- Antibiotics — A standard treatment for bacterial sinus infections, antibiotics are usually taken from 3 to 28 days, depending on the type. Longer treatments may be prescribed for people with longer lasting or severe cases because the sinuses are deep-seated in the bones, and blood supply is limited. Antibiotics target the bacteria causing the infection and destroy them, removing them from the body. They do not do much to allay symptoms until the drugs take effect. Some over-the-counter medications can help provide relief. - Nasal decongestant sprays — Facilitating the flow of drainage from the sinuses, these medications shrink swollen nasal passages. Overuse of topical nasal decongestants can result in rebound phenomenon, a dependent condition in which the nasal passages swell shut. - Antihistamines — So they can help to fight symptoms of allergies that can lead to swollen nasal and sinus passages, antihistamines block inflammation caused by an allergic reaction. - Topical nasal corticosteroids — Addressing the biggest problem associated with sinus infection, these prescription nasal sprays prevent and reverse inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages and sinus openings. This treatment is also effective in shrinking nasal polyps and preventing their return. - Nasal saline washes — Nasal rinses can help clear thick mucous secretions from the nasal passages.