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Sinus Problems (Sinusitis)

Sinusitis means the air spaces around your nose are inflamed, most often after a cold, and most cases are caused by viruses and get better on their own. Swelling or redness around the eyes, a severe headache with a stiff neck or confusion, or double vision need emergency care. Symptoms that last more than 10 days or return should be checked by a clinician; saline rinses must be done with distilled, sterile or boiled-and-cooled water.

Get emergency care (call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room) if a sinus infection comes with any of these:

  • Swelling or redness around an eye, a bulging eye, pain or trouble moving the eye, double vision or a change in vision. A sinus infection can spread into the eye socket (orbital cellulitis), which a review in an eye-medicine journal calls an ocular emergency; its signs include lid swelling with or without redness, a bulging eye and difficulty moving the eye, and it can also cause double vision and worse vision (Yadalla et al., 2023 (opens in a new tab)). In a 27-year hospital study, five patients lost vision (Chang et al., 2017 (opens in a new tab)).
  • A severe headache with a stiff neck, a high fever, confusion, or being very sleepy or hard to wake. The NHS lists these among the signs of meningitis and says to get medical help immediately (NHS (opens in a new tab)). Spread of infection inside the skull (which includes meningitis and brain abscess) is rare, but it had the poorest outcomes among the sinusitis complications in a hospital study of 85 patients (Chaiyasate et al., 2015 (opens in a new tab)).

These problems are uncommon. In a Norwegian study of more than 700,000 episodes of acute sinusitis seen by family doctors, severe complications happened about 3.2 times per 10,000 episodes (Skow et al., 2023 (opens in a new tab)). But they can be serious, so do not wait for a chiropractic, acupuncture or massage appointment, and do not press on or massage a swollen, hot, painful face.

See a clinician soon (not an emergency) if symptoms last more than 10 days without improving, get worse after starting to improve, a fever lasts longer than 3 to 4 days, the headache or facial pain is severe, or you have had several sinus infections in the past year (CDC (opens in a new tab)). The NHS also says to get urgent advice if you are very unwell, painkillers do not help or symptoms get worse, or your immune system is weakened, for example during chemotherapy (NHS (opens in a new tab)).

What is sinusitis?

Your sinuses are hollow air spaces in the bones around your nose. They make mucus, which drains into the nose. If the lining swells, drainage is blocked and you feel stuffed up and sore (MedlinePlus (opens in a new tab), NHS (opens in a new tab)). Sinusitis means inflamed sinuses — the cause can be an infection or another problem (MedlinePlus (opens in a new tab)). It is common after a cold or the flu (NHS (opens in a new tab)).

Common symptoms are a runny or stuffy nose, facial pain or pressure, headache, post-nasal drip, sore throat, cough and bad breath (CDC (opens in a new tab)). The NHS adds a reduced sense of smell, green or yellow mucus, a high temperature, toothache and pressure in the ears (NHS (opens in a new tab)).

Acute, subacute, chronic and recurrent

MedlinePlus sorts sinusitis by how long it lasts: acute lasts up to 4 weeks, subacute 4 to 12 weeks, and chronic more than 12 weeks and can continue for months or even years. Recurrent sinusitis means several attacks within a year (MedlinePlus (opens in a new tab)). The NHS says most sinusitis clears up on its own within 4 weeks (NHS (opens in a new tab)). Chronic sinusitis is a different problem from a lingering cold: allergies, nasal problems and certain diseases can cause it (MedlinePlus (opens in a new tab)), and nasal polyps — soft, painless growths inside the nose — can block the nose and the sinuses (NHS (opens in a new tab)). See the sections below on chronic sinusitis, polyps and surgery.

Viral or bacterial?

CDC says viruses cause most sinus infections, though bacteria cause some (CDC (opens in a new tab)). The NHS likewise says antibiotics are rarely needed because sinusitis is usually caused by a virus (NHS (opens in a new tab)). MedlinePlus notes that acute sinusitis often starts as a cold that then becomes a bacterial infection (MedlinePlus (opens in a new tab)). CDC’s guidance for clinicians says a bacterial infection should be suspected when symptoms are severe (a high fever of 39°C or 102°F with pus-like nasal discharge or facial pain for more than 3 to 4 days), when they last more than 10 days without improvement, or when fever, cough or nasal discharge gets worse after an initial improvement of a cold lasting 5 to 6 days (CDC, clinician guidance (opens in a new tab)). A provider diagnoses sinusitis by asking about symptoms and examining you (CDC (opens in a new tab)); imaging tests are sometimes needed (MedlinePlus (opens in a new tab)).

Risk factors and triggers

CDC lists a previous cold, seasonal allergies, smoking or secondhand smoke, structural problems such as nasal polyps, and a weak immune system or immune-suppressing medicine (CDC (opens in a new tab)). Nasal polyps are more likely in people with asthma or an intolerance or sensitivity to aspirin (NHS (opens in a new tab)). See our allergies and asthma guides, and our common cold guide for the illness that most often starts it.

Is it a “sinus headache” or a migraine?

Face and head pain with a stuffy nose is often blamed on the sinuses, but a 2021 review concluded that most “sinus headaches” are actually migraine, and that sinus headache is not a diagnosis; it advises that anyone with facial pain or pressure and sinus symptoms be evaluated for migraine (Robblee and Secora, 2021 (opens in a new tab)). Another review put the share of “sinus headaches” that are really migraines or other primary headaches at 50% to 80% (Bernichi et al., 2021 (opens in a new tab)). If your “sinus” headaches keep coming back ask a clinician about migraine, and see our migraines and headaches guides. A sudden, severe headache, or a headache with confusion or a stiff neck, is a reason for emergency care (see the box above).

Children, pregnancy and other cautions

The NHS advises that a child aged 11 or younger with sinusitis symptoms should see a GP (NHS (opens in a new tab)). CDC says never to give aspirin to children, and not to give over-the-counter cough and cold medicines to children under 4 unless a provider says to (CDC (opens in a new tab)). The NHS says not to use decongestants if you are pregnant (NHS (opens in a new tab)). See our medication safety guide.

Side by side

Six approaches compared

For every condition we look at the same six approaches: what each involves, what it typically costs, and what a patient can realistically expect.

Sinus Problems (Sinusitis): six approaches compared
ApproachWhat it involves Estimated costWhat to expect
Conventional medicine (AMA) Rest, fluids, pain relievers and saline rinses for most acute sinusitis; a clinician checks for bacterial infection and decides about antibiotics; steroid nasal sprays and allergy treatment for longer-lasting problems; polyps, specialist care and sometimes sinus surgery for chronic sinusitis. Cost estimate being researched. Most acute cases improve on their own, often within 4 weeks. Antibiotics help only a few people with uncomplicated acute sinusitis. Chronic sinusitis and polyps often need long-term management, and polyps can come back after surgery.
Chiropractic No proven role in sinus infections. We found little research on chiropractic care for sinusitis. Some people see a chiropractor for neck-related or tension headaches. About $55 to $100 per follow-up visit paying cash, per The Pricer. Medicare covers only spinal adjustments for a subluxation. Not a substitute for care of an infection, and never for the warning signs above. Mild soreness after an adjustment is common; neck manipulation has rare, serious risks.
Acupuncture Needle treatments used for chronic sinusitis symptoms and for seasonal allergies. About $90 to $185 per follow-up visit paying cash, per The Pricer. Medicare covers acupuncture only for chronic low back pain. Reviews suggest possible symptom benefit in chronic sinusitis, but the trials were small and the quality of evidence was moderate to low. Serious problems are rare with a trained, licensed practitioner and sterile needles.
Herbal medicine Herbal products have been studied for colds, acute sinus symptoms and chronic sinusitis; some show promise, but the evidence is limited. Cost estimate being researched. Natural does not mean risk-free: products can interact with medicines, and some herbal products caused side effects in trials. Never use one in place of care for the warning signs.
Massage therapy Gentle massage for tension and relaxation; we found little research on massage for sinus problems. One national chain: about $70 to $90 a month on a 12-month membership, per The Pricer. May ease muscle tension and help you rest, but is not a treatment for infection. Avoid pressing on a hot, swollen or very painful face.
MBHA Wellness Coach Everyday habits that support sinus health and help you follow your care plan: hand-washing, vaccines, avoiding smoke and allergy triggers, safe rinsing, steam and warm compresses, rest and fluids, and tracking how many days symptoms last. Cost estimate being researched. Supports — never replaces — medical care. A coach can help you notice when symptoms have gone past the point where you should call a clinician.

Approach 1 of 6

Conventional medicine (AMA)

Treatment depends on whether the problem is a short-term infection, a longer-lasting inflammation, or one with polyps. The sections below cover Saline rinses (and safe water), Decongestant and steroid nasal sprays, Antibiotics and Chronic sinusitis, polyps and sinus surgery. In short:

  • Most acute sinus infections: CDC says most get better on their own without antibiotics. A provider may suggest watchful waiting for 2 to 3 days, or prescribe an antibiotic with advice to wait 2 to 3 days before filling it (CDC (opens in a new tab)). Comfort measures include a warm compress over the nose and forehead, steam from a hot shower or a bowl of hot water, a saline or decongestant nasal spray and over-the-counter medicines used as directed (CDC (opens in a new tab)). The NHS suggests rest, plenty of fluids, painkillers, avoiding allergy triggers, not smoking and cleaning the nose with a salt water solution (NHS (opens in a new tab)).
  • If you are not improving: the NHS says to see a GP if you are no better after 7 days of treatment from a pharmacy or GP, no better after 3 weeks of self-care, or keep getting sinusitis (NHS (opens in a new tab)).
  • If it lasts or keeps coming back: steroid nasal sprays or drops, antihistamines if allergy is a cause, referral to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist, and surgery for some people (NHS (opens in a new tab)).

We don’t list doses; follow your clinician’s directions and the product label.

Find a medical doctor in our directory

Approach 2 of 6

Chiropractic

Chiropractic care is not a treatment for a sinus infection. In our PubMed searches we found little research on chiropractic adjustments for sinusitis. We did not find a clinical trial showing that spinal adjustments clear a sinus infection or relieve chronic sinusitis, so we cannot say that they work.

The closest research we found is on a related hands-on approach. In a small 2025 study of 43 adults with chronic sinusitis that had not responded to usual care, osteopathic manipulative treatment (a technique used by osteopathic physicians, not chiropractors) reduced congestion, post-nasal drainage and facial pressure right after the session, but the relief was not sustained 10 days later; patients were assigned by the provider, not randomly (Rowane et al., 2025 (opens in a new tab)). This does not show that chiropractic care helps.

Where chiropractic may fit

If your “sinus” headaches turn out to be migraine or tension-type or neck-related headaches (see the overview), NCCIH cites a 2020 review of 7 studies suggesting that spinal manipulation may reduce neck-origin (cervicogenic) headache, and says little evidence exists for chronic tension headache (NCCIH (opens in a new tab)). Those are different problems from a sinus infection, so get the cause sorted out first.

Safety

NCCIH reports that mild side effects such as more pain, stiffness or headache are common after spinal manipulation and usually go away within 24 hours; serious problems, including strokes involving neck arteries, are very rare, and neck-focused manipulation has been linked to small tears in neck artery walls (NCCIH (opens in a new tab)). Any sinus symptom on the emergency list above needs a hospital, not an adjustment. A severe or unusual headache is also a reason for medical care before any neck manipulation.

What it costs

The Pricer lists about $55 to $100 for a self-pay follow-up visit and $90 to $200 for a first appointment (The Pricer (opens in a new tab)). Medicare covers only spinal adjustments by a chiropractor to correct a subluxation, and does not cover other services or tests a chiropractor orders, including X-rays, massage therapy and acupuncture (Medicare.gov (opens in a new tab)).

Find a chiropractor in our directory

Approach 3 of 6

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is sometimes used for chronic sinus problems and for seasonal allergies. It does not treat a sudden, severe or spreading infection.

  • Chronic sinusitis: a 2022 systematic review of 10 randomized trials found that acupuncture, alone or added to conventional treatment, was associated with better symptom scores, a better “total effective rate” and better quality of life than conventional treatments, with a similar rate of side effects. The authors rated the quality of evidence generally moderate to low, the risk of bias unclear, and called for rigorous trials (Lee et al., 2022 (opens in a new tab)).
  • A three-way trial: in a single-blind study of 65 people with sinusitis for more than 3 months, traditional Chinese acupuncture, minimal acupuncture at non-acupuncture points and 2 to 4 weeks of conventional medicines were compared. Swelling on CT scans shrank in the conventional group; the symptom-score difference between conventional medicines and traditional acupuncture was not significant (Rössberg et al., 2005 (opens in a new tab)).
  • Seasonal allergies: NCCIH cites a 2015 evaluation of 13 studies (2,365 people) that found acupuncture may help relieve nasal symptoms of allergic rhinitis, and says it may help relieve seasonal allergy symptoms (NCCIH (opens in a new tab)); the original review is Feng et al., 2015 (opens in a new tab). Allergies are a common trigger for sinus trouble (see our allergies guide).

Safety

NCCIH says relatively few complications have been reported, mostly from nonsterile needles or improper treatment; when not delivered properly, acupuncture can cause serious adverse effects, including infections, punctured organs and injury to the central nervous system (NCCIH (opens in a new tab)). Choose a licensed practitioner, and tell them if you take a blood thinner or have a weak immune system.

What it costs

The Pricer lists about $90 to $185 per follow-up visit, with first private visits up to about $230 and community acupuncture around $50 to $90 (The Pricer (opens in a new tab)). Medicare covers acupuncture only for chronic low back pain (Medicare.gov (opens in a new tab)).

Find an acupuncturist in our directory

Approach 4 of 6

Herbal medicine

Many people try herbal products for congestion. The research is mixed and mostly short-term, and no herb should replace the care described above, especially if you have any warning sign.

  • A 2023 network meta-analysis of 47 randomized trials of 18 herbal medicines found that, for acute post-viral sinusitis, the herbal extracts Pelargonium sidoides and cineole were the most effective at controlling symptoms (moderate certainty of evidence); for chronic sinusitis without polyps, oregano (Origanum vulgare) was the most beneficial for symptoms and quality of life (low certainty). The authors noted that evidence for several types of sinusitis was limited, that adverse events were a concern with some products, and that larger and longer studies are needed (Hoang et al., 2023 (opens in a new tab)).
  • A 2025 review of 33 clinical studies of 11 herbal preparations concluded that a herbal combination called BNO-1016 has significant supporting evidence for acute sinusitis and that a traditional Chinese preparation might be useful in chronic sinusitis; it said the use of these products should be examined further (Choulakis et al., 2025 (opens in a new tab)).
  • A 2024 meta-analysis of 48 randomized trials found that traditional Chinese medicine added to usual Western treatment gave better results than Western treatment alone, with no difference in safety, and called for rigorous multicenter trials (Huang et al., 2024 (opens in a new tab)).

Safety

NCCIH reminds us that supplements can interact with medicines or pose risks with certain medical problems or before surgery, that rules for supplements are less strict than for drugs, and that “natural” does not always mean safe (NCCIH (opens in a new tab)). Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every product you take. MBHA suggests not putting homemade herbal or essential-oil mixtures in your nose or sinuses; we did not review research showing that is safe. We don’t list doses.

What it costs

Cost estimate being researched.

Approach 5 of 6

Massage therapy

We found little research on massage for sinus problems. Massage will not treat a sinus infection, but a gentle massage of the neck, shoulders and scalp may help you relax when you are sleeping poorly or tense from feeling unwell.

NCCIH says only a small number of studies of massage for headache have been done, they looked at different kinds of massage and headache, and their results were not consistent (NCCIH (opens in a new tab)). Warm compresses and steam, which CDC lists for sinus comfort (CDC (opens in a new tab)), are self-care you can do at home.

Safety

  • NCCIH says the risk of harm from massage appears low, but rare serious problems such as a blood clot, nerve injury or bone fracture have been reported, some after vigorous deep-tissue massage (NCCIH (opens in a new tab)).
  • MBHA suggests that you skip massage of the face and head while your face is hot, swollen or very painful, and see a clinician. Swelling or redness around the eye needs emergency care (see the box above).
  • Tell the therapist about your symptoms; if you have a fever, MBHA suggests waiting until you feel better.

What it costs

One national chain’s membership runs about $70 to $90 a month on a 12-month term (The Pricer (opens in a new tab)).

Find a massage therapist in our directory

Approach 6 of 6

MBHA Wellness Coach

An MBHA Wellness Coach can help you put the self-care steps below into a routine and notice when it is time to call a clinician — alongside, never instead of, medical care.

Help your sinuses drain

CDC lists a warm compress over the nose and forehead, steam from a hot shower or bowl of hot water, and a saline nasal spray (CDC (opens in a new tab)). The NHS suggests rest, plenty of fluids, avoiding allergy triggers, not smoking and, if needed, rinsing the nose with salt water (NHS (opens in a new tab)). If you rinse, follow the safe-water rules in the next section.

Prevent the next one

CDC advises cleaning your hands often, getting recommended vaccines including flu and pneumococcal vaccines, avoiding close contact with people who have colds or other upper respiratory infections, not smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke, and using a clean humidifier at home (CDC (opens in a new tab)). If allergies trigger your symptoms, a coach can help you track triggers and follow your allergy plan; see our allergies guide.

Keep a simple log

Timing matters in judging whether an infection needs a closer look, so MBHA suggests writing down the day symptoms started, whether they improved and then worsened, your highest temperature and which medicines you used. A coach can also help you read labels, because many cough and cold medicines contain a decongestant (NHS (opens in a new tab)).

Stay on plan with long-term treatment

People with chronic sinusitis or polyps often need long-term sprays (NHS (opens in a new tab), NHS (opens in a new tab)). A coach can help with reminders and tracking how you feel.

What it costs

Cost estimate being researched.

Another approach

Saline rinses (and safe water)

Rinsing the nose with salt water is one of the most common home treatments for sinus symptoms. The FDA says nasal irrigation devices — neti pots, bulb syringes, squeeze bottles and battery-operated pulsed devices — are usually safe and effective when used and cleaned properly. Rinsing can remove dust, pollen and other debris and loosen thick mucus, and can help relieve nasal symptoms of sinus infections, allergies, colds and the flu; plain water can irritate the nose, while saline passes through delicate nasal tissue with little or no burning (FDA (opens in a new tab)).

Never rinse your nose with plain tap water. The FDA says tap water is not safe for a nasal rinse because it is not adequately filtered or treated; some tap water contains organisms, including amoebas, that may be safe to swallow but can live in the nose and cause serious infections that can rarely be fatal (FDA (opens in a new tab)). CDC says to always use distilled, sterile, or boiled and cooled water for sinus or nasal rinsing, and warns that tap water containing certain amoebas has caused deaths (CDC (opens in a new tab)). If a headache, fever, confusion or vomiting develops after rinsing, get medical attention right away (CDC (opens in a new tab)).

Water that is safe to use

  • Distilled or sterile water you buy in stores; the label will say “distilled” or “sterile” (FDA (opens in a new tab), CDC (opens in a new tab)).
  • Tap water that has been boiled and cooled. The two agencies give different boiling times: CDC says a rolling boil for 1 minute (3 minutes at elevations above 6,500 feet) (CDC (opens in a new tab)), while the FDA says to boil for 3 to 5 minutes and cool until lukewarm. The FDA says previously boiled water can be stored in a clean, closed container and used within 24 hours (FDA (opens in a new tab)). Either way, let it cool before it touches your nose.
  • Water passed through a filter designed to trap infectious organisms (FDA (opens in a new tab)).

Use the saline mixture that comes with the device or one you make yourself, follow the manufacturer’s directions, wash and dry the device between uses, and ask a pharmacist if the instructions are unclear (FDA (opens in a new tab)). The NHS says salt-water washes are not suitable for children (NHS (opens in a new tab)). The FDA says to consult your provider first if your immune system is not working properly, and to return to your provider if symptoms get worse, especially with fever, nosebleeds or headaches (FDA (opens in a new tab)).

Does it work?

The evidence is modest. A Cochrane review of saline irrigation for chronic sinusitis found only two trials (116 adults); a daily large-volume rinse with salty (hypertonic) solution showed some benefit compared with usual care, but the evidence was low quality for three months and very low for six months, and a small, low-volume nebulized saline spray was not better than a steroid nasal spray. Nosebleeds and other side effects were reported in 23% of one trial’s saline group (Chong et al., 2016 (opens in a new tab)). For colds and other acute upper respiratory infections, a Cochrane review of three trials (618 people) found most results showed no difference, with limited evidence of benefit in adults, and concluded the trials were too small to be confident (Kassel et al., 2010 (opens in a new tab)). In short, rinses are a low-risk comfort measure if you use safe water, not a proven way to shorten an infection.

What it costs

Cost estimate being researched.

Another approach

Decongestant and steroid nasal sprays

Several kinds of nasal sprays and tablets are used for sinus symptoms. We describe categories, not doses; follow the label and your clinician’s advice.

Decongestants (sprays, drops and tablets)

The NHS says decongestants reduce swelling inside the nose and sinuses and can help with a blocked or stuffy nose from colds, allergies and sinusitis. There are two main types: tablets, capsules and liquids taken by mouth, and nasal sprays or drops. The NHS says not to use more than one decongestant at a time (many cough and cold medicines contain one), and not to use decongestant nasal sprays or drops for more than 5 days, as this can make a blocked nose worse. Check first with a GP or pharmacist if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, glaucoma, thyroid problems or an enlarged prostate, or take other medicines (NHS (opens in a new tab)).

Researchers disagree about “rebound” congestion. A 2019 systematic review describes rhinitis medicamentosa as a common condition caused by overuse of topical nasal decongestants, and found too little evidence to set a standard treatment (Zucker et al., 2019 (opens in a new tab)). A 2013 French expert panel instead concluded that congestion after stopping a decongestant is mainly the return of the sinus inflammation itself, while still recommending decongestants for acute sinusitis (Mortuaire et al., 2013 (opens in a new tab)). Given the uncertainty, MBHA suggests following the short time limit on the label and from the NHS.

Steroid nasal sprays

These calm swelling in the nose and sinuses. The NHS says steroid nasal sprays or drops may be used for longer-lasting sinusitis, sometimes for a few months (NHS (opens in a new tab)). A Cochrane review of 18 trials (2,738 people) in chronic sinusitis, most of them in people with polyps, found improvement in symptoms, with a moderate-sized benefit for nasal blockage and a small benefit for runny nose, but an increased risk of nosebleeds (Chong et al., 2016 (opens in a new tab)). For acute sinusitis, a Cochrane review of four trials (1,943 people) found people using steroid sprays were somewhat more likely to improve than those given placebo (73% versus 66.4%), with no significant adverse events, and concluded the evidence supports their use alone or alongside antibiotics, weighing modest benefits against minor side effects (Zalmanovici Trestioreanu and Yaphe, 2013 (opens in a new tab)).

Steroid tablets and antihistamines

A Cochrane review of oral steroids for acute sinusitis in 5 trials (1,193 adults) found them ineffective alone; with antibiotics they may give modest short-term relief, but the evidence was limited and at risk of bias (Venekamp et al., 2014 (opens in a new tab)). The NHS says antihistamines are used if an allergy is causing the symptoms (NHS (opens in a new tab)). These are prescription decisions to make with your clinician.

What it costs

Cost estimate being researched.

Another approach

Antibiotics: when they help and when they don’t

Because most sinus infections are viral, antibiotics are often not needed. CDC says most sinus infections get better on their own without antibiotics, and that antibiotics do not help when they are not needed; side effects range from rashes to serious problems such as severe allergic reactions, antibiotic-resistant infections and C. diff infection (CDC (opens in a new tab)). CDC adds that antibiotics do not work against viruses (CDC, common cold (opens in a new tab)).

What the research shows

A Cochrane review of 15 trials (3,057 adults) with acute sinusitis found that without antibiotics 46% were cured after 1 week and 64% after 14 days. Antibiotics shortened the time to cure for only 5 to 11 more people per 100, and they caused more side effects (about 1 in 8 more people had a side effect). The authors concluded there is no place for antibiotics for people with uncomplicated acute sinusitis, noting that the available trials did not include children, people with weak immune systems or people with severe sinusitis (Lemiengre et al., 2018 (opens in a new tab)). In the Norwegian family-doctor study mentioned above, severe complications were rare and high prescribing by individual doctors was not protective (Skow et al., 2023 (opens in a new tab)).

When your clinician may prescribe one

CDC’s clinician guidance supports watchful waiting for uncomplicated cases when reliable follow-up is available, and says to suspect a bacterial infection with the severe, persistent or “worse after better” patterns described in the overview (CDC, clinician guidance (opens in a new tab)). If you are given one, take it exactly as prescribed and call your clinician if you are not improving or have an allergic reaction.

What it costs

Cost estimate being researched.

Another approach

Chronic sinusitis, polyps and sinus surgery

Chronic sinusitis, defined by MedlinePlus as lasting more than 12 weeks (MedlinePlus (opens in a new tab)), is a longer-term condition that is managed more than “cured.” The NHS suggests seeing an ENT specialist if you still have sinusitis after 3 months of treatment, keep getting it, or have symptoms on one side only (NHS (opens in a new tab)).

Nasal polyps

Polyps are painless soft growths inside the nose. They can keep growing and block the nose if not treated, and they will not go away on their own, unlike a cold. Symptoms are a blocked or runny nose, post-nasal drip, reduced sense of smell or taste and snoring; a GP can usually see them by looking in the nose. Treatment is usually a steroid nasal drop or spray to shrink them, sometimes steroid tablets for up to 2 weeks, and if there is no improvement after about 12 weeks, surgery may be suggested. Most people who have surgery improve, but polyps commonly grow back, usually within a few years, and a steroid spray may need to continue afterward (NHS (opens in a new tab)). For severe, uncontrolled polyps, newer biologic medicines have been approved. A 2025 meta-analysis of 64 real-world studies (3,921 patients) found good effectiveness and low discontinuation due to side effects, while calling for long-term, higher-quality studies (Cai et al., 2025 (opens in a new tab)).

Sinus surgery

Surgery for chronic sinusitis is called functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). The NHS says it is done under general anesthesia and the surgeon widens the sinuses by removing some blocked tissue or by inflating and then removing a tiny balloon (NHS (opens in a new tab)). A 2025 clinical practice guideline for adults from the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation says surgeons should confirm the diagnosis, assess whether you are a candidate, and counsel you about realistic expectations, including the possibility of relapse and long-term medical management afterward; it recommends offering surgery when expected benefits exceed those of nonsurgical care alone, and says that antibiotics should not be given for chronic sinusitis without significant or persistent pus-like discharge on examination (Shin et al., 2025 (opens in a new tab)). Ask your surgeon about risks, recovery and what to expect.

What it costs

Cost estimate being researched.

Member stories

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Sources

This page is for education only and is not medical advice. Costs are typical U.S. ranges and estimates; yours will depend on your provider, location and insurance. Talk with your doctor before starting, stopping or combining any treatment. In an emergency, call 911. See our disclaimer.

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