It varies. I would say that if you have a more rhinorrhea (nasal drippings) antihistamines will work better.

Sometimes, you can have tympanic membrane bulging (TM for short) from sinus pressure. This can be without an infection. Antihistamines CAN help with that (Benadryl seems to work well, but obvious need to take it at night). Short course of steroids are really effective to help that as well.

NOTE; I wouldn’t take random advice from peeps on Reddit, but this is what I have seen in my personal bubble of patients I have

Awesome! Thanks for that!

Work as a provider and get to explain this a bit!

Your sinuses during the virus get filled up with mucus and cause a post nasal drip (mucus running back in down your throat which irritates your throat and causes you to cough due to that irritation and your bodies desire to keep that pathway clear). The virus also irritates your oropharynx, which is then irritated MORE by the PND. This is why when you lay down, you tend to cough more.

Once the virus is defeated, the inflammatory responses are still in place dealing with the “damage” caused by the virus.. your congestion needs to drain from your sinuses, but in doing so your throat stays irritated, even after the virus is donzo. This CAN lead to secondary infection, but doesn’t always.

Doing things like nasal sprays (normal saline rinses) can help clear your sinuses. Using things like Flonase can also help. Taking antihistamines can also alleviate these symptoms. HOWEVER, sometimes antihistamines can have the opposite affect and cause your congestion to linger further—so it’s not ALWAYS the best choice.

Edit; this got more updoots then I expected. But please remember; I am a random dude on Reddit; don’t take medical advice form this website, if you are concerned see someone.