Most sinus infections get better on their own in about a week. But a sore face, blocked nose, and thick drainage can mess with work, sleep, and energy. Here’s a plain-spoken guide to tell whether you can treat it at home, what treatments actually work, and when you should get medical help.
Typical acute sinusitis starts after a cold. Expect nasal congestion, yellow-green discharge, pressure or pain around the cheeks and forehead, reduced sense of smell, and sometimes a mild fever. If symptoms last less than 4 weeks it’s usually acute. When symptoms hang on for 12 weeks or keep coming back, that’s chronic sinusitis and needs a different approach.
Watch for red flags: high fever, severe facial swelling or redness, sudden vision changes, persistent very bad headache, or symptoms getting much worse after initial improvement. Those situations need prompt medical care.
Start with things you can do at home: saline nasal rinses clear mucus and ease breathing; steam or warm compresses reduce pressure; stay hydrated and rest. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen help with pain and fever. Nasal steroid sprays (used correctly for several days) reduce inflammation and often speed recovery for both acute and chronic sinusitis.
Avoid overusing decongestant sprays—they work short-term but can worsen congestion if used more than 3 days. Humidifiers in dry rooms can help, especially while you sleep. Smoking and secondhand smoke make sinusitis worse, so cutting exposure helps recovery and prevents repeat infections.
Antibiotics are not automatically needed. Most sinus infections are viral and get better without them. Doctors usually prescribe antibiotics only if symptoms are severe, last longer than 10 days without improvement, or worsen after initial improvement. If antibiotics are needed, your provider will pick a drug based on likely bacteria and local resistance patterns—this matters, so talk to them rather than asking for a specific pill.
If allergies trigger your sinus problems, managing the allergy often prevents future sinusitis. Allergy meds, nasal steroids, and avoiding triggers make a big difference. For recurring or chronic cases, ENT specialists may suggest tests, longer steroid treatment, or procedures to improve sinus drainage.
Short tip: if you’re unsure whether to see a doctor, try 48–72 hours of good home care. If you’re not noticeably better, or if you have a red flag, book an appointment. Want deeper reading? Our guides on antibiotics and chronic respiratory issues explain how doctors decide on treatments and how to avoid unnecessary antibiotics.
Sinus infections are common and usually manageable. With the right self-care and sensible medical help when needed, you can get back to normal breathing and feeling like yourself faster.
As a blogger, I've noticed that many people struggle with sinus infections and a runny nose. It turns out that there's a strong relationship between the two, as sinus infections often lead to inflammation and congestion, which can cause a runny nose. Additionally, the excess mucus produced during a sinus infection can further contribute to this symptom. It's important to treat the underlying sinus infection to help alleviate the runny nose and prevent further complications. So, if you're dealing with a persistent runny nose, it might be worth looking into possible sinus infection treatments.