Self Treatment
As long as the symptoms go away within a few days, a doctor's care for sinusitis is not necessary. However, if there are high fever or chills, difficulty with vision, thick yellow or green mucus discharge, or a temporary loss of consciousness, a doctor should be consulted immediately.
Those who suffer from chronic sinusitis or frequent attacks of acute sinusitis often treat themselves with nonprescription medications and nasal sprays during a short duration of symptoms. However, chronic sinusitis that occurs frequently can cause permanent damage to the sinuses and should be diagnosed and treated by a doctor.
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How-To Information:
Treating Yourself
You can care for yourself at the onset of a cold, allergy attack, or sinusitis symptoms by doing the following:
- Drink more water.
- Keep the nostrils moist with saline nasal sprays, a humidifier
 , or by breathing steam from a basin of hot water. A saline rinse can be made at home by mixing one cup of warm water with 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized salt and 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda. A bulb syringe like those used to clear the nose and throat of babies can be used to rinse the sinuses with the saline solution.
- Discontinue eating dairy products, such as milk and cheese, until symptoms subside, since dairy products contribute to mucus production in the body.
- Avoid substances that dehydrate the body, such as spicy foods, alcoholic beverages, tea, and coffee.
- Avoid excessive forceful nose-blowing.
- Avoid swimming or diving, which can put undue pressure on the sinuses.
- Avoid air travel, or use a decongestant nasal spray if a flight is unavoidable.
- Consult a doctor immediately if a fever or thick yellow or green mucus is present.
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