Key Information

Most Cases Resolve: The majority of sinusitis cases are viral and will clear up with simple self-care at home.

The 3-Week Rule: It is normal for symptoms to last for a few weeks, but if they persist beyond 3 weeks, it may indicate a need for further assessment.

Double Sickening: If you start to feel better but then your symptoms suddenly get worse again, this can be a sign of a secondary bacterial infection.

Urgent Signs: Symptoms involving the eye (swelling, redness, pain, or vision changes) require urgent medical attention.

When to Contact Us

Please use the checklist below to decide when to seek help.

Contact the Practice (Routine/Online):

• Your symptoms are severe.
• Your symptoms have not improved after 3 weeks.
• Your condition was improving but has suddenly got worse.

Contact Us Urgently (or NHS 111 if closed):

• You have a very high temperature.
• You have swelling or redness around your eye.
• You have severe pain around your eye.
• You notice any changes to your vision (such as double vision or blurring).

Discuss Your Symptoms

Further Information

To learn more about sinusitis, please see our sinusitis series:

Understanding Sinusitis and Antibiotics

Treating Sinusitis at Home

Managing Chronic Sinusitis

For more information on sinusitis, please visit the NHS website.

• Learn more about sinusitis

Last reviewed: 27 April 2026
Next review due: 27 April 2029