Sinusitis — Fast Diagnosis & Same Day Treatment

Sinusitis symptoms can range from mildly irritating to completely debilitating, depending on the severity and type. The most common symptoms our GPs see include:

• Facial pain and pressure — a dull, heavy ache behind the cheeks, forehead, or around the eyes
• Blocked or congested nose — difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils
• Thick nasal discharge — yellow or green mucus that may drip down the back of the throat
• Reduced sense of smell and taste — a noticeable dulling of both senses
• Headache — particularly across the forehead and between the eyes
• Toothache or jaw pain — caused by pressure in the maxillary sinuses above the upper teeth
• Fatigue and generally feeling unwell — your bodyis  working hard to fight the infection
• Cough — worse at night due to mucus dripping down the back of the throat

Understanding which type of sinusitis you have is essential for getting the right treatment:

Acute Sinusitis: The most common type, usually triggered by a cold or upper respiratory infection. Symptoms develop quickly and typically last between 2 and 4 weeks. Most cases are viral and will resolve on their own, though bacterial cases require antibiotic treatment.

Subacute Sinusitis: A middle-ground form where symptoms persist for 4 to 12 weeks despite initial treatment. Often requires a more targeted course of antibiotics and further investigation.

Chronic Sinusitis When sinusitis symptoms last for more than 12 weeks, it is classified as chronic. This may be linked to nasal polyps, allergies, or a structural issue within the nasal passage and often requires specialist ENT review.

Recurrent Sinusitis: Four or more separate sinusitis episodes within a single year. Recurrent cases should always be investigated to identify and address the underlying cause.

You should book an online GP appointment if:

• Symptoms have lasted longer than 10 days with no sign of improvement
• You have a high temperature above 38°C
• Your facial pain is severe or rapidly worsening
• You notice swelling around your eyes or forehead
• Your nasal discharge is thick, yellow or green
• You have had 4 or more sinus infections in the past 12 months
• Symptoms returned after a short course of antibiotics

Our doctors will take a full assessment of your symptoms and medical history before recommending the most appropriate treatment plan for your individual case:

✓ Prescribe a targeted course of antibiotics for confirmed bacterial sinusitis

✓ Recommend nasal corticosteroid sprays to reduce inflammation and swelling

✓ Advise on saline nasal irrigation to flush out blocked mucus

✓ Recommend safe over-the-counter decongestants for short-term symptom relief

✓ Investigate and address any underlying allergies contributing to your sinusitis

✓ Refer you to an ENT specialist if your sinusitis is chronic or recurring

Sinusitis accounts for over 1 million antibiotic prescriptions in the UK every year — making it one of the most overtreated and undertreated conditions at the same time. Getting the right diagnosis is everything. Our online GPs are available 7 days a week — no waiting room, no travel, just fast and accurate care from wherever you are.