How to Get Rid of a Sinus Infection

A sinus infection (sinusitis) causes facial pain, congestion, and pressure that can make you miserable. The good news is that most sinus infections clear up on their own within two weeks. Here's how to treat a sinus infection and feel better faster.

Home Remedies That Work

Most sinus infections are caused by viruses, which means antibiotics won't help. About 70% of sinus infections go away without antibiotics. Try these home treatments first:

Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and juice. This helps thin mucus so it drains more easily. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate you.

Use warm compresses on your face to ease sinus pressure. Breathe in steam from a hot shower or bowl of hot water to relieve pain and help mucus drain.

Rinse your sinuses with saline using a neti pot or squeeze bottle. This washes out mucus and irritants. Use distilled or previously boiled water for safety.

Over-the-Counter Medications

Pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) can reduce facial pain and headaches. Decongestants help shrink swollen nasal passages, but don't use nasal spray decongestants for more than 3 days to avoid rebound congestion.

Nasal corticosteroid sprays like fluticasone (Flonase) reduce inflammation and are safe for longer use. If allergies trigger your sinus problems, antihistamines may also help.

When You Need Antibiotics

Only about 2% of sinus infections are bacterial and need antibiotics. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics if symptoms last more than 10 days without improving, or if symptoms get worse after initially getting better. The 2025 guidelines recommend trying home treatment for 3-5 days first.

When to See a Doctor

See a healthcare provider if symptoms don't improve after 10 days or keep coming back. Get emergency care for high fever (over 103°F), severe headache, confusion, vision problems, stiff neck, or swelling around your eyes. These could be signs of a serious infection.