1. First Aid Essentials Slideshow Pictures
2. First Aid Bandaging Injuries Slideshow Pictures
3. First Aid Sprains & Strains Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

Scott D. Fell, DO, FAAEM

Medical Editor:

Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD

Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD

Dr. Charles "Pat" Davis, MD, PhD, is a board certified Emergency Medicine doctor who currently practices as a consultant and staff member for hospitals. He has a PhD in Microbiology (UT at Austin), and the MD (Univ. Texas Medical Branch, Galveston). He is a Clinical Professor (retired) in the Division of Emergency Medicine, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, and has been the Chief of Emergency Medicine at UT Medical Branch and at UTHSCSA with over 250 publications.

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The following guidelines are suggested in treating sinus squeeze:

• Apply warm compresses to the face.
• Pain medications such as acetaminophen (or stronger if prescribed by a health care professional) may be needed to treat symptoms.
• Avoid diving until recovery is complete.
• Oral pseudoephedrine and topical nasal sprays (such as Afrin) should be used. Oral steroids (such as prednisone) for 3 to 5 days can help to improve symptoms.
• Relieve pain with acetaminophen tablets or ibuprofen tablets (Advil, Motrin), taken as recommended by the manufacturer.

Oral antibiotics are usually recommended only if sinus pressure persists or if thick, infected discharge from the ear, nose, or mouth develops. If a patient uses antibiotics and needs to be exposed to sunlight, the person should use sunscreen (15 SPF or higher) because the antibiotics may make the skin sensitive to sunlight.