humidifier, and drink warm fluids. These remedies will thin mucus and moisturize your nasal passages.


How do you dry up sinus drainage naturally?

Home remedies
  1. Staying hydrated. The mucous membranes can become inflamed during sinus congestion. ...
  2. Breathing in steam. Share on Pinterest Inhaling steam can help with sinus congestion. ...
  3. Raising the head during sleep. ...
  4. Using eucalyptus oil. ...
  5. Applying warm, wet towels. ...
  6. Trying a neti pot.


What causes excessive sinus drainage?

It can happen for a number of reasons: allergies, viral infections (including the common cold), sinus infections, irritants in the air (such as fumes or dust). Less common causes include something stuck inside the nose (common in small children), pregnancy, and certain medications.


Over the Counter Medication For Sinus Infections / Best Medicine for Sinus Infection / Houston ENT



Why do I have constant sinus drainage?

Common causes of chronic sinusitis include nasal polyps; deviated nasal septum; complications of conditions, such as cystic fibrosis, HIV and other diseases related to the immune system; recurrent respiratory infections; or allergies.

What dries up sinus drainage in throat?

Nasal steroid sprays, oral antihistamines, and pseudoephedrine are some of many ways to help treat postnasal drip.

Why won't my sinus drainage go away?

Infections in your respiratory tract — most commonly colds — can inflame and thicken your sinus membranes and block mucus drainage. These infections can be caused by viruses or bacteria. Allergies such as hay fever. Inflammation that occurs with allergies can block your sinuses.


Why can't I get rid of sinus drainage?

While your chronic sinus drainage issues may have originated with allergies, a cold, the flu, or a combination of these or other underlying problems, chronic sinus drainage issues — symptoms lasting 12 weeks or more — are ultimately almost always caused by a chronic sinus infection (also called chronic sinusitis or ...

What can I take daily for sinus drainage?

Antihistamines and decongestants can often help with postnasal drip caused by sinusitis and viral infections. They can also be effective, along with steroid nasal sprays, for postnasal drip caused by allergies.

How long does it take for sinus drainage to go away?

Most people get better on their own after seven to 10 days. Antibiotics are only helpful for bacterial infections. Most sinusitis is due to viruses or other causes that are not cured by antibiotics. Other treatment options include ways to manage your symptoms.


What is the quickest way to get rid of a sinus infection?

But there are some things you can do to try to speed up the recovery process.
  1. Drink plenty of water. ...
  2. Eat foods with antibacterial properties. ...
  3. Add moisture. ...
  4. Clear the sinuses with oils. ...
  5. Use a neti pot. ...
  6. Ease facial pain with warm compresses. ...
  7. Use over-the-counter (OTC) medications. ...
  8. Get a prescription.


What are the 4 main symptoms of sinusitis?

Symptoms
  • Thick, yellow or greenish mucus from the nose (runny nose) or down the back of the throat (postnasal drainage)
  • Blocked or stuffy nose (congestion) causing difficulty breathing through your nose.
  • Pain, tenderness, swelling and pressure around your eyes, cheeks, nose or forehead that worsens when bending over.


What can make sinusitis worse?

Dry air isn't the only thing that can mess with your sinuses. Seasonal allergies, cologne, perfume, smoke, and other airborne particulates can mess with your sinuses, especially when suffering from a sinus infection.


How do doctors drain sinuses?

Balloon sinuplasty allows the surgeon to dilate a blocked sinus, creating open space, which allows the sinus to drain normally. The surgeon uses a flexible endoscope with a light to guide the insertion of a thin wire. The wire is then moved through the nasal passages toward the opening of the blocked sinus.

Is honey good for sinus drainage in throat?

Honey can calm the nasal passage, irritated throat and clear the excess mucus causing sinus. Blend a teaspoon of honey with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and drink this mixture twice daily to get relief from sinus.

When should I be concerned about sinus drainage?

Your symptoms last more than 10 days. You have a high fever. Your nasal discharge is yellow or green and you also have sinus pain or fever. This may be a sign of a bacterial infection.


How do I know if my sinuses are bacterial or viral?

If your sinus infection lasts for about a week, it's usually due to a virus. Bacterial sinus infections, on the other hand, can persist for some time. They usually last for 10 days or longer. While viral infections usually start to get better after a few days, bacterial infections tend to get worse over time.

What is the difference between sinusitis and a sinus infection?

Bacteria: Sinus buildup due to a cold or allergies can create a breeding ground for bacteria, which in turn can cause bacterial sinusitis. Note that bacterial sinusitis, sinusitis, and a sinus infection are simply different terms for the same condition.

What is the best antibiotic for a sinus infection?

The recommended choices are amoxicillin or amoxicillin/potassium clavulanate (Augmentin) for 5 to 10 days. Doxycycline is a good alternative for people with penicillin allergy, followed by levofloxacin or moxifloxacin.


Can you clear up a sinus infection without antibiotics?

This may give you the idea that you need antibiotics, but most clear up without them. Antibiotics have no effect on viruses and aren't recommended within the first week of developing a cold. About 70% of sinus infections go away within two weeks without antibiotics.

How can I kick my sinus infection without antibiotics?

Most people with acute sinusitis get better without antibiotics.
...
Home remedies you may want to try:
  1. Inhale warm water vapor. Drape a towel over your head as you breathe in the moist air from a bowl of warm or moderately hot water. ...
  2. Apply warm compresses. ...
  3. Drink plenty of fluids. ...
  4. Use a saline nasal spray. ...
  5. Use a neti pot.


What happens if you let a sinus infection go untreated?

Most sinus infections last from a couple of days to a few weeks and are not a serious medical concern, but if left untreated, sinusitis can lead to further complications. These include nasal polyps, a deviated septum and serious allergies.


Can you get sick from sinus drainage?

Sinus infections often cause post-nasal drip — commonly referred to as drainage — which can lead to nausea and vomiting.

How should you sleep if you have sinus drainage?

The best sleeping position for sinus drainage problems and other sinus issues is to sleep with your head propped up. Sleeping with your head propped up will help gravity naturally drain your sinuses and reduce the chance of excessive blood flow that can develop sinus congestion.