Sinus Infection Treatment Options and What to Expect
Sinus infections (sinusitis) cause congestion, facial pressure, nasal discharge, reduced sense of smell and sometimes cough or headache. Most cases begin after a cold or allergy flare and resolve with home care or short courses of medication, while others become persistent and require targeted medical evaluation. Understanding the range of treatments — from saline rinses and medications to procedural options — helps people and clinicians choose appropriate care based on symptoms, duration, and underlying causes.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance and treatment.
What is a sinus infection?
A sinus infection is inflammation of the sinus cavities that line the bones around the nose. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, or noninfectious triggers such as allergies and structural issues. Acute sinusitis typically lasts under four weeks, subacute up to three months, and chronic sinusitis persists beyond three months despite treatment. Identifying whether symptoms are primarily infectious, allergic, or structural guides whether conservative measures or more invasive interventions are necessary.
When should you seek medical treatment?
Medical evaluation is recommended for severe pain, high fever, visual changes, swelling around the eyes, recurrent episodes, or symptoms lasting longer than 10–14 days without improvement. A clinician will review medical history, perform a physical exam including nasal endoscopy in many cases, and may order imaging such as a CT scan when chronic or complicated sinusitis is suspected. Treatment decisions consider symptom severity, the likely cause, prior response to therapies, and patient preferences.
What medical treatments are commonly used?
Initial medical management often includes saline nasal irrigation, intranasal corticosteroid sprays to reduce inflammation, and short-term oral decongestants for symptom relief. Antibiotics are reserved for cases with clear evidence of bacterial infection or when symptoms are prolonged and suggest a bacterial cause. For patients with underlying allergies, antihistamines, allergen avoidance, or immunotherapy may be recommended. Ongoing coordination with primary care, allergy specialists, or an ear, nose and throat (ENT) clinic helps tailor therapy and monitor response.
What is a balloon procedure for sinuses?
Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a small inflatable balloon to dilate obstructed sinus drainage pathways. Performed under local or general anesthesia, it reshapes bone and tissue to improve sinus ventilation without extensive cutting. The balloon procedure may be offered for selected patients with chronic sinusitis who have anatomically narrow sinus openings and have not responded to medical therapy. Compared with traditional surgery it typically involves less tissue removal, though candidacy and expected outcomes should be discussed with an ENT specialist.
When is sinus surgery recommended?
Surgery is considered when conservative and less invasive procedures fail to control chronic or recurrent sinus disease, when there are significant anatomical obstructions such as deviated septum or large polyps, or when complications arise (for example, orbital or intracranial spread). Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is a common approach that removes obstructing tissue and restores natural drainage pathways using endoscopes. Surgical planning includes reviewing imaging, discussing anesthesia options, potential risks such as bleeding or infection, and the expected recovery timeline.
What to expect during post-procedure recovery and follow-up
Recovery after a balloon procedure is often shorter than after more extensive surgery; patients may have mild discomfort and return to normal activities within a few days. After traditional sinus surgery, follow-up appointments typically include nasal care, cleaning (debridement) in clinic, and gradual symptom improvement over weeks. Both types of procedures require adherence to postoperative saline irrigation and prescribed medications to reduce crusting and promote healing. Discuss follow-up schedules, signs of complications, and realistic expectations with the treating physician.
Conclusion
Sinus infection treatment ranges from at-home care and targeted medications to procedural options like balloon dilation or more extensive surgery, depending on cause and severity. Choosing the right path involves confirming the diagnosis, weighing the risks and benefits of each option, and coordinating care with providers such as primary care physicians, allergists, and ENT specialists. Careful follow-up and attention to underlying factors, such as allergies or structural issues, improve long-term outcomes and symptom control.
