Sinus infection...............................................................................................

Question

I have a sinus infection and I went to see my doctor today. She told me its a virus and that anti-biotics will do me no good. I have been trying everything to relieve the congestion. Does anyone know long this will last? Also, I have absolutely no appetite but should I try to eat anyway? Any help is appriciated.

I did do the steam thing with a big bowl of hot water and towel over my head but it didn't do much for me.

I have issues with drinking plain water. it's so boring. is gatorade okay too?

Answer 1

Assuming your sinus infection is caused by a viral infection, your doctor is quite correct. Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infection and have absolutely no effect on viruses! Unfortunately, antibiotics are commonly viewed as 'magic bullets' and are all too frequently prescribed for the wrong reasons.

Decongestants merely treat the symptoms, not the cause. They may make your illness more tolerable, but they cure nothing. Meanwhile your body just heals itself over time (several days to a couple of weeks) while the infection runs its course. Drug manufacturers love this, 'cause they profit from your prolonged sickness.

Concerning your appetite, its normal to lose it while your body fights off a viral infection. Best if you continue to eat if you can (to keep your strength up), but don't worry if you can't face food for a few days ... it won't kill you. Try eating 'light' - fresh or canned fruit, toast, soup (chicken soup actually works! Medically proven!!), or whatever you want to spoil yourself with..., but avoid heavy, greasy stuff - its hard to digest, especially if you're laying down while recouperating. Drink lots of clear liquids, ie; 100% fruit juices, water, etc.

Now comes the cure, if you think you can handle it and actually want to get better sooner. It ain't exactly fun, but it WORKS, and I'm guessing that's all you really care about right now.

Its called a 'nasal rinse', and once you get used to it, you'll use this method every time you feel something coming on because you'll quickly discover how it; A) stops infections dead in its tracks if employed as soon as you feel the earliest symptoms (thus saving yourself a whole lot of misery), and B) it instantly solves the congestion problem, faster and for longer than any pharmaceutical product, period. Drug manufacturers hate this cure because it works, it's fast and it uses only one, free, widely available active ingredient... salt. Good old table salt, that's all.

I'd be happy to explain the 'how to do it', but I won't get into that right here. Post again asking how to do a nasal rinse and I'll be glad to detail how to do one so it's not so unpleasant. I'll also gladly explain the actual physiological reasons as to why it works so effectively so you can understand exactly the what and why of this proven, simple inexpensive cure for colds, flu, sinus infections, and nasal congestion.

Answer 2

drink bookoo fluids, particularly WATER and herbal tea, good ole chicken soup, and of all things: popsicles or ice cream bars. and then, of course, make yourself eat food, but it can be light.

this will help you, since i have long had sinus infections. i learned this by getting the medicine as a result of breaking bones, so i had swelling.

what you need is the medicine that is called Naproxin. that is, over the counter, known as "Aleve." it is precisely the same drug. ask your pharmacist how it will help reduce the swelling in your sinus passages.

you might also try running hot water in your bathroom while the door is shut tight until you have a hot vapor. then go there to breathe it in.

you might also ask the pharmacist if there is a plain saline mist to squeeze into your nostrils. or, something else she suggests. pharmacists know all sorts of things that doctors don't!

if nothing helps, be sure to ask your doctor for a referral to a doctor that is a specialist in eye, ear, nose and throat.

get better!

Answer 3

Even if your doctor will not prescribe antibiotics, they should describe a decongestant. You need the congestion out so go talk to your local pharmacist. Having no appetite is normal when you are sick but drink plenty of fluids and have soft foods and soups. It will get better but it will take time. Your body needs nourishment to heal ... Good luck

Answer 4

Go to your local health store or call and ask them about a vitamin called Air Power. I take this every day and it supports your whole respiratory system. Also, it has the same ingredient ask codeine which helps for congestion. I don't know where you live but try Whole Foods Market or Wild Oats. When you take it you feel a difference in a couple hours after taking it.

Answer 5

it shouldn't last more than about a week, if it does you should go back to your dr. ive had tons of sinus problems, even surgery and one thing that helped a little with the congestion was a nose spray called afrin, you can get it at the drug store or grocery store otc, just thank god you dont have to do saline rinses.

Answer 6

If it is a virus you will have to just "ride it out". It may take anywhere from days to weeks. You should try to eat so that your body has the energy it needs to fight the virus. If you can't eat try to drink alot of orange juice. But soup is always my fave to try to hold down.. Good luck

Answer 7

Uhh the first thing you do to treat sinus infections is use antibiotics. Read it anywhere online. They are caused by bacteria.

Answer 8

Go to another Doctor for a second opinion.

Answer 9

Oh, those suck! Mine usually last a week or so. I take decongestants, drink plenty of fluids and sleep as much as I can.

Answer 10

:( I get sinus infections all the time and my doc always gives me antibiotics..... maybe you should check with another doctor.