Sinusitis (Sinus Infection): Symptoms, Treatment & UK Online Doctor
Educational information — not medical advice.
This article was prepared by the OnlineDoctor24 editorial team and reviewed for factual accuracy against UK clinical guidance (NHS and NICE). It is not written by a doctor and does not replace personal medical advice. For symptoms specific to you, book an online doctor consultation.
Key points
- Most sinusitis follows a cold and clears within 2–3 weeks without antibiotics.
- Symptoms include facial pain or pressure, blocked nose, thick discharge and reduced sense of smell.
- Steam, saline rinses and decongestants help. Steroid nasal sprays speed recovery in some cases.
- Antibiotics are reserved for severe or prolonged bacterial cases.
- An online doctor can confirm the diagnosis, prescribe steroid sprays or antibiotics, and refer if chronic.
What is sinusitis?
Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses — the air-filled spaces behind your forehead, cheeks and eyes. It is usually triggered by a viral cold and resolves on its own. A small minority become bacterial or chronic and benefit from prescription treatment.
Symptoms
- Pain, pressure or tenderness over the cheeks, forehead or around the eyes
- Blocked or runny nose with thick yellow or green mucus
- Reduced sense of smell or taste
- Headache that is worse leaning forwards
- Mild fever and tiredness
- Cough, especially at night from post-nasal drip
Self-care first
- Saline nasal rinses (sachets from any pharmacy) used 1–2 times a day.
- Steam inhalation — sit with a bowl of hot water and a towel over your head.
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain.
- Decongestant sprays (e.g. xylometazoline) for up to 5–7 days only — longer use causes rebound congestion.
- Stay well hydrated and rest.
When an online doctor can help
If symptoms last more than 10 days, are getting worse after initial improvement, or are very severe, an online GP can:
- Confirm bacterial sinusitis is likely and prescribe an appropriate antibiotic.
- Prescribe a steroid nasal spray (mometasone, fluticasone) which has good evidence for sinusitis.
- Recommend allergy treatment if hay fever is a trigger.
- Refer to ENT if you have recurrent or chronic sinusitis.
Chronic sinusitis
Symptoms lasting more than 12 weeks are classed as chronic sinusitis and need a different approach — usually prolonged steroid spray, allergy treatment and ENT referral. An online GP can start this pathway.
Red flags — when to seek urgent help
Call 999 or go to A&E if you experience any of the following:
- Severe one-sided facial pain with swelling around the eye
- Vision changes, double vision or eye redness
- Confusion, severe headache or neck stiffness
- High fever not responding to paracetamol
Frequently asked questions
Common questions UK patients ask about sinusitis.
How an online doctor can help
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This article is for general information only and does not replace personal medical advice from a qualified doctor. Content is reviewed against UK NHS and NICE guidance by the OnlineDoctor24 editorial team and is not authored by a medical doctor. If your symptoms worsen or you are unsure, please book a consultation with a GMC-registered GP.
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