The main aims of the sinus infection treatment include:

• Elimination of the infection
• Reduction the inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages and sinuses
• Promotion of the drainage from the sinuses
• Maintenance of open sinuses

If you could wipe out bacteria from the sinus cavities with antibiotics it helps to relieve symptoms, prevent complications and the risk of chronic sinusitis is also much reduced. Amoxicillin is the choice. If you are allergic to penicillin you may be treated with trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. If the person is allergic to sulphur this drug must be avoided.

If the bacteria are resistant to amoxicillin cephalosporins are used to clear the resistant micro organisms. Antibiotics should not be overused. So, it is better to use amoxicillin for a period of 14 to 21 days. You can take the drug until the symptoms disappear and then take the antibiotic for one more week.

All these drugs have many side effects and it is always necessary to consult your doctor.

Ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen can reduce pain and inflammation. These help to open the airways. Paracetamol can be used to relieve pain and fever but does not reduce inflammation.

The drugs which help to expel mucus from the lungs and respiratory passage are called expectorants. There are over-the-counter and prescription drugs. Here it is better to consult with your doctor to select a good cough suppressant and decongestant. Decongestants help to reduce airway obstruction. There are nasal sprays and oral decongestants.

Strong oral sprays like phenylephrine must be used very economically; otherwise you can become dependant of this spray.

Oral decongestants are tablets or liquids and the active ingredients are pseudoehedrine or phenylephrine. The effect is noticed normally within 30 to 60 minutes. With prolonged use these are also less effective as oral sprays.
All the drugs have side effects and so both nasal and oral decongestants have also side effects. Always consult with your doctor.

In some people the other therapies are not helping and here the surgery may bring relief.

Self-care at home is very important to open the sinuses and prevent their dryness. Drink plenty of water, 3 to 4 litres everyday. If you sweat more, then drink more. You could inhale steam about 10 minutes 4 to 5 times a day. Add Vicks Vaporub and it helps to open the passages.

I have heard from many persons that sinusitis is disappeared after few months of doing oil pulling with sesame oil. It is because the sesame oil can eliminate the micro organisms. Sesame oil has no side effects and surely cheaper than the drugs.