What is the Best Treatment for Sinusitis?
Most cases of acute sinusitis improve on their own with self-care. Effective home remedies often provide sufficient relief.
Several at-home strategies can effectively alleviate sinusitis symptoms:
- Rest: Get plenty of rest to aid your body's natural healing process.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids to help thin mucus and improve drainage.
- Pain Relief: Take over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen to manage pain and discomfort. (Note: Do not give aspirin to children under 16.)
- Nasal Decongestants: Use nasal decongestants, but limit use to no more than a week to avoid potential complications.
- Warm Compress: Apply warm packs to your face to soothe sinus pressure.
- Saline Nasal Spray: Consider using a saline nasal spray to rinse nasal passages and help clear mucus. (This is mentioned in several of the provided search results, though not explicitly in the NHS inform reference)
- Sinus Rinses: Nasal irrigation (sinus rinses) can also help clear nasal passages (as mentioned in the UnityPoint Health article).
When to Seek Medical Attention
If your symptoms persist for more than 10 days, worsen, or include severe pain, consult a doctor. A physician may prescribe antibiotics if a bacterial infection is suspected or consider other treatments such as corticosteroid sprays or drops (as noted in the NHS inform reference). Antibiotics are not always effective for sinusitis, as some cases are viral.
While many sources emphasize the effectiveness of self-care for acute sinusitis, it's crucial to seek professional medical advice if symptoms don't improve or worsen.
