How is acute sinusitis treated?

Updated on

How is acute sinusitis treated?

Acute sinusitis is typically a short-term condition that is not too severe. For many people, little or no treatment is needed. Most people get better on their own after seven to 10 days.

Antibiotics are only helpful for bacterial infections. Most sinusitis is due to viruses or other causes that are not cured by antibiotics.

Other treatment options include ways to manage your symptoms. You can:

  • Try nasal sprays (like nasal steroids) and decongestants. You should not use over-the-counter medicated nose sprays longer than three days unless your healthcare provider says you should.
  • Get extra rest and drink extra fluids.
  • Use over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen if you have significant pain.
  • Irrigate (clean) your nasal passages with saline solution. Since this is just salt and sterile water applied to the nose for cleaning, you can continue longer than five days.

Related posts