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Sinusitis

Facial pain and pressure, blocked nose, thick mucus. Usually settles, sometimes needs more.

Speak to a GP about sinusitisFrom £79

In short

Sinusitis is common and usually viral, settling within a few weeks with symptom relief rather than antibiotics. A GP can confirm the cause, ease symptoms, and treat or refer the cases that need more.

Overview

What is sinusitis?

Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses, the air-filled spaces around the nose, usually triggered by a cold. It causes facial pain and pressure, a blocked nose, and thick mucus. Most cases are viral and self-limiting; a smaller number are bacterial, and some become chronic (lasting over 12 weeks).

Symptoms

Common symptoms

  • Pain, pressure, or tenderness around the cheeks, eyes, or forehead
  • A blocked or runny nose
  • Thick, discoloured mucus
  • Reduced sense of smell
  • Headache made worse by bending forward
  • A high temperature or feeling generally unwell

When to act

When to see a doctor

Book a GP if symptoms are severe, lasting beyond about 10 days without improvement, getting worse after initially improving, or keep coming back. Seek urgent help for eye swelling, double vision, or a severe headache with neck stiffness.

When to seek urgent help

Seek urgent help if

  • Swelling or redness around the eye, or double vision (possible spread of infection, call 999 or go to A&E)
  • A severe headache with a stiff neck or confusion
  • Symptoms that are rapidly worsening or very severe

Call 999 for life-threatening emergencies or NHS 111 for urgent non-emergency advice.

Treatment

How a private GP can help

  • An assessment to confirm sinusitis and gauge whether it's viral or bacterial
  • Advice on symptom relief (saline rinses, decongestants, pain relief, steam)
  • Prescription of a steroid nasal spray for persistent symptoms
  • Antibiotics only where there are clear features of a bacterial infection
  • A plan for recurrent or chronic sinusitis
  • Referral to ENT for persistent or complicated cases

What we don't do

  • Sinus surgery or specialist ENT procedures (referred on)
  • CT scans and complex investigations (referred to NHS)

Pricing

What it costs

An online consultation about sinusitis starts at £79 for a 20-minute video appointment. In-pharmacy consultations are £129 and home visits are £189. Your consultation includes one private prescription if appropriate, and a sick note for work if needed. You pay the pharmacy separately for any medication.

See full pricing breakdown

FAQ

Common questions about sinusitis

Do I need antibiotics for sinusitis?
Usually not. Most sinusitis is viral and clears within 2-3 weeks. Antibiotics only help the minority caused by bacteria, and are reserved for clear signs or symptoms that drag on.
How long does sinusitis last?
Acute sinusitis usually improves within 2-3 weeks. If it lasts longer than 12 weeks it's called chronic sinusitis and may need different treatment, including a steroid nasal spray.
What helps the symptoms?
Salt-water nasal rinses, steam inhalation, decongestants for a few days, and pain relief all help. A steroid nasal spray helps persistent cases.
When should I worry?
Seek urgent help for swelling or redness around the eye, double vision, a severe headache with a stiff neck, or confusion, these are rare but important.
See all conditions we can help with

Ready to talk to a GP about sinusitis?

Message Emily on WhatsApp or book online in under 90 seconds. UK-registered doctors, available today.

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