Sinusitis treatment

Sinusitis can follow a common cold, allergy, or another source of nasal inflammation. A blocked nose, facial pain or pressure, cough, earache, and fever can occur, but these features do not identify the cause alone. A clinician considers the timeline, whether symptoms are improving or worsening, your general health, medicines, allergies, and examination findings. Treatment may therefore differ between a short episode and symptoms that persist or return.

Rest, fluids, avoidance of smoke, and saline nasal care may ease congestion and drainage. A pharmacist or clinician can advise on pain relief and whether a nasal anti-inflammatory medicine is suitable. Follow instructions carefully, especially with decongestant sprays, because prolonged use can worsen blockage. Antibiotics are reserved for situations where a bacterial cause is considered likely or the clinical picture warrants them; do not use leftover medicine.

Arrange an appointment if symptoms are persistent, severe, recurrent, or interfering with sleep and normal activity. Seek urgent help for swelling around an eye, vision changes, severe facial swelling, difficulty breathing, confusion, a stiff neck, or inability to drink. Rapid deterioration or a severe one-sided headache also needs prompt assessment. These signs can indicate a complication or a cause requiring treatment beyond home care.

Ask what cause is most likely, which options target inflammation, whether an antibiotic is appropriate, how long to try the plan, and which changes should trigger follow-up.