Sinusitis Care
Use when asked for general educational information about sinusitis care — common symptoms, general self-care measures, and when to seek medical attention — for education only, not medical advice; always direct the reader to consult a doctor or health care professional.
> ⚠️ Ask your doctor or health care professional. This information is AI generated for education and NOT medical advice.
Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses, usually caused by a viral infection (often following a cold) but sometimes bacterial, causing facial pressure and nasal congestion.
Common symptoms
Facial pain or pressure (especially around the eyes, cheeks, or forehead), nasal congestion, thick nasal discharge, reduced sense of smell, cough, and — with more significant infection — fever and fatigue.
General self-care measures
- Use saline nasal rinses to help clear congestion.
- Stay hydrated and use steam inhalation for symptom relief.
- Use over-the-counter decongestants or pain relief as appropriate, following label guidance on duration of use.
- Rest and allow time for a viral sinusitis to resolve on its own, typically within one to two weeks.
When to seek medical attention
- Symptoms lasting more than 10 days without improvement, or symptoms that improve then worsen again (may indicate a bacterial infection needing antibiotics).
- Severe facial pain, high fever, or swelling around the eyes.
- Vision changes, confusion, or severe headache alongside sinus symptoms — see Urgent Emergency Care, as these can indicate a rare but serious complication.
- Frequent recurrent sinusitis, which may need further evaluation.
Common pitfalls
- Using decongestant nasal sprays for more than a few days — prolonged use can cause rebound congestion that's worse than the original problem; follow label duration limits.
- Assuming all sinusitis needs antibiotics — most cases are viral and resolve without antibiotics; overuse contributes to antibiotic resistance without benefit for viral infections.
- Ignoring symptoms that fit a "worsening after improving" pattern — this pattern often indicates a secondary bacterial infection worth evaluating, distinct from an uncomplicated viral course.
Learn more
- Otolaryngology Assessment for related ENT assessment (including the SNOT-22 symptom score).
- Hay Fever Care for a related condition that can predispose to sinusitis.
- Health Care for general navigation of health systems.