Sinusitis treatment: practical steps to feel better fast

Sinusitis means your sinuses are inflamed and clogged. That causes pressure, thick nasal mucus, headache, and sometimes reduced smell. Treatments depend on how long symptoms last and what's causing them. Below are straightforward, effective steps you can try at home and when to get medical help.

Home care that helps
Start with simple things that reduce congestion and pain. Use saline nasal irrigation once or twice daily to flush mucus — a squeeze bottle or neti pot works well; use sterile or boiled then cooled water. Steam inhalation over a bowl or a hot shower eases mucus flow. Apply warm compresses to the face for 10 to 15 minutes to relieve pressure. Drink plenty of fluids and rest; sleep with your head elevated to drain sinuses. Avoid smoking and strong irritants like fumes or heavy perfumes.

Over-the-counter options

OTC medicines can lower symptoms while the sinuses heal. Use a nasal steroid spray (fluticasone, budesonide) daily — they reduce inflammation and help drainage but may take a few days to work. For short-term relief, oral decongestants (pseudoephedrine) reduce swelling; follow package directions and avoid if you have high blood pressure. Nasal decongestant sprays (oxymetazoline) help quickly but use no more than three days to avoid rebound congestion. Pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen ease headache and facial pain. Mucolytics such as guaifenesin can thin mucus and make it easier to clear.

When you need a doctor

Most viral sinusitis improves in 7 to 10 days. See a clinician if symptoms last longer than 10 days without improvement, get worse after initial improvement, or if you have a high fever, severe facial pain, or swelling around the eyes. Antibiotics are only needed for bacterial sinusitis, which is suspected when symptoms persist or worsen, or with severe signs. Your doctor might also prescribe a short course of oral steroids for very bad inflammation or refer you for imaging when the diagnosis is unclear.

For chronic sinusitis lasting 12 weeks or more, treatment focuses on long-term control: daily nasal steroid sprays, saline rinses, allergy testing and treatment, and lifestyle changes to avoid triggers. An ENT specialist can suggest procedures like functional endoscopic sinus surgery when medical therapy fails or when there are structural blockages.

If allergies trigger your sinusitis, controlling them reduces flare-ups. Try daily antihistamines for seasonal sneezes and consider allergy testing to find triggers like dust mites or pet dander. Humidifiers set to 40–50% can keep mucus thin in dry climates. Wash bedding weekly in hot water and use dust-mite covers. Pregnant people and children need tailored advice; never give aspirin to kids for viral infections and always check with a clinician before using strong medicines.

Know this: overusing nasal sprays or ignoring severe symptoms can make things worse. If you have frequent sinus infections, persistent nasal blockage, or trouble breathing, ask for a specialist referral. With proper self-care and timely medical review, most people recover without complications and spend fewer days stuck at home safely.