Sinus Infection?

[losgigs]

Has anyone suffered from this and how long did it take to clear up? This is what (adult) son has been diagnosed with after visit to GP. Has had severe headache & describes it as feeling like head is going to burst. Has been taking paracetamol & codeine and since today, amoxicillin. Hate to see him in so much pain. We mums never stop worrying about our offspring, whatever their age. :(

[Clanad]

Sinusitis as well as sinus infection is experienced regularly among people in my profession (commercial pilot) since the constantly changing air pressure (as well as desert dry air while flying) irritates the sinus mucosa membranes lining the cavities, which, in turn, produces more mucous (yuck). Problem is, while the bacteria population naturally present in such areas is naturally controlled by oxygen… nature's greatest bacteria killer, small areas within the cavities become sealed off, due to swelling, etc., and self-perpetuating bacteria growth… often amazingly productive, causes the infection.

Most of us here (I'm in the U.S.) agree that Augmentin, with an efficacy rate of above 94% seems to be the best antibiotic treatment even for chronic sinusitis. However, on the preventive side, use several times a day of any over the counter saline nasal sprays help keep the malady at bay since it prevent the drying of the mucosa and keeps the drainage going.

Some sinus infections are virally caused, in which case, all bets are off, especially in the use of antibiotics.


Hot, damp packs applied to the face and forehead seems to help those that are suffering, as well as keeping the humidity as high as possible.

Those experiencing chronic sinusitis may suffer for a couple of months, while acute sinusitis last maybe only 4 weeks. The usual Augmentin dosage is for 10 days and may be repeated for one more round if needed.

Personally, I'd keep the usage of codeine type pain relievers at a minimum, but I'm certainly no doctor.

If the symptoms persist, many have found relief in using Corticosteroids, which will relieve the swelling. I've used it once a day for maybe 30 days and while it does really help, I've noticed a minor loss of sense of smell.

[woofgang]

sterimar!!! its a sterile saline spray that helps to sooth sinusses and flush out any gunk. Get it from the local chemist. Its not as horrible to use as you'd imagine and very soothing.

[losgigs]

Thanks for both answers, particularly Clanad's detailed reply. I think I will go and get some Sterimar now and hope that that helps. He's sleeping like a proverbial baby at the moment. We have a trip planned in 10 days time with a 4-hour flight so hope he is better in time.

[Robinia]

I know how he feels, I'm suffering too losgigs, I started with a cold 4 weeks ago and this ongoing sinus/earache thing is dragging me down now. I've used enough sterimar to wash my brain out but it hasn't done any more than give temporary light relief and I can't take ibuprofen or codeine. Let's hope a spell of good weather helps us, if it doesn't I might have to resort to antibiotics too.

[losgigs]

Sorry to hear that you're feeling rough too, Robinia. I sympathise and know how rotten it can feel. Bought some Sterimar but he hasn't tried it yet. He managed to grab a couple of hours sleep earlier so at least he wasn't in pain while in the land of nod!

[furrypusscat]

He could try steam inhalations. Put some menthol crystals or some drops of olbas oil in hot water, place towel over head and inhale the vapours. It does help. Repeat a few times during the day.

[237SJ]

If he feels like sleeping a lot, tell him to sleep sitting up. Prolonged laying down is pretty much the worst thing you can do IMO ( the sinuses can't drain efficiently)

[losgigs]

Thanks for all the suggestions. Have located some olbas oil and told him about sleeping propped up, so hopefully he'll be on the mend soon. Seems slightly better today so I guess the drugs are working!