You should see your doctor if you have symptoms of sinusitis and: your symptoms are severe or getting worse. your symptoms haven't started to improve after around 7 to 10 days. you have frequent episodes of sinusitis.
For adults — See a healthcare professional if:
You have symptoms for more than 10 days. You have a high fever. What's coming from your nose is yellow or green. You also have sinus pain or fever.
See a GP if:
You, or a child, have sinusitis symptoms and: you do not get better after 7 days of treatment from a pharmacy or GP. you do not get better after 3 weeks of treating symptoms yourself. you keep getting sinusitis.
You likely need antibiotics for a sinus infection if you have severe symptoms (high fever, intense facial pain) or if symptoms like thick discharge, congestion, and facial pressure last over 10 days without any improvement, or if you experience a "double worsening" (getting better then suddenly worse). Most sinus infections are viral and clear up on their own, so doctors often suggest watchful waiting first, but persistent or worsening signs point towards a bacterial infection needing antibiotics.
Acute sinusitis symptoms often include: Thick, yellow or greenish mucus from the nose, known as a runny nose, or down the back of the throat, known as postnasal drip. Blocked or stuffy nose, known as congestion. This makes it hard to breathe through the nose.
Sinusitis red flags signal a severe infection needing urgent care, including severe eye symptoms (swelling, redness, vision changes like double vision), high fever, stiff neck, confusion, severe facial swelling/numbness, or neurological changes (difficulty walking/talking), indicating potential spread to the eyes or brain. For less severe cases, seek care if symptoms last over 10 days, worsen after improving ("double sickening"), or include severe facial pain/toothache, suggesting bacterial sinusitis.
To relieve pregnancy sinus pressure, use safe methods like saline nasal sprays/rinses, steam inhalation, humidifiers, and warm compresses; stay hydrated with water/broth; elevate your head when sleeping; and consider pregnancy-safe OTC nasal sprays (like Rhinocort) or antihistamines (like Chlorpheniramine) after checking with your doctor, who can also recommend what's safe.
ANSWER: Allergies and sinus infections often are mistaken for one another. But they are two separate conditions. By paying close attention to the specific symptoms you have, you can usually identify which one is more likely to be causing the problem.
Warning signs you should never ignore
Although extremely rare, a sinus infection that is left untreated can lead to a serious complication called meningitis. It is an infection of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms to watch out for include a stiff neck accompanied by a severe headache and fever.
Sinus infections and COVID-19 can both cause congestion and sore throats, but COVID-19 often presents with additional symptoms like body aches and loss of smell. Understanding the key differences between COVID and a sinus infection can help with getting an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment.
How else can I get rid of a sinus infection naturally?
Depending on the root cause, they will prescribe medications to prevent your infection from further weakening your body. These are two of the most common prescriptions: Antiviral medications for sinusitis caused by a viral infection. Antibiotics for sinusitis caused by a bacterial infection.
A primary care doctor will assess the severity of your sinus infection, make a diagnosis, and help you get effective sinusitis treatment. Your primary care doctor can also: Discuss at-home treatments to address symptoms and make you more comfortable. Prescribe appropriate antibiotics if you have a bacterial infection.
Acute sinusitis symptoms (nasal congestion, drainage, facial pain/pressure and decreased sense of smell) last less than four weeks. It's usually caused by viruses like the common cold. Subacute sinusitis symptoms last four to 12 weeks. Chronic sinusitis symptoms last at least 12 weeks.
However, if you have some or all of the following symptoms, it is very likely you have a sinus infection:
See a health care provider right away if you have symptoms that could mean a serious infection:
Germs that enter the bloodstream and travel to the brain and spinal cord cause bacterial meningitis. But bacterial meningitis also can happen when bacteria directly enter the meninges. This may be caused by an ear or sinus infection or a skull fracture.
Symptoms of encephalitis vary depending on the affected area of the brain, but often include headache, sensitivity to light, stiff neck, mental confusion and seizures.
Diagnosis of sinusitis
You don't usually need any other tests for your GP to diagnose sinusitis. Your GP may also check whether something else is causing your symptoms, because sinusitis symptoms can be like symptoms of other conditions. These include an allergy, or problems with your teeth.
Sinusitis fatigue can lead to a feeling of deep-seated, persistent weariness or exhaustion that goes beyond regular tiredness. Your body may feel exhausted, with a sluggishness that makes it difficult to perform even simple, routine activities.
It's important to clarify that sinus inflammation itself rarely spreads directly to chest organs. Rather, chest symptoms related to sinus allergies result from secondary processes—for example, post-nasal drip, coughing, or airway irritation.
How to relieve sinus pressure
Untreated chronic sinusitis can lead to long-term effects such as nasal congestion, thick nasal discharge, facial pressure, and a reduced sense of smell. These ongoing symptoms can be quite debilitating, impacting daily life, sleep quality, and overall well-being.
Can sinus infections harm my baby? Most sinus infections cause discomfort to the mother but do not directly harm the baby. However, untreated high fever or severe infections can lead to complications, making prompt medical evaluation essential.