Sinusitis Symptoms & Treatment

Medically reviewed by:

Dr Dan Bunstone - Medical Officer

Updated: Aug 18, 2021

Next review: Aug 18, 2022

If you’ve got a really severe cold, or your symptoms aren’t clearing up after a few weeks, you might have sinusitis.

Sinusitis is a very common condition, which leads to inflammation in the lining of the sinuses. It’s typically due to a viral infection.

If you get prolonged bouts of sinusitis, particularly if they occur at the same time every year, you may have what’s known as acute or chronic sinusitis.

Sinusitis is often confused with a cold or flu and can be easy to overlook, since it often occurs straight after you’ve had an upper respiratory tract infection like these.

Since it has symptoms so similar to those experienced in cold and flu, it’s easy to overlook sinusitis, but if left untreated - it can be very unpleasant to deal with.

In addition to pain in the areas surrounding your sinuses (nose, cheeks and forehead), those with sinusitis may also experience:

Headaches
Toothache
A blocked nose
An elevated temperature
Loss of your sense of smell
Bad breath

In children, these symptoms can be particularly severe and cause a loss of appetite, irritability and a nasally-sounding voice.

Sinusitis is a very common condition, which leads to inflammation in the lining of the sinuses. It’s typically due to a viral infection and tends to clear up within a couple of weeks.

However, if you get prolonged bouts of sinusitis (lasting months on end), particularly at the same time every year - you may be especially susceptible to the condition and have what’s known as acute or chronic sinusitis (or rhinitis).

It’s usually brought on by the cold or flu virus spreading to the sinuses, but may also be the result of a tooth infection or even a fungal infection.

While sinusitis will usually clear up of its own accord within a couple of weeks, for more serious or chronic cases, our doctors can prescribe medication such as antibiotics or steroid sprays.

If you think you might have sinusitis or aren’t sure - don’t delay, talk to a doctor today.

Our GPs will be able to discuss your symptoms with you, diagnose the problem and if necessary, prescribe the medication you need to start feeling better.

If you think you might have sinusitis, get the confirmation you need from an experienced GP in minutes.

Our doctors are here from 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week to help you look after your health.

SINUSITIS

Dr Dan Bunstone - Medical Officer

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