Sinus infection: quick help and what really works

Got a blocked nose, pressure around your eyes, or thick yellow mucus? Those are classic signs of a sinus infection (sinusitis). This page gives straightforward steps to ease symptoms at home, when antibiotics might help, and what to watch for so you don’t miss something serious.

Common signs and what's causing it

You usually feel facial pressure or pain, clogged nose, reduced smell, thick discharge, and sometimes a bad cough or sore throat. Fever and bad breath can happen too. Viral colds cause most sinus infections and get better on their own in 7–10 days. Bacterial infections are less common and may stick around longer or worsen after a week.

Allergies, a deviated septum, nasal polyps, or repeated colds can make you more likely to get sinusitis. Environmental triggers like smoke or dry air also irritate nasal passages.

Fast relief you can try today

Start with simple fixes: do a saline nasal rinse twice daily to clear mucus and reduce pressure. Use a warm compress over your face for 5–10 minutes to ease pain. Steam from a hot shower or a bowl of hot water (cover your head with a towel) helps loosen mucus.

Stay hydrated and rest. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen reduce pain and fever. Nasal steroid sprays (fluticasone, budesonide) cut inflammation and can be used for several days safely; follow label directions. Short courses of oral decongestants or nasal drops can help, but don't use nasal sprays more than 3 days in a row — they can make congestion worse.

If allergies play a role, antihistamines or avoiding triggers helps prevent recurrences. Humidifiers at home can reduce dryness that makes symptoms worse.

When you might need antibiotics or a doctor

See a doctor if symptoms last more than 10 days without improvement, if they worsen after initial improvement, or if you have a high fever, severe facial pain, swelling around the eyes, or vision changes. Those can mean a bacterial infection or a complication that needs prompt treatment. For repeated or chronic sinusitis (lasting 12+ weeks), an ENT specialist can check for structural issues or recommend longer-term options like surgery or allergy shots.

Special cases and safety notes

Kids, pregnant people, and anyone with a weakened immune system should check with a doctor before using medicines or home treatments. Don’t share nasal rinses without cleaning them properly — infection risk rises if devices aren’t cleaned and dried.

Practical tip: try saline rinses plus a nasal steroid spray for a week before expecting big improvement. If that doesn't help, get medical advice rather than chasing stronger meds alone.