Antibiotics Worthless Against Most Sinus Infections, Study Says


Updated 02/17/12 10:02 PM · Posted by · 2 comments

Natural Ways to Relieve Sinus Infections

When suffering from the pain and pressure of a sinus infection, getting a prescription for antibiotics becomes priority number one. New research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association put this practice into question. Hold onto your tissues folks — scientists found antibiotics don't ease patients' symptoms any faster than placebo pills. The small study included 166 adults Read more

DrSugar Answers: Sinus Infection Prevention?


Updated 10/14/11 11:48 AM · Posted by DrSugar · 13 comments

DrSugar Answers: Sinus Infection Prevention?

DrSugar is in the house and answering your questions. Dear DrSugar, My husband gets a sinus infection every year. This year it came early and he took antibiotics after fighting it for two weeks to no avail. Well, it seems to be back in a low grade way and it is making him snore, which keeps me up at night! What can he do to boost his immune system to win the battle going on in his Read more

Allergies, Sinus Pain, and Toothaches


Updated 04/28/08 10:50 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 8 comments

Allergies, Sinus Pain, and Toothaches

If I seem obsessed with seasonal allergies, it is because I am suffering this year more than most. I am continually surprised by the odd pains I experience as side effects of my "hay fever," like pains in my molars. Let's start at the beginning. The human body tries to eliminate those pesky allergens with mucus. Yes, the mucus really wants to be your friend, an ally in this battle; but if the Read more

Antibiotics for Sinus Infections: Not a Happy Ending


Updated 12/06/07 3:15 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 9 comments

Antibiotics Not Effective in Fighting Sinus Infections

To kick off cold and flu season, a new British study found that a placebo works just as well as antibiotics (amoxicillin) in treating sinus infections. That conclusion, at least in my book, is not a happy ending. It seems no matter what treatment the 240 study participants tried – antibiotics, steroid nasal spray, or placebo – their sinus infections cleared up after about two weeks. Read more

Sinus Infection or Not?


Updated 09/12/07 11:18 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 12 comments

Sinus Infection or Not?

Every time I get a cold, I spend the entire duration wondering if it is actually a dreaded sinus infection (aka Sinusitis). No one has actually explained the difference in the symptoms between a sinus infection and a nasty cold, so I always just lived in fear that this one could actually be a sinus infection. However, when I recently came across a list of common symptoms of a sinus infection, Read more

Nighttime Habits That Are Ruining Your Sleep and Health


Updated 02/29/12 9:56 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

What Not to Do While You Sleep

You slip under the covers, turn off the light, and rest your head on your pillow. Seems simple and perfect, but here are some things you could be doing in bed that harm your health. Grinding your teeth: Formally called sleep bruxism, many people unknowingly clench their jaw or grind their teeth at night, which can lead to tension headaches, earaches, irritated tissue on the inside of your Read more

Neti Pot Possible Cause of Two Deaths: How to Use One Safely


Updated 12/20/11 10:30 AM · Posted by · 1 comment

How to Use a Neti Pot Safely

Flushing your nasal passages with warm salt water can do wonders for congestion and sinus pain caused by colds and allergies, but use a neti pot improperly, and it could result in death. Louisiana's state health department has issued a warning for neti pots in response to two deaths thought to be linked to improper neti pot use. Both victims filled their neti pots with regular tap water instead Read more

DrSugar Answers: Best Medicine to Take For a Headache?


Updated 10/14/11 11:51 AM · Posted by DrSugar · 3 comments

What's the Best Medicine For My Headache?

DrSugar is in the house! This week she gives us the skinny on OTC pain medications. Dear DrSugar, Do the different types of over-the-counter pain relievers work better for different problems? What should I take for a headache — is aspirin better than ibuprofen? What should I take if I have a fever or the flu? Is there one that's best for dealing with swelling for twists and sprains? What about Read more

Call in Sick to Work When . . .


Updated 10/14/11 11:49 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 19 comments

When to Call in Sick to Work

When I feel a cold coming on, I want nothing more than to complain about my discomfort and lie on the couch watching romantic comedies. Let's face it though, we can't always call in sick for a little case of the sniffles. We also don't want to downplay our symptoms and go to work when a contagious virus is pulsing through our bodies. So call in sick: When you are noticing beginning combinations Read more

Universal Flu Vaccine on the Horizon?


Updated 10/14/11 11:51 AM · Posted by · 1 comment

Universal Flu Vaccine

A little cold I can handle, even a sinus infection, but the flu? I don't remember ever feeling as bad as I did the week I came down with the flu. I was so delirious from my 103° fever, and combined with the chills, body aches, and pounding headache, it was just unbearable. To prevent feeling that horrible every year, I make sure to head to my doctor's office for a flu shot, but it doesn't always Read more