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Mon, 07 Jan 2008 11:41:00
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 The sinuses provide an important bodily function by insulting and reducing the weight of the skull. |
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Article by:
eHow
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Nearly everyone
experiences sinus congestion and/or an infection at some point in their
lives. Some people may get them on a frequent and chronic basis due to
congenital malformations or allergies, but luckily, most people get
them occasionally and can be treated and cured by following some simple
guidelines.
The signs and symptoms of a sinus infection include, but are not
limited to: headache, low grade fever, facial heaviness, ear fullness,
fatigue, and feeling like your head is "very heavy"
Difficulty: Challenging 1. Step One
Sinuses are balloon-like structures in the head that can become clogged
with mucus, dander and/or a combination of foreign substances. By
simply blowing your nose gently on a regular basis, and following it
with a good hand washing, you may help prevent sinus problems from
turning into infections. Some clinicians even recommend gentle
"irrigation" with STERILE salt water on occasion if sinus congestion
and/or infections are a recurring problem. 2. Step Two Take any prescribed antihistamine or
decongestant to keep your sinus passages open and allow for the
congestion to drain. Do not use most over-the-counter (OTC) nasal
sprays for more than 3 days, since your sinuses may get "addicted"
(dependent on them to remain open). Ask your nurse practitioner before
using any OTC nasal spray.
3. Step Three
Apply warm, MOIST heat to help with sinus pressure and discomfort.
Simply taking a nice warm shower and allowing the warm water to shower
your face can make you feel better. Warm face packs also work well, but
make sure the packs are just warm to the touch before placing them over
your foreface (sinus area). Don't burn yourself!
4. Step Four
Drink plenty of CLEAR fluids. In medicine we
have a saying: "The secrete to pollution is dilution!" Dilute all of
the heavy mucus by drinking water, sports drinks, or other clear
fluids. Avoid milk, creams, or other dairy products that can increase
congestion.
5. Step Five
Take the ENTIRE pre scri ption as directed if your
nurse practitioner or physician prescribes an antibiotic. You should
NEVER EVER have "left over" antibiotics. When you stop taking
antibiotics before the full course of treatment is over, all you are
doing is allowing the germ or bug that has infected you become stronger
to that particular antibiotic, leading to antibiotic resistance.
Antibiotic resistance is a major health problem throughout the world,
and people die from simple infection that no longer responds to
therapy, because they now have a "super bug!" You here in America
taking only partial doses of antibiotics contributes to super bug
formation throughout the world.
6. Step Six
Always, always, always WASH your hands before
and after you blow your nose, take your medications or even think about
it. Simple correct hand washing saves lives!
 Tips And Warnings
As with any medical advice on the Internet, always
consult your personal health care provider before implementing any
health care action.
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