Sinusitis
Who do I see?
Advice:
Sinusitis means ‘inflamed sinuses’ and can be caused by a number of things including seasonal allergies, common viruses such as the cold virus, and sometimes bacteria.
Symptoms can be managed well by taking an anti-inflammatory medicine (like ibuprofen if you can take these) regularly for a few days. It will generally settle. Taking an antihistamine regularly if you have allergies can also help. Antibiotics are rarely needed.
Further help is available from your community pharmacy.
Please submit an online medical consultation request for the Urgent Medical Problem Team giving us as much information about your problem as you can if:
- your symptoms are severe or getting worse despite appropriate self-care
- your symptoms haven’t started to improve after around 7-10 days
You will get a same-day response usually by telephone or a time to attend the surgery for further assessment and examination.
If you experience episodes of sinusitis frequently and wish to discuss this with a GP, please submit an online medical consultation request for the GP Clinical Team giving us as much information about your problem as you can. We will respond usually with an offer of an appointment with a GP or other suitable clinician to assess your problem further.
Further information about sinusitis is available from NHS inform.
If you cannot use the online service please call us on 0345 337 1120 and a member of the care navigation team will help you.