DiagnosisYour doctor may ask about your symptoms. He or she may feel for tenderness in your nose and face and look inside your nose. Your doctor can usually make the diagnosis based on the physical exam. Show
Other methods that might be used to diagnose acute sinusitis and rule out other conditions include:
TreatmentMost cases of acute sinusitis get better on their own. Self-care techniques are usually all you need to ease symptoms. Treatments to relieve symptomsYour doctor may recommend treatments to help relieve sinusitis symptoms, including:
AntibioticsAntibiotics usually aren't needed to treat acute sinusitis, because it's usually caused by a virus and not by bacteria. Even if your acute sinusitis is bacterial, it may clear up without treatment. Your doctor might wait and watch to see if your acute sinusitis worsens before prescribing antibiotics. However, severe, progressive or persistent symptoms might require antibiotics. If your doctor prescribes an antibiotic, be sure to take the whole course, even after your symptoms get better. If you stop taking them early, your symptoms may recur. ImmunotherapyIf allergies are contributing to your sinusitis, allergy shots (immunotherapy) that help reduce the body's reaction to specific allergens may help treat your symptoms. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Clinical trialsExplore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition. Lifestyle and home remediesThese self-help steps can help relieve sinusitis symptoms:
Alternative medicineNo alternative therapies have been proved to ease the symptoms of acute sinusitis. It's been suggested that products containing certain combinations of herbs may be of some help. These combination therapies contain cowslip, gentian root, elderflower, verbena and sorrel. Possible side effects from these herbal products include stomach upset, diarrhea and allergic skin reactions. Check with your doctor before taking herbal or dietary supplements to be sure they're safe and that they won't interact with any medications you're taking. Preparing for your appointmentWhen you see your doctor, expect a thorough examination of your sinuses. Here's information to help you get ready for your appointment. What you can doMake a list of:
For acute sinusitis, questions to ask your doctor include:
Don't hesitate to ask other questions. What to expect from your doctorYour doctor is likely to ask you questions, such as:
Aug. 27, 2021 How do you shrink swollen nasal passages?Warm and Cool Compresses: Using a rotation of warm and cool compresses on the face and around the sinus areas will help to reduce inflammation and promote natural drainage. They can also provide natural relief of symptoms such as headaches and sinus pressure.
What is the best medicine for swollen nasal passages?Decongestants. These work by narrowing blood vessels to help reduce inflammation and swelling that cause sinus congestion. Such OTC medications (Sudafed, others) are available in liquids, tablets and nasal sprays.
What nasal spray helps with swelling?Budesonide works on your immune system to reduce the symptoms of inflammatory conditions and allergic reactions such as redness, swelling and itching. The nasal spray reduces swelling and mucus in your nose. It can take a little longer to work than antihistamine sprays but the effects last for longer.
Why are my nasal passages so inflamed?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.
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