How to get rid of a sinus infection fast

Key takeaways

• Most sinus infections are caused by viruses and clear on their own within days, though bacteria or fungi may occasionally be the cause.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers, decongestants, and mucolytics can help manage symptoms like facial pain, congestion, and mucus buildup while your body fights the infection.
• Natural remedies like warm compresses, steam inhalation, and nasal rinsing with distilled saltwater may help relieve sinus pressure and congestion. Contact a healthcare professional if symptoms persist to prevent rare but serious complications.

Overview

A sinus infection affects the air-filled cavities behind your nose, forehead, and cheekbones, called the sinuses. This infection may cause swelling, pain, and pressure in the sinus tissues.

Inflammation of the sinuses is also known as sinusitis. Sometimes, this is due to a sinus infection caused by a virus, such as a cold. Bacteria or, occasionally, fungi may also be a cause. Other times, the inflammation may be due to reactions to irritants or allergens, such as pollen or dust.

Many sinus infections resolve on their own. Warm compresses, pain relief medication, and avoiding irritants may help relieve symptoms. Severe or persistent cases may need medical treatment to prevent complications.

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Medications to treat a sinus infection  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that most sinus infections will go away without medication or other treatment. But it is important to contact a healthcare professional if you think you may have a sinus infection. 

The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology advises that by getting professional help, you can prevent possible sinus infection complications. Treatment may also help the infection clear up more quickly.

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications

OTC medications may help you manage the symptoms of a sinus infection, although they won’t act on the root cause, whether that is bacteria, fungi, or viruses.

• Facial pain and headaches: Pain relief medications may help you feel better while your infection clears. Some options include acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil).
• Congestion and pressure: Short-term use of nasal sprays and decongestants, like oxymetazoline, may help with symptoms like a runny or congested nose. However, experts advise that you should not use sprays for more than 3 days.
• Inflammation: Some OTC medications may help reduce the swelling in the membranes of your nose. Options can include medications like cetirizine (Zyrtec) and pseudoephedrine (Sudafed). The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) advises that these medications may have side effects, such as raising your blood pressure. Talking with a doctor before using these drugs is highly advisable.
• Mucus: Some medications help the mucus in your sinuses to be less sticky and easier to clear. Mucolytics like guaifenesin (Mucinex) may help clear your nose and lungs.

Experts advise that antihistamines are not typically an effective treatment for sinus infections. They may prevent drainage of the mucus from your sinuses. Antihistamines may only be helpful in the short term if allergies cause sinus inflammation.

Prescription medications

A healthcare professional may prefer to use prescription medications for persistent sinus infections or those that last longer than anticipated. Some of these act on the root cause and may help to get rid of a sinus infection fast.

• Antibiotics: If you have a bacterial infection, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics like amoxicillin (Amoxil), though they may wait a few days to monitor your infection to decide if antibiotics are suitable. If several rounds of antibiotics have not helped resolve the infection, a doctor may take a mucus sample from your nose to explore the root cause of your symptoms.
• Antifungals: If a doctor suspects a fungus has led to your sinus infection, they may use antifungal agents. Options include ketoconazole (Extina) or itraconazole (Sporanox).
• Corticosteroids: A steroid nasal spray like fluticasone (Flonase) may also help with sinus inflammation and relieve some of your symptoms if OTC drugs aren’t effective.

Viral infections will usually clear on their own. It is important to speak with your doctor if you have a sinus infection so they can advise on the most appropriate treatments for you.

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Natural remedies for a sinus infection

Natural strategies may help you resolve a sinus infection fast, but do not replace the need for treatment. These include:

• Warm compresses: Placing a warm compress over your forehead and nose can relieve sinus pressure and headaches.
• Steam: Inhale steam from a shower or bowl of warmer water until your sinuses clear, but for no more than 10 minutes.
• Nasal rinse: Rinsing your nose with warm salt water can help with sinusitis. It is important to use filtered, lukewarm water that has been boiled or distilled and stored in a sanitized container.

Complications of an untreated sinus infection

Sometimes, complications can arise from an untreated sinus infection:

• An infection of the sinuses close to the brain may develop into a life threatening complication. While rare, an untreated severe sinus infection may spread to nearby tissues, including the brain.
• Sinus infections may sometimes spread into the bone and soft tissue. If this happens, the infection may cause cellulitis, an abscess, or vision loss.

Contacting a healthcare professional if your sinus infection does not resolve within days may help you prevent any complications.

Online care services, including Optum Perks Online Care, may make getting treatment easier. With these services, you can submit an online form answering a few questions about your symptoms, and a US-licensed healthcare professional will respond soon after to prescribe a treatment plan.

Next steps

If you have a sinus infection, consider these next steps to get you feeling better as quickly as possible:

• Speak with a healthcare professional — in person or online — for treatment to speed up healing.
• Try OTC pain relievers or decongestants to manage symptoms while you recover and help you feel better faster.
• Consider natural remedies to ease symptoms as well, such as warm compresses.
• Make sure to follow any prescription treatment plans carefully to make sure it works as it should.

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