How to Get Rid of a Sinus Infection Without Antibiotics

A sinus infection occurs when the nasal cavities become infected. Triggered by a virus or bacteria, this infection is often mistaken for the common cold -- although a sinus infection lasts much longer. Symptoms include runny nose, nasal congestion, headache and facial pain.

Most of the time, antibiotics are not necessary to treat sinus infections because the cause is viral and the infection clears up on its own. Although there is no home remedy that can cure a sinus infection, the following steps may improve comfort and ease symptoms while your body does its job fighting the infection.

Hydrate

1. Drink plenty of fluids to thin nasal secretions, help the sinuses drain and decrease congestion. Staying well hydrated also keeps mucous membranes moist. Try hot tea, broth, soup, water, ice pops or fruit juices. If you also have a sore throat, try drinking hot water with honey and lemon, or hot tea with honey to ease symptoms.

Moisten

1. If your sinuses are exposed to dry air, the mucous membranes can become dry and mucus can become too thick. So keep your nasal passages moist to relieve congestion and ease symptoms.

2. Use a saline nasal spray, run a humidifier in your bedroom, or inhale the steam from a hot shower or bath. Place a hot, wet washcloth over your face to open nasal passages and promote drainage. This heat may also reduce the uncomfortable pressure and decrease sinus and facial pain.

Rinse

1. Although some people find these cumbersome or uncomfortable, nasal saline washes can be effective in clearing thickened mucus from the nasal passages — thus easing the symptoms of a sinus infection.

2. Also called saline nasal irrigation or nasal rinses, this therapy rinses the nasal cavity with a mild saline water. Saline rinses can be used at home using a neti pot or a sinus rinse kit, and the solution can be mixed using a nasal saline salt packet, available over-the-counter at pharmacies. Follow package directions and use only distilled or boiled and cooled water to ensure safety.

Sleep Well

1. If it's uncomfortable to sleep, prop your head up with pillows, or sleep with the pain-free side of your face on your pillow. During the daytime, try resting in a recliner to facilitate drainage of the sinuses and to ease congestion. Get plenty of rest to help your immune system fight the infection.

Manage Pain

1. Take over-the-counter (OTC) medications to relieve your symptoms as needed. Pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can reduce your fever, treat headaches and lessen aches and pains.

2. Nasal decongestant sprays may temporarily ease your congestion, but they shouldn't be used for more than 3 days 3. If you are under a doctor's care for any other medical conditions, or if you need advice on OTC products to use, talk to your doctor.

Warnings

If your systems aren't improving after 10 days, or if your symptoms are severe or include a fever of 102 degrees Fahrenheit, contact your doctor. Also let your doctor know if you have vision changes or swelling around the eyes, if you have a headache that won't improve with pain relievers, or if you are feeling poorly and need advice on managing your symptoms.

3. Reviewed by Kay Peck, MPH RD