Sinus Infections: Causes, Symptoms & Quick Relief
Got a stuffy nose that won’t quit, pressure around your eyes, or thick yellow mucus? That could be a sinus infection (sinusitis). Sinus infections happen when the tissues lining your sinuses get swollen and block drainage. That creates a moist spot where germs or allergies can cause trouble.
What usually causes them and how they feel
Most sinus infections start as a cold or allergy flare and are viral. Bacteria cause fewer cases. You’ll often notice facial pressure or pain, blocked nose, thick nasal discharge, reduced smell, and a cough that gets worse at night. Fever can show up, but mild or no fever is common with viral cases. If symptoms improve then suddenly worsen, that can mean a bacterial infection.
Home remedies that really help
Try saline nasal irrigation (a neti pot or squeeze bottle) twice a day to clear mucus and soothe swollen tissues. Steam inhalation or a warm shower eases pressure for a while. Use a warm compress over the sinuses to reduce pain. Stay hydrated and rest—fluids thin mucus and help drainage.
Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen control pain and fever. Short-term oral decongestants or nasal sprays can help, but don’t use medicated nasal sprays more than three days—they cause rebound congestion. If allergies trigger your symptoms, a daily nasal steroid spray and antihistamines can reduce flare-ups over time.
If a doctor decides antibiotics are needed, common choices include amoxicillin or cefadroxil (Duricef). Antibiotics only help bacterial infections, so doctors usually reserve them for cases that last more than 10 days without improvement, are very severe, or get worse after initial improvement.
When should you see a doctor? Go in if you have a high fever (over 102°F/39°C), severe facial swelling or pain, vision changes, or symptoms that last more than 10 days without getting better. Also see a specialist if you get infections repeatedly or your symptoms last more than 12 weeks—chronic sinusitis sometimes needs imaging, nasal endoscopy, allergy testing, or surgery to fix an underlying problem like polyps or a deviated septum.
To avoid repeat infections, control allergies, keep indoor air humidified, avoid smoking, wash hands often, and treat colds early. Get your flu shot—fewer colds means fewer sinus infections.
Quick recap: try saline rinses, steam, rest, and OTC pain meds first. Watch the timeline—if you’re not improving after 10 days, or you get worse, see a doctor. Simple steps at home stop most sinus infections, and the right care stops the ones that need extra treatment.
