Treating Sinusitis

Most patients who suffer from sinusitis are better in 14 – 21 days, without the need for antibiotics, as your body can usually fight the infection on its own. This information will help you care for yourself and/or your family during this time.

How to look after yourself and your family

• Have plenty of rest.
• Drink enough fluids to avoid feeling thirsty.
• Ask your local pharmacy to recommend medicines to reduce your symptoms and/or pain.
• Fever is a sign your body is fighting the infection, it usually gets better by itself in most cases. You can use paracetamol if you (or your child) are uncomfortable because of the fever.
• Use a tissue to cover coughs and sneezes and wash your hands with soap to help prevent spreading infection to your family, friends and others.

When to get emergency help

If any of the following apply to you or your child, get an urgent assessment from a healthcare professional. If your child is under the age of 5 go to A&E immediately or call 999.

• Your skin is very cold or has a strange colour, or you develop an unusual rash.
• You have new feelings of confusion or drowsiness or have slurred speech.
• You have difficulty breathing. Signs that suggest breathing problems include: breathing quickly, turning blue around the lips and the skin below the mouth, skin between or above the ribs getting sucked or pulled in with every breath.

When to get on the day help from NHS 111 or the GP

If you (or your child) have any of the following symptoms, are getting worse or are sicker than you would expect (even if your temperature falls), trust your instincts and get medical advice urgently from NHS 111 or your GP.

• You develop a severe headache and are sick.
• You have a red, swollen tongue.
• You have redness, swelling and pain around the eyes or the ears.
• You develop chest pain.
• You have difficulty swallowing or are drooling.
• You cough up blood.
• You are peeing very little, or not at all.
• You are feeling a lot worse.
• Your child has a middle-ear infection and fluid is coming out of their ears or they have new deafness.

Less serious signs that can be treated by a visit to your Pharmacy or a routine GP appointment

• You are not starting to improve by day 14 to 21 of the illness.
• You have mild side effects such as diarrhoea.