Q: If you have a runny or stuffed nose, do not automatically assume it is a sinus infection. Typically, home care of over the counter antihistamines, rest, hydration and cold remedies can be utilized to help your body recover. The unnecessary prescribing of antibiotics is causing bacteria to no longer respond to antibiotics, rendering them ineffective. To avoid this, allow yourself time to rest and recuperate before contacting your doctor. If necessary, your doctor can evaluate your condition and prescribe medicines to help you recover and feel better. Seek help if you experience any of the following symptoms: Sinus congestion that lasts for more than 10 days A fever of 102F (38.9C) or higher Symptoms that improve and then worse at or around the 6th day of your illness Ask your doctor for recommendations on what over the counter medicines might help to ease your symptoms. Sinus infections are often accompanied by mucus buildup and congestion, medicines that fight these symptoms can help you get relief. These medicines are available in both pill form and as a nasal spray. Popular decongestant pills include phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) and pseudoephedrine (Sudafed). Generic versions of these medicines will work just as well as long as they contain the same ingredients. Don't use nasal sprays, such as Afrin, for more than three days unless directed this can actually increase congestion. Painkillers (or analgesia) won't usually fight the direct cause of the sinus infection, but they can help with painful aches and sinus pressure. Always follow the directions on the label with these medications they can be dangerous if taken in very high doses. Don't rely on OTC painkillers for more than about a week and a half without consulting with a doctor. Ibuprofen is an especially good choice because it's also an anti-inflammatory. This means that it can reduce the swelling in the sinus passages, helping to relieve mucus buildup and pressure. Other good OTC painkillers include acetaminophen (paracetamol) and naproxen sodium. Only take recommended dosages of these medications. Overdoing it with these medications can cause serious issues, such as kidney or liver problems. Sinus infections can have a wide variety of causes. For instance, some sinus infections aren't the result of a disease, but instead a reaction to substances in the air that the sufferer is allergic to. Luckily, there are medicines available to fight allergy symptoms and make you feel better: Most OTC medicines used for allergies belong to a type of drugs called antihistamines. Examples include diphenhydramine (Benadryl), Brompheniramine (Dimetapp), and Loratadine (Claritin). If you have a sinus infection and you haven't ever been tested for allergies, it can be a wise idea to schedule an allergy test with your doctor. This can prevent you from wasting time with solutions that don't work for you. Antibiotics are a type of medicine that kills harmful bacteria in the body. If your doctor believes that your sinus infection is caused by bacteria, she or he may prescribe you some antibiotics to fight it. Do not take antibiotics that were not prescribed for you and do not take old antibiotics that were prescribed for a different condition. If you are given antibiotics, it is important to follow your doctor's instructions as you use it. Don't stop taking it if you feel better before you're done with the medicine always take the full course of antibiotics. This can cause the bacteria to adapt to that antibiotic, which will keep it from working in the future. Keep in mind that the use of antibiotics to treat sinus infections is controversial among doctors, so some doctors may not be willing to prescribe them. In some cases sinusitis may be severe or chronic in nature, and not due to bacterial infection. In these cases, your doctor may prescribe you a type of medicine administered through nasal spray which includes a corticosteroid. These drugs help fight inflammation in your sinus passages, improving the flow of mucus and relieving pressure. Brands include Nasacort and Flonase.
A: Make an appointment with your doctor if symptoms last longer than ten days. Talk to your doctor about taking an over-the-counter (OTC) decongestant. Ask your doctor about taking OTC painkillers to help ease sinus pain. Discuss allergy medications with your doctor. Ask your doctor about antibiotics for bacterial infections. Talk to your doctor about prescription steroidal medicines for severe sinus infections.

Q: Vitamins A and C play a major role in the immune system's function. Mix up the color and kind of vegetables you eat in order to provide your body with the nutrients it needs to produce blood cells. Eat leafy greens, like kale and spinach, as well as orange vegetables, like carrots. Be sure to talk to your doctor about any dietary restrictions due to medications like blood thinners. Protein provides your body with the amino acids necessary for WBC production. Choose lean proteins, like seafood, skinless poultry, lentils, and beans. Consume between 0.8 and 1 gram of protein per kilogram of your body weight daily. If you weigh 130 pounds (about 59 kg), you should consume a minimum of 47 grams (about 1.7 ounces). Avoid processed or deli meats. If you're undergoing cancer treatment, you'll likely need more protein than recommended. Ask your registered dietitian how much daily protein you should eat. Multivitamin supplements can be helpful if you're having trouble eating during medical treatment. If you're undergoing any treatments, it's essential to get a recommendation from your specialist or dietitian. Some vitamins and minerals can be harmful during cancer therapy or interfere with chemotherapy or radiation. Selenium and zinc can help your body produce more white blood cells. Consult your doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements. You should drink at least 64 fluid ounces (1.9 L) of water every day. Water is essential to the function and production of cells. You may need to drink extra water if you're vomiting, experiencing diarrhea, or not eating much. If you're undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment, talk to your dietitian about goals for water intake. While your immune system is compromised, it's important that you take time to rest. If you overwork yourself, it can cause your condition to worsen. Instead, plan breaks into your day, say "no" to unnecessary activities, and ask for help when you need it. Remember that it's okay to ask for help. Don't say yes to things that aren't important to you. Spend your limited energy on your priorities. When asked to do something you don't want to, say, "I'm sorry, I have another commitment," or "That sounds wonderful. I wish I could participate, but it's just not a good time for me right now." While it may seem difficult to get the sleep you need while you're worried about your health, it's essential that you get a good night's sleep every night. Too little sleep can further reduce your white blood cells, worsening your condition. Set a bedtime and discuss it with those who live with you. Follow a calming sleep routine. For example, get ready for bed earlier, take a warm bath, lower the temperature of your home, lower the lights, and do a calming activity such as reading or knitting.
A:
Eat five to nine servings of vegetables per day. Eat lean proteins. Consider a multivitamin supplement with vitamin B12 and folate. Drink more water. Reduce your activity level. Sleep more.