Rinse your nose with saline (neti pot or squeeze bottle)
Use a warm steam inhalation or hot shower for 5–10 minutes
Apply a warm compress to your forehead/cheeks or a cold compress if it feels better
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever: ibuprofen or naproxen, or acetaminophen (follow label directions)
Use an over-the-counter saline nasal spray as needed
Use a decongestant nasal spray (oxymetazoline) for up to 3 days only, if you can use decongestants
If you have significant congestion, consider an oral decongestant (pseudoephedrine) if appropriate for you
Use an antihistamine if allergy symptoms are present (e.g., cetirizine or loratadine)
Stay well hydrated and rest
Sleep with your head elevated
Avoid smoke, strong odors, and alcohol
Try gentle sinus pressure relief: light massage over the cheeks/bridge of the nose and slow breathing through the nose if possible
Seek urgent care now if you have severe headache “worst ever,” stiff neck, confusion, fainting, new neurologic symptoms, vision changes, or high fever
Get medical care promptly if symptoms last more than 10 days, worsen after initial improvement, or you have recurrent sinus headaches, severe facial pain, or thick/foul nasal discharge with fever