Common medical treatments for sinusitis are for symptom relief. Nasal irrigation with saline water is commonly used to reduce nasal congestion and help clear mucus. Also, for reducing congestion, nasal sprays such as oxymetazoline (which should not be used for more than 3 days to avoid rebound congestion) or oral pills such as pseudoephedrine may be used. Antihistamines (diphenhydramine, cetirizine, loratadine, etc.) are not beneficial in viral or bacterial sinusitis, but can help in allergic sinusitis (allergic rhinitis). Topical steroid sprays are best left for chronic and allergic sinusitis. Antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin-clavulanate) are used sparingly due to concerns of resistance, but can alleviate bacterial sinusitis which does not improve after watchful waiting.[1][2]
What are some of the main medical treatments for sinusitis?
Written by:
Fact-checked
by:
•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Common medical treatments for sinusitis focus on symptom relief and include nasal irrigation, nasal sprays, oral decongestants, and topical steroid sprays for chronic and allergic cases. Antibiotics are used sparingly for bacterial sinusitis that does not improve with watchful waiting.