Sinus infections: Causes, symptoms, and quick relief

Sinus infections — also called sinusitis — happen when the hollow spaces around your nose get inflamed and fill with fluid. That makes a perfect spot for germs or irritants to cause pain, pressure, and congestion. You usually notice facial pressure, thick yellow or green mucus, a blocked nose, reduced sense of smell, and sometimes a sore throat or cough.

Most sinus infections start after a cold or allergy flare. Viral infections are far more common and usually clear in 7 to 10 days. Bacterial sinusitis can follow if symptoms worsen after a week or if you have a high fever, strong facial pain, or symptoms that return after getting better. Chronic sinusitis lasts weeks to months and may need a different plan.

What you can try at home: use saline nasal rinses twice daily to flush mucus and reduce inflammation; steam inhalation or a hot shower helps loosen secretions; stay hydrated and rest; try a warm compress over your face for comfort. Over-the-counter options include oral decongestants for short-term relief, nasal steroid sprays to lower inflammation, and pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Avoid prolonged use of topical decongestant sprays — more than three days can worsen rebound congestion.

When antibiotics make sense: antibiotics are for clear bacterial sinusitis — signs include severe symptoms, symptoms persisting beyond 10 days, or symptoms that return after getting better. A doctor will decide based on how you look and your history. Unnecessary antibiotics won’t help viral infections and can cause side effects or resistance.

Red flags — see a healthcare provider right away if you have very high fever, severe swelling around the eyes, vision changes, intense headache, stiff neck, confusion, or a swollen cheek. Also get evaluated if your symptoms keep coming back or last more than 12 weeks.

Preventing sinus infections: manage allergies with avoidance and medications, wash hands often during cold season, avoid smoking and polluted air, and use a humidifier in dry rooms. If you have frequent sinus issues, a specialist may suggest imaging, allergy testing, or nasal endoscopy.

If you’re unsure whether your sinus problem is bacterial or viral, start with saline rinses, rest, and symptom control. Contact your doctor if symptoms get worse or don’t improve in a week. Exact-Pharma has guides on related medicines, safe online pharmacies, and tips for buying drugs — check our posts for practical help and trusted info.

Simple steps to feel better fast

Try saline rinses twice daily, use a nasal steroid spray if allergies trigger symptoms, and take a short course of oral decongestant for up to three days. Use a humidifier at night, sleep with your head elevated, and apply warm compresses to ease facial pressure. Warm drinks help mucus drain. Avoid smoking and polluted air.

When to call a doctor

Call a doctor if symptoms last more than 10 days, get worse after initial improvement, or bring eye swelling, vision changes, severe headache, stiff neck, or confusion. For repeated infections ask about allergy testing or an ENT referral, and consider sinus imaging soon.