---
name: sinusitis-care
description: 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.
---

# Sinusitis Care

> ⚠️ **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.