Read up on Sinusitis treatment options at Consumer Reports Health.

Sinusitis

Key points about treatments

Sinusitis usually gets better on its own. But if your symptoms are very bad and last for more than a week, your doctor may be able to help.

If your sinusitis is severe and doesn't clear up on its own after about a week, you may need antibiotics.

Source:
Snow V, Mottur-Pilson C, Hickner JM.
Principles of appropriate antibiotic use for acute sinusitis in adults.
Annals of Internal Medicine. 2001; 134: 495-497.

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There are many antibiotics that are likely to work but some are more likely to cause side effects.
A steroid nasal spray can also help clear up your symptoms. You can get steroid nasal sprays from a drugstore. You don't always need a prescription from your doctor.
You may wish to try medicines you can buy over the counter such as an antihistamine or a

Decongestant
A decongestant is a medicine that clears up swelling (congestion) in your nose or in your chest. It can unblock your stuffy nose and make it easier to breathe.

decongestant. But there hasn't been any good research on these treatments.
You may need to take painkillers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) to ease sinus pain.
Some people inhale steam to help drain blocked sinuses, but there is a danger of scalding.

Sources for the information on this page:

Snow V, Mottur-Pilson C, Hickner JM.Principles of appropriate antibiotic use for acute sinusitis in adults.Annals of Internal Medicine. 2001; 134: 495-497.

This information was last updated on May 12, 2009

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.

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