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Sinus Cocktail
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SinusCocktail.com is focused on providing information about the sinus cocktail (aka the sinus cocktail shot) and other health related information - especially those pieces of information related to the sinuses. It is hoped that the reader will find this information useful as they go about selecting and understanding possible treatments. You will find, among other things, a description of when the sinus cocktail is used, what it is used for, what is in a sinus cocktail, and links to various other resources that cover or mention the sinus cocktail. So, what is sinus cocktail? A sinus cocktail can actually be a couple of things, but most of the time the phrase refers to a collection of drugs that are administered to people who are suffering from various sinus related issues such as sinusitus, sinus pain, allergies, sinus inflammation, runny nose, itchy nose, headache. A sinus cocktail can also refer to a collection of ingredients (not necessarily all medications) put into a drink to help with sinus problems. Examples of such a concoction can be found at many homeopathy sites (for example see here). |
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A sinus cocktail can actually be a couple of things, but most of the time the phrase refers to a collection of drugs that are administered to people who are suffering from various sinus related issues such as sinusitus, sinus pain, allergies, sinus inflammation, runny nose, itchy nose, headache. A sinus cocktail can also refer to a collection of ingredients put into a drink to help with sinus problems. Examples of such a concoction can be found at many homeopathy sites (for example see here ). |
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Typical contents might include 1/2 cc of each of the following: - Brompheniramine (think Dimatapp / antihistamine)
- Dexamethasone 8 (dex 8 is a long acting steroid to reduce swelling of sinus membranes)
- Dexamethasone 4 (dex4 is a faster acting steroid)
- Diphenhydramine (benedryl. This might or might not be included, depends on the doctor and the patient)
Note: These are not necessarily the actual drugs that will be used in YOUR sinus cocktail. This recipe is actually a sample "sinus cocktail" recipe found in the health section of this link. This recipe is based on the classes / types of drugs expected to be in the average sinus cocktail. There is no standard recipe for the sinus cocktail across the medical community. However, there is a standard set of the TYPES of drugs that go into the sinus cocktail, and the recipe above illustrates the TYPES of drugs you can expect in the sinus cocktail shot (medication) your doctor would give to you. |
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Antibiotics work against bacteria, but they do nothing for viruses. Because most sinus infections are caused by viruses it is not expected to be useful (or prudent for that matter due to antibiotic resistance buildup) to include an antibiotic in a sinus cocktail. It should be noted that if a bacterial infection is believed to be present then an antibiotic may be prescribed and / or included with the cocktail. |
The below information can be found at http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/antibiotics/pdfs/tg_sinus.pdf. The content has been provided here for you convenience, but you should refer to the original source for the most up-to-date version of this info.Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses. Most cases of sinusitis are caused by viruses. Other causes include: · Allergies · Exposure to smoke, dust or other irritants in the home, school or workplace · Bacterial infection
Do antibiotics help sinusitis? Antibiotics only help sinusitis when it is caused by a bacterial infection. Because sinusitis is usually caused by a virus, antibiotics won’t help most cases of sinusitis. Taking antibiotics won’t prevent a stuffy nose from turning into a bacterial sinus infection. In fact, taking unnecessary antibiotics puts your family at risk for developing resistant infections later. What about yellow or green mucus? The color of mucus does not reliably predict whether or not you have a bacterial sinus infection or need antibiotics. It’s normal for mucus to change color from clear to yellow, green or white when your body’s immune system is fighting a virus. Sinus Treatment Guide For ParentsAntibiotics are rarely needed unless your child has one or more of the following: · Pain or pressure on one side of the face · Swelling around the eye area · Postnasal drip (may cause dry cough) · Symptoms have lasted 10 or more days
Medical attention is recommended for: · High fever (104ºF or above) · Fever that lasts more than 24 hours · Symptoms that are severe or have lasted more than ten days.
Otherwise: If your child does not have a fever, and has only mild symptoms that have lasted less than 10 days, treat as a virus: · Get lots of rest · Avoid cigarette smoke · Encourage sinus drainage by:
o Offering plenty of fluids o Breathing steam from a shower or bath o Using non-medicated saline nose drops or spray several times a day o Elevating the head of the child’s bed o Using warm facial packs for three to four times a day for 5 -10 minutes Acetaminophen (Tylenol or generic equivalent) may be taken for fever or pain. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin or generic equivalent) may be given if your child is over 6 months. Ibuprofen should not be given if the child is dehydrated or vomiting continuously. Over-the-counter decongestants should not be given to children under the age of 3 years. Aspirin should never be used in children with fever due to the risk of stomach upset, intestinal bleeding and Reye syndrome.
Adult Sinus Treatment GuideCough and runny nose by themselves are unlikely to be caused by a bacterial sinus infection unless those symptoms have been present for more than 10 days. Antibiotics are rarely required unless the following symptoms are present: · Pain or pressure on one side of the face · Swelling around the eye area · Postnasal drip (may cause dry cough) · Toothache in the upper jaw in the absence of dental problems
Medical attention is recommended for: · Typical symptoms of bacterial infection (see above) that are severe or have lasted more than ten days. · Persistent fever Otherwise… If symptoms are mild or have lasted less than 10 days: · Get lots of rest · Avoid cigarette smoke · Help your sinuses drain by:
o Drinking plenty of fluids (try to avoid caffeine and alcohol) o Breathing steam from a shower or bath o Using non-medicated saline nose drops or spray several times a day o Elevating the head of your bed o Using warm facial packs for three to four times a day for 5 -10 minutes · Acetaminophen (Tylenol or generic equivalent) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin or
generic equivalent) may be taken for fever or pain. Over-the-counter decongestants like Sudafed or Benadryl may also be helpful
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Atleast one "natural" product to help with sinus related issues is called Xlear. Xlear utilizes xylitol in its product. According to Wikipedia xylitol has several medical uses including: DiabetesPossessing approximately 40% less food energy,[15] xylitol is a low-calorie alternative to table sugar. Absorbed more slowly than sugar, it does not contribute to high blood sugar levels or the resulting hyperglycemia caused by insufficient insulin response.
OsteoporosisXylitol also has potential as a treatment for osteoporosis. A group of Finnish researchers has found that dietary xylitol prevents weakening of bones in laboratory rats, and actually improves bone density.[16][17]
Ear and upper respiratory infectionsStudies have shown that xylitol chewing gum can help prevent ear infections[18] (acute otitis media); the act of chewing and swallowing assists with the disposal of earwax and clearing the middle ear, whilst the presence of xylitol prevents the growth of bacteria in the eustachian tubes (auditory tubes or pharyngotympanic tubes) which connect the nose and ear.[19] When bacteria enter the body they hold on to the tissues by hanging on to a variety of sugar complexes. The open nature of xylitol and its ability to form many different sugar-like structures appears to interfere with the ability of many bacteria to adhere.[20] In a double-blind randomized controlled trial, saline solutions of xylitol significantly reduced the number of nasal coagulase-negative Staphylococcus bacteria. The researchers attributed the benefits to the increased effectiveness of endogenous (naturally present in the body) antimicrobial factors.[21]
InfectionIn rats, xylitol has been found to increase the activity of neutrophils, the white blood cells involved in fighting many bacteria. This effect seems to be quite broad, acting even in cases such as general sepsis. [22]
Candida yeastA recent report suggests that consumption of xylitol may help control oral infections of Candida yeast; in contrast, galactose, glucose, and sucrose may increase proliferation.[23]
Benefits for pregnant or nursing womenXylitol is not only safe for pregnant and nursing women, but studies show that regular use significantly reduces the probability of transmitting the Streptococcus mutans bacteria, which is responsible for tooth decay, from mother to child during the first two years of life by as much as 80%.[24]
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Sinus problems affect millions of people on a daily basis. Many people face these problems from the time they wake up in the morning until they go to bed at night. These problems affect them at work, school, play, and during relaxation times. It’s a drag to be constantly pulled down with sinus infections and sinus headaches. Life can seem unbearable at times from sinus problems and better off just to sleep the day away. Sinus Headaches
Once in a while I’ll battle a sinus headache. At those times my head really feels like it’s going to explode. All day long all that I feel like doing is staying in bed and sleeping. When I have sinus headaches, I can’t think straight and don’t feel like being around anyone. My thoughts jumble together and life is pretty darn miserable. Sinus headache days are days that I’d like to erase from my memory all together. Sinus Problems
A few days ago my friend and I started talking about sinus problems. He told me he constantly has to deal with sinus problems from the time he wakes up until he goes to bed at night. This friend of mine described a usual day for him and how sinus problems make most days a terrible experience. He says that upon waking up he can already feel the pressure surrounding his eyes. If he doesn’t take measures to relieve the pressure in the morning, it remains with him throughout the day at work and at school. The pressure constantly builds and irritates. By mid afternoon, he feels like taking a nap to rid himself of the pressure. He says he’ll try methods get rid of the pain but nothing usually works. Caffeine doesn’t make him any less sleepy and definitely doesn’t get rid of the pain. His sinus problems affect him during his classes as well. He can’t concentrate during class as he focuses on the immense pressure and pain surrounding his sinuses. At work, he had more troubles focusing and getting his tasks done. To me that doesn’t seem like a fun way to start off each day, let alone spend the whole day. My friend’s not the only one who experiences sinus problems to such a degree. There are many more people out there, young and old, that suffer from the same kinds of symptoms that make it hard to get out of the bed in the morning. Sinus problems cause major problems for all those who wish to live healthy, active lives. Steps can be made and medicine taken to improve these sinus problems. Take Care of the Problem
Nobody wants to walk around in a daze and feeling constant pressure from sinus problems. It’s time to make life easier for yourself and get you looking forward to waking up in the morning as well taking on the tasks of the day. Nowadays, there are many ways to better your situation and tackle your sinus problems rather than just relying on antibiotics. Natural forms of medicine, like xylitol, offer new and healthier ways of taking care of sinus pain. Remember to always consult a physician so that you know the severity of your sinus problem and get the best treatment that suits your sinus condition. |
Have you noticed how when people with sinusitis go to the doctor and get an antibiotic, and the problem just keep coming back? And, it eventually turns into chronic sinusitis. This is because the root problem is actually caused by a yeast and fungus. Bacteria infection only happens after the sinuses are swollen shut, which causes it to hurt. The antibiotic then gets rid of this bacterium and gives you short term relief... for a couple of weeks. The problem is that antibiotics aggravate yeast and cause more yeast growth. In effect, the antibiotic treatment is actually causing your chronic sinusitis. Other than a temporary relief, the only good it does it make the manufacturer's (and the doctors') wallets fatter. So what's the real solution? -Sinus Rinses: Use a half a teaspoonful of salt and a cup of lukewarm water to sniff up the nose and blow back out. This is very cleansing and healing to your sinuses Try Diflucan, a medication that helps defeat the yeast problem. Use a sinusitis nose spray: this is something that is meant to relieve the symptoms, but does not provide a cure as it doesn't get rid of the root problem. Take Probiotics: these will be especially necessary if you have been taking antibiotics before as the essential healthy bacteria in your digestive tract will have been destroyed. The probiotics kill off all the bad bacteria and you must have them in order to have a healthy digestive tract. This should help give long term sinusitis relief to most anyone who tries it. |
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There have been questions raised about whether the sinus cocktail need be administered via a shot or whether it would be just as effective if the separate components were taken orally. An example of this type of questioning can be found here. See a portion of the exchange below. 5/30/2008 RE: Sinus Cocktail Shots for Upper Respiratory Tract Symptoms Q: I am a pharmacist that has tried to find the rationale for the use of "sinus cocktail shots". These cocktails generally consist of a combination of a steroid, an antihistamine and sometimes an antibiotic. Several Family Practice physicians in the community give these to patients with acute allergic rhinitis and I feel better prophylaxis is needed. Is there any clinical literature to support the use of these injections or does teh AAAAI have a position on this topic? A: I am very familiar with the use of "the sinus cocktail" for the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections. There are 392,000 references to this on "Google," but no pertinent references found to this term through "PubMed" and the Journal of Allergy, Asthma, and Clinical Immunology. This gives some indication as to the specific documentation of the role of "sinus cocktails" in the treatment of upper respiratory tract symptoms. To my knowledge there are no studies investigating the efficacy of this practice, and no official position statement from the AAAAI in this regard. As you know, each ingredient found in the "sinus cocktail injection" can be administered separately by mouth. I know of no study comparing these routes of administration. Thus, in summary, there are no data of which I am aware dealing with this issue, and there is no official position statement that I could find from our professional organizations mentioning it. However, to solicit another opinion in this regard, I have requested Dr. Eli Meltzer, who is an internationally known expert in diseases of the sinuses, to give us his thoughts on the issue. In the meantime, I am sending you this letter in lieu of receipt of his response. When I do hear from him, I will forward his response to you as well. Thank you again for your inquiry, and I hope this response has been of help to you.
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