There are no shortages of sinus infection medicine out there. Sinus infection medication include antibiotics, as well as antihistamines, decongestants, nasal saline irrigation, leokitrienes, mucolytics, and steam inhalation. In addition, let us not forget about steroids.

As we all know, sinus infections can be caused by allergies, thus, a medication for sinus infection your doctor will prescribe you are antihistamines. However, depending on the severity of the infection, you can get it over-the-counter at your local pharmacy. This particular treatment comes with a down side, which manifests itself in the form of side effects. Grogginess and sleepiness along with dryness are all adverse effects that people experience taking antihistamines. Doctors counter this by including a decongestant, usually already added in the ingredients of the antihistamine that the he or she prescribes.

Next up on the list are decongestants, which are also readily available over-the-counter at your neighborhood pharmacy. Decongestants reduce congestion, nasal pressure, and nasal inflammation by slowing the amount of blood flow to the membranes, which in turn helps you to get back breathing through your nose instead of your mouth. It also lessens pressure in the sinus cavity and head, while easing discomfort.

Unfortunately, decongestants cannot do anything about a runny nose. In addition, people with high blood pressure, or heart related ailments should consult a physician before attempting to take a decongestant, because one of the side effects includes an increase in blood pressure.

People that get sinus infections due to asthma are usually given an anti-inflammatory prescription drug called leokotrienes. It is useful in preventing inflammation in the airway and sinus cavity. However, skin rashes, upset stomach, crusting, headaches, bleeding, and dryness of the nasal passages are all nasty side effects associated with this drug.

Another method that doctors use to treat sinus infections is mucolytics. It destroys or dissolves the mucus that makes it difficult for people to breathe; it is also very effective on coughs. It is available in liquid and tablet form. The most effective way to use it is to inhale it when placed inside a nebulizer.

After being treated with mucolytics, it becomes easier to breathe and achieve drainage. The mucus breaks up and is expelled through coughing. However, if you cannot expel the mucus through coughing then a suction apparatus must be used, which is mostly used for little children.

Steam inhalation and nasal saline are all also in the doctor’s playbook for treating a sinus infection. Fortunately, this is the only treatment of the latter that does not come with side effects. These treatments are safe and are not addictive. You can use these for about three to five days. They work immediately especially if your infection is a result of a viral attack.

Depending on how bad the sinus infection is, your doctor may decide that treatment with steroids is the best way to get you up and running. These steroids are used for inflammatory conditions and are known as glucocorticostroids. They are taken orally, by injection, or simply applied to the skin.

Known side effects associated with it are weight gain, increased appetite, increased blood pressure and blood sugar, sleep disturbances, mood swings, upset stomach, and fluid retention. Fortunately, these horrible side effects go away after you stop taking the steroids.

If you are suffering with a sinus infection you may want to look into sinus infection home remedies.