Sinus Infection (Sinusitis): Symptoms, Treatment & Home Remedies

Recognizing Sinusitis

Sinusitis is inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, often following a viral URI or due to allergies, bacteria, or fungi. Key symptoms:

• Nasal congestion/obstruction
• Thick, discolored (yellow/green) nasal discharge
• Facial pain/pressure (worsens bending forward)
• Headache (frontal, maxillary, or periorbital)
• Reduced/loss of smell (hyposmia/anosmia)
• Postnasal drip, cough (worse at night)
• Fever (more common in acute bacterial sinusitis)
• Fatigue, halitosis

When to See a Doctor

• Symptoms >10 days without improvement
• Severe symptoms (high fever, severe headache, visual changes, confusion)
• Symptoms worsen after initial improvement ("double sickening")
• Recurrent episodes (≥4/year)

Medical Treatment

• Viral/Allergic: Supportive—intranasal corticosteroids, saline irrigation, decongestants (short-term), antihistamines if allergic.
• Acute Bacterial (ABRS): Antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin/clavulanate) if criteria met.
• Chronic/Refractory: ENT referral; possible endoscopic sinus surgery for anatomical obstruction or polyps.

Evidence-Based Home Remedies

• Saline nasal irrigation (neti pot, squeeze bottle) – #1 for symptom relief.
• Warm compresses over sinuses for pain/pressure.
• Hydration + humidification (cool-mist humidifier).
• OTC analgesics (acetaminophen, ibuprofen).
• Elevate head during sleep.

Avoid prolonged topical decongestant sprays (>3 days) → rebound congestion (rhinitis medicamentosa).