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With the acute, viral form, the main aim is to ease the symptoms while the inflammation settles on its own. The following tends to help:
Certain herbal preparations have also shown a soothing effect in studies. With the chronic form, other measures come first, above all corticosteroid nasal sprays over a longer period, treating allergies and, in some cases, surgery. This is managed by the ENT practice.
Decongestant nasal sprays work quickly: they make the lining shrink, and the nose is clear at once. But that is exactly what makes them tricky.
If they are used regularly for longer than about a week, the lining gets used to them. As the effect wears off, it swells up more than before, and the nose is blocked again. You reach for the spray once more, and a cycle begins that can lead to dependence. Doctors call this medication-induced rhinitis, or rhinitis medicamentosa.
How to avoid the trap:
More on the active ingredient: Xylometazoline.
The short answer: usually not. Since the vast majority of sinus infections are caused by viruses, antibiotics generally do not help and are not needed. They barely shorten the typical course, but they can cause side effects and promote resistance.
An antibiotic is only considered in certain situations, for example:
If an antibiotic is needed, amoxicillin is usually the first choice. The decision is made by the doctor, not by the colour of the nasal secretion.
If a medicine is needed after all: brite keeps you on track.
Whether a prescribed antibiotic, a steroid nasal spray or your allergy medicine: brite reminds you of every use, warns about interactions and keeps track of how long you have been using your decongestant spray.
Get started for freeWith a simple, acute sinus infection you usually do not need to see a doctor straight away. But you should seek medical advice:
Whether a decongestant spray, a steroid nasal spray or a prescribed antibiotic: brite helps you keep the overview and remember every use.
An acute, viral form usually clears up on its own within two to three weeks. If the symptoms last twelve weeks or longer, it is called a chronic form, which should be assessed by a doctor.
Usually not at all, as the cause is almost always viral. An antibiotic is only considered with severe symptoms, a high fever, a clear worsening, signs of complications or in people at particular risk.
No. Yellow-green secretion also occurs with a perfectly ordinary viral inflammation. The colour alone is not a reason for an antibiotic.
For no more than about five to seven days in a row. With longer use, a rebound effect with increased swelling can set in, called medication-induced rhinitis (rhinitis medicamentosa). For longer use, saline sprays are suitable.
Nasal rinses with saline, steam inhalation and, for a short time, a decongestant spray. Corticosteroid nasal sprays can also dampen the swelling, above all with an allergic component.
The acute form lasts less than twelve weeks and usually follows a cold. The chronic one lasts twelve weeks or longer, can come with nasal polyps and belongs in specialist care.
The cold viruses that trigger it can be passed on, for example through droplets. Whether this leads to a sinus infection, however, depends on the individual person.
When the symptoms do not improve after about ten to fourteen days, last a long time or keep coming back, or with severe pain, a high fever or warning signs such as swelling around the eye. The latter need help at once.
