Sinusitis: Causes, Treatments, and What Works Best

When your sinuses get swollen and blocked, you’re dealing with sinusitis, an inflammation of the sinuses often caused by infection, allergies, or structural issues. Also known as sinus infection, it’s one of the most common reasons people visit doctors or reach for over-the-counter meds. You know the drill: stuffy nose, facial pressure, headache, maybe a thick yellow or green discharge. It’s not just annoying—it can knock you out for days if it doesn’t clear up.

Sinusitis isn’t one thing. It can be acute, lasting under four weeks, or chronic, dragging on for months. Most cases start with a cold or allergy flare-up, but if bacteria take over, you might need an antibiotic. Not all sinus infections need antibiotics though—many clear on their own with rest, hydration, and nasal rinses. That’s why so many people end up confused: is this a virus or a bacterial infection? And which treatment actually helps?

When antibiotics are needed, options like amoxicillin, a first-line antibiotic often prescribed for bacterial sinusitis or Bactrim, a combination drug used when other antibiotics fail or resistance is suspected come up in doctor’s offices. But side effects, drug interactions, and overuse are real concerns. You don’t want to ruin your gut flora or build resistance just because you took a pill too soon. And if you’ve tried everything and still feel pressure behind your eyes or a dull ache in your cheeks, it might be time to look beyond meds—like checking for nasal polyps, a deviated septum, or even fungal involvement.

What you’ll find here isn’t just a list of drugs. It’s a practical look at what works, what doesn’t, and what’s often misunderstood. You’ll see how common antibiotics like cefadroxil or ampicillin are used in different cases, why some people respond better to certain meds, and how conditions like immunocompromise change the game. There’s also real talk on when to push for imaging, when to try saline rinses, and why popping decongestants for weeks might do more harm than good.

This isn’t about guessing. It’s about knowing what your body’s telling you—and choosing the right step next. Whether you’re dealing with your first sinus flare-up or you’ve been stuck in this cycle for years, the guides below give you the facts without the fluff. No jargon. No hype. Just what you need to feel better, faster, and smarter about your care.