Chronic sinusitis can linger over a long period of time.

If a person has an existing medical condition or they are pregnant, it is best to speak to a doctor before using nasal sprays.People can use a humidifier to add moisture to the air.

Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Chronic sinusitis is a long-lasting sinus infection. The main difference between a cold and sinus infection is the severity and duration of symptoms. Enlarging a narrow sinus opening also may be an option to promote drainage.A neti pot is a container designed to rinse the nasal cavity.These self-help steps can help relieve sinusitis symptoms:You'll likely see your primary care doctor first for symptoms of sinusitis. The nose environment cannot kill these types of germs, so using a neti pot with tap water may cause or aggravate an infection.People should make sure to boil the water for a few minutes and let it cool, or they can buy distilled water for use in a neti pot.It is simple to make an irrigation solution for use with a neti pot or syringe. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.© 2004-2020 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. The treatment your doctor gives you will depend on what causes the post-nasal drip, and can include: [1], [4] antibiotics, if the cause is bacterial infection. If your doctor can't rule out an underlying infection, he or she might recommend an antibiotic, sometimes with other medications. © 1998-2020 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Laboratory tests aren't generally necessary for diagnosing acute sinusitis.

Misusing nasal sprays may cause side effects.Using a decongestant nasal spray such as oxymetazoline (Afrin) for too long could make congestion levels worse, so people should not use them for longer than the recommended duration outlined on the packaging.There are also corticosteroid nasal sprays, such as triamcinolone (Nasacort), available over the counter.

… When you've got a sinus infection, take it easier than normal. ... persistent cough, irritated or sore throat, or hoarse voice caused by postnasal drip; bad breath ; feeling generally unwell; Chronic sinusitis is defined as having symptoms for at least 12 weeks, while recurrent sinusitis is more than four episodes of sinusitis a year 2. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. Search for FDA Guidance Documents If your doctor can't rule out an underlying infection, he or she might recommend an antibiotic, sometimes with other medications.

A People can use a neti pot, which is a small container with a spout, for nasal irrigation.It is important not to use water straight from the tap in a neti pot. This type of treatment requires regular flushing in order to maintain clear sinuses. An official website of the United States government: If you wind-up with post-nasal drip and a cough, you may benefit from seeing a doctor, depending on how severe your symptoms are and how long they last. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. Nasal and sinus samples.

If you've had several episodes of acute sinusitis or appear to have chronic sinusitis, your doctor may refer you to an allergist or an ear, nose and throat specialist for evaluation and treatment.When you see your doctor, expect a thorough examination of your sinuses.