Managing Chronic Sinusitis
Key Information
What is Chronic Sinusitis?: Sinusitis is considered "chronic" when symptoms persist for more than 12 weeks.
The Smouldering Fire: Unlike an acute infection (a raging fire), chronic sinusitis is like a "smouldering fire." The initial infection has gone, but low-level inflammation remains.
Treatment Goals: The focus shifts from fighting a short-term infection to managing long-term inflammation.
The Management Plan: Treatment typically involves using a nasal corticosteroid spray every day to reduce inflammation, alongside daily nasal rinsing with saltwater solution.
Specialist Referral: If symptoms do not improve after 3 months of this consistent treatment, we may consider a referral to an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist.
What Happens Next?
If you have been struggling with sinus symptoms for months and they are not going away, we need to discuss a long-term management plan. Contact us if:
- Duration: Your symptoms have lasted for more than 12 weeks.
- Treatment Failure: You have been using pharmacy treatments (sprays/rinses) for several weeks with no improvement.
- Impact: The symptoms are significantly affecting your quality of life or sleep.
Further Information
To learn more about sinusitis, please see our sinusitis series:
Understanding Sinusitis and Antibiotics
For more information on sinusitis, please visit the NHS website.
Last reviewed: 27 April 2026
Next review due: 27 April 2029
Page created: 27 April 2026