Sinusitis is extremely common. It can affect both males and females of all ages. And an average of 2 to 3 episodes of sinusitis affect adults each year due to viral infections like colds or influenza, while children have 6 to 8 episodes per year.

In the United States, sinusitis occurs more commonly in the Midwest and Southern regions. People are more likely to develop sinusitis more frequently in the fall, winter and spring.

However common sinusitis is, it can still lead to a lot of complication so treatment should not be put aside. There are lots of sinusitis treatments available nowadays that can help treat the infection earlier. Appropriate treatment of the early symptoms of sinusitis can help avoid more complications, long-term problems and the cost of curing them.

Let us mention some of the sinusitis treatment that is available for any one who needs it. But we must keep in mind that sinusitis treatment also depends on the cause of the infection.

If the sinusitis is due to virus infection, no antibiotic treatment would be required. Pain and fever medication that can be bought over the counter would be recommended. The use of decongestants can also help relieve nasal congestion, pressure and pain. Oral or spray decongestants may also be bought over the counter. But most sinusitis caused by viruses usually go away on their own without treatment.

Sinusitis caused by bacterial infection is usually treated with antibiotic therapy. The antibiotics that can treat the sinus infection better must be able to eradicate different kinds of bacteria. For an uncomplicated sinus infection, Amoxicillin can be the first acceptable antibiotic to take. But if the patient is allergic to Penicillin, they can also use antibiotics like Cefaclor, Azithromycin or Clarithromycin among others. They are effective more often in recurring sinus infections that may involve resistant strains of bacteria. Taking oral decongestants may also help in assisting drainage of sinus infection.

Sinusitis caused by allergy can be treated using antihistamines. Antihistamines can reduce mucus secretions and sinus swelling. This is best used if it is already certain that the person already have allergies or already experiencing allergic symptoms. Oral antihistamines such as Claritin, Allegra or Zyrtec are less likely cause drowsiness. Spray antihistamine such as Astelin or over the counter Nasalcrom would also be an option.

There are other sinusitis treatments available that can also be done alone.

Irrigation can be one of the most effective self help measures you can take to prevent and treat sinusitis. Irrigation involves washing the sinuses daily with salt water. Sinus washing is an age-old practice. This helps the sinuses flush away cold viruses, bacteria, allergens and fungi. Saline nose spray can also be very helpful and can be done between irrigation or on days that you are not irrigating.

Hydration is important to keep the sinuses well hydrated to keep mucus membranes from drying out which prevents the mucus membranes against bacterial infection.

Steroid Nose Spray can be the most effective medication for managing sinusitis. It can shrink the swollen nasal membranes, help reduce mucus secretions and help prevent allergic reactions.

With a lot of treatments available for sinusitis infection nowadays, people affected by it can easily just go to the drugstore and purchase medications over the counter. But as many treatments there are, the more choices you have. So it is still better to consult a physician first and ask for a prescription than having to go straight to the drugstore and purchase any medication available. Physicians would know better what needs to be done on the kind of sinus infection that you have.