Sinusitis
Feeling bunged up, headachy, and fed up? We can help you manage sinusitis with practical advice, pharmacy treatments, and clinician-led options when you need them.
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What you should know about sinusitis treatments
Bacterial sinusitis is more likely if symptoms last more than 10 days without improving, are very severe, or worsen after initially getting better (double worsening).
Many cases improve within 2–4 weeks, though some symptoms can linger [1]. Chronic sinusitis lasts 12 weeks or more.
Not always. Many cases are viral. Antibiotics are reserved for specific patterns and severity.
Nasal steroid sprays can help reduce inflammation in some people. Correct technique matters.
Some decongestant sprays can help short-term, but they should not be used for more than a few days because they can cause rebound congestion.
Some people find steam soothing, but the evidence is mixed. If you try it, keep it safe to avoid burns.
Seek urgent advice if you are very unwell, symptoms worsen despite pain relief, or you have a weakened immune system.
If symptoms last 12 weeks or more, keep returning, or are one-sided, you may need further assessment.
Additional information
Sinusitis
If your face feels like it’s wearing a too-tight helmet and your nose has gone on strike, sinusitis could be the culprit. In this guide, we’ll cover symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatments, and when to get help.
Five key takeaways
- Sinusitis often follows a cold and usually improves within a few weeks [1]
- Most cases are viral, so antibiotics are not always needed [1]
- Nasal steroid sprays can help some people, especially if symptoms drag on [2]
- Good self-care (fluids, rest, pain relief, saline rinses) can make a real difference [1]
- Red-flag symptoms need urgent medical advice [1]
Sinusitis can make you feel rough. It’s not just a blocked nose. It can bring facial pain, pressure, poor sleep, and that “I can’t taste anything” vibe that ruins even a decent cup of tea. The good news is that most sinusitis clears on its own, and there are sensible treatments that can help you feel human again [1].
What is sinusitis?
.
- Acute: lasts less than 4 weeks
- Subacute: lasts 4 to 12 weeks
- Chronic: lasts longer than 12 weeks
- Recurrent: Four episodes lasting less than 4 weeks with complete symptom resolution between episodes [4].
What are the symptoms of sinusitis?
- Facial pain or pressure (forehead, cheeks, around the nose, or between the eyes)
- A blocked, stuffy nose
- Yellow or green mucus from the nose
- A reduced sense of smell
- Fever (less common) [1]
- Headaches from pressure building up
- Toothache or jaw pain (your sinuses sit close to your upper teeth)
- Bad breath, caused by trapped mucus
- A cough, often worse at night [1]
How common is sinusitis?
Sinusitis is common after colds and is frequently seen in primary care [1], [4]. Chronic sinusitis (symptoms lasting 12 weeks or more) is less common but can have a bigger impact on quality of life [3].
What causes sinusitis?
Common causes and triggers include:
- Viral infections (most common)
- Allergic rhinitis
- Irritants (smoke)
- Structural issues (polyps, deviated septum)
- Dental sources (occasionally)
- Reduced immune function (rare, but higher risk of complications) [3], [4]
What happens in the body with sinusitis?
Your sinuses are air-filled spaces that normally make mucus, which drains into the nose. Tiny hairs (cilia) help move mucus along. In sinusitis, swelling and thicker mucus can block drainage. That creates pressure and can trap germs, which is why symptoms can linger [4].
How is sinusitis diagnosed?
- How long have symptoms lasted
- Whether they’re improving or getting worse
- Nasal blockage and facial pressure
- What your mucus looks like
- Any allergy history
- Nasal endoscopy: a thin camera used to look deeper inside the nose
- CT or MRI scan: sometimes used if structural issues are suspected (like polyps)
- Allergy testing: if allergies seem to be driving symptoms
- Lab tests: occasionally used if a specific infection needs checking
What are the treatments for sinusitis?
Self-care
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Rest (your immune system does its best work when you stop trying to be a hero)
- Use pain relief like paracetamol or ibuprofen if suitable
- Try saline sprays or rinses to help clear mucus
Over-the-counter options
Prescription treatments
If symptoms are persistent, severe, or suggest a bacterial infection, a clinician may recommend prescription options, such as:
- Nasal steroid sprays may help reduce inflammation, especially if symptoms persist [2]
- Antibiotics are only useful in a smaller group of cases, mainly when bacterial sinusitis is more likely [2]
How can I prevent sinusitis?
- Avoiding triggers where possible (pollen, dust, pet dander, smoke, strong chemicals)
- Keeping nasal passages moist with saline sprays or rinses
- Staying hydrated to keep mucus thinner and easier to drain
- Using a humidifier if indoor air is dry
- Washing your hands regularly to reduce the risk of colds
- Quitting smoking (your sinuses will thank you)
- Managing stress, as long-term stress can affect immune function
Alternative treatments for sinusitis
- Steam inhalation to loosen mucus, although the evidence for any benefit is weak [3].
- Warm compresses on the face to ease pressure. Again, the evidence is weak for this treatment, but if it provides comfort, then go for it [3].
- Essential oils (like eucalyptus or peppermint) used in a diffuser or steam (use carefully and avoid direct skin contact unless diluted)
- Anti-inflammatory foods like ginger, garlic, turmeric, and honey
- Acupressure or acupuncture (some people find it helpful, but evidence is mixed)
Patient experiences and challenges
Sinusitis is one of those conditions that looks “minor” on paper but feels huge when you’re in it. People often struggle with:
- Poor sleep from congestion
- Reduced taste and smell
- Head pressure that makes screens and meetings feel harder
- Confusion about whether they need antibiotics
That last one matters, because antibiotics can cause side effects and don’t help viral infections [2], [4].
Quick facts about sinusitis
- Sinusitis is inflammation (swelling) of the lining of the sinuses, often after a cold [1]
- Symptoms can last days to weeks. Many cases settle within 2–4 weeks [1]
- Facial pain, blocked nose, and thick mucus are common features [1]
- It can be acute (short-term) or chronic (lasting 12 weeks or more) [3]
When to get urgent help
Seek urgent advice (NHS 111 or urgent GP assessment) if you feel very unwell, symptoms are getting worse despite pain relief, or you have a weakened immune system [1].
Sinusitis itself isn’t usually contagious. What can spread is the infection that started it. If your sinusitis kicked off after a cold or flu, the virus can pass to other people through coughs, sneezes, and touching shared surfaces. If it’s bacterial sinusitis, bacteria can also spread, but that doesn’t mean the next person will definitely get sinusitis. Most people just get a standard cold, and their sinuses behave themselves.
- Wash your hands often (especially after blowing your nose)
- Catch coughs and sneezes in a tissue (or your elbow, not your hand)
- Avoid close contact with people who are unwell when you can
- Clean high-touch surfaces like phones, door handles, and keyboards
- Keep your nose comfortable with saline sprays or rinses to help mucus clear
What treatments are available for sinusitis?
Treatments fall into a few buckets:
- Self-care: rest, fluids, pain relief, saline rinses [1]
- Pharmacy options: short-term decongestants (careful use), advice on nasal sprays [3],[4]
- Prescribed options: nasal corticosteroids, and antibiotics only when appropriate [2], [3]
- Specialist options: ENT assessment and, in some cases, surgery for chronic disease [1], [3]
- Acute sinusitis: up to 4 weeks
- Subacute sinusitis: 4 to 12 weeks
- Chronic sinusitis: longer than 12 weeks
- Recurrent sinusitis: several episodes in a year
What causes sinusitis?
Most acute sinusitis starts after a viral upper respiratory infection (a cold) [1]. Other triggers include:
- Allergies (like hay fever)
- Irritants (smoke, pollution)
- Nasal polyps or structural blockage
- Dental infections (less common)
- Immune problems (rare, but important) [3], [4]
Can sinusitis cause toothache?
What’s the difference between sinusitis and a cold?
- Facial pressure or pain
- Thick mucus
- Reduced sense of smell
- Symptoms that worsen after the “normal cold” phase
Can allergies cause sinusitis?
When should I see a doctor for sinusitis?
- Symptoms last 10+ days without improving
- Symptoms improve, then suddenly get worse again
- You have a high fever (around 38°C or above)
- You have severe facial pain, swelling, or redness
- You notice swelling around the eye or changes in vision
- You keep getting sinus infections
- You have a weakened immune system or a condition that affects healing
Can sinusitis lead to complications?
Is surgery ever necessary for sinusitis?
How can I tell the difference between sinusitis and COVID-19?
- Fever
- Fatigue and body aches
- Sore throat
- Dry cough (though not always)
- Sudden loss of taste or smell
Does the weather affect sinusitis?
- Stay hydrated
- Use a humidifier if indoor air is dry
- Keep allergies under control during high pollen periods
- Avoid smoke and strong irritants
Can sinusitis make you feel dizzy?
Why is my sinusitis worse at night?
Can sinusitis cause bad breath?
Can flying make sinusitis worse?
Do I need antibiotics for sinusitis?
How common is sinusitis?
Sinusitis is very common, often after a cold or flu [1]. Acute sinusitis is one of the most frequent reasons people seek advice in primary care [4].
How is sinusitis diagnosed?
For most people, sinusitis is diagnosed based on symptoms and how long they’ve lasted [1], [3]. Tests and scans are not usually needed unless symptoms are severe, unusual, or long-lasting [4].
Can sinusitis be cured?
Most acute sinusitis clears up on its own [1]. Chronic sinusitis can be more stubborn and may need longer-term management, sometimes with specialist input [3].
How can Medical Mojo help with sinusitis?
We help you make sense of symptoms and choose safe next steps.
- We’ll help you spot patterns that suggest viral vs possible bacterial sinusitis [2], [4]
- We’ll guide you on correct use of nasal sprays and antibiotics (this is where many people go wrong) [2]
- We’ll give clear safety advice, so you know when to escalate [1]
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice.
References:
- NHS (2023) Sinusitis (sinus infection). Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sinusitis-sinus-infection/ (Accessed: 15 December 2025).
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2017) Sinusitis (acute): antimicrobial prescribing (NG79). Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng79 (Accessed: 15 December 2025).
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2024) Sinusitis. NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries. Available at: https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/sinusitis/ (Accessed: 15 December 2025).
- Kwon, E., Hathaway, C. and Sutton, A.E. (2025) ‘Acute sinusitis’, in StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547701/ (Accessed: 15 December 2025).
BSc Pharmacy, Independent Prescriber, PgDip Endocrinology, MSc Endocrinology, PgDip Infectious Diseases
Superintendant Pharmacist, Independent Prescriber
GP, Medical coach
