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Frequently Asked QuestionsSee below for answers to some of our most common questions. You can also call us anytime 24 hours a day at 1-800-317-0280 Sinus infections can last many days. Viral sinus infections are usually the worst 3 to 6 days after they start, and then begin to get better by day 10. A viral sinus
infection can develop into a bacterial infection, which typically lasts longer than 10 days. Once a bacterial sinus infection is diagnosed and treated, patients usually respond to antibiotics in 2-3 days and sinus infections resolve anywhere between 7-14 days after that. There are three types of sinusitis and they
are based on the length of your symptoms: Related ContentSkip the waiting roomSpeak to a Doctor 24/7/365 Anytime, Anywhere. Sinusitis is swelling of the sinuses, usually caused by an infection. It's common and usually clears up on its own within 2 to 3 weeks. But medicines can help if it's taking a long time to go away. Sinusitis is common after a cold or
flu. Symptoms of sinusitis include: Signs of sinusitis in young children may also include irritability, difficulty feeding, and breathing through their mouth. The sinuses are small, empty spaces behind your cheekbones and forehead that connect to the inside of the nose. Sinusitis
causes the lining of the sinuses to swell up. This stops mucus draining into your nose and throat properly, making you feel blocked up. How you can treat sinusitis yourselfYou can often treat mild sinusitis without seeing a GP by:
If you have a high temperature or you do not feel well enough to do your normal activities, try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people until you feel better.
You do not need to use all of the solution, but make a fresh solution each time you clean your nose. A pharmacist can help with sinusitisA pharmacist can advise you about medicines that can help, such as:
You can buy nasal sprays without a prescription, but they should not be used for more than 1 week. Find a pharmacy Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:
Treatment for sinusitis from a GPIf you have sinusitis, a GP may be able to recommend other medicines to help with your symptoms, such as:
You might need to take steroid nasal sprays or drops for a few months. They sometimes cause irritation, sore throats or nosebleeds. A GP may refer you to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist if, for example, you:
They may also recommend surgery in some cases. Surgery for sinusitisSurgery to treat chronic sinusitis is called functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). FESS is carried out under general anaesthetic (where you're asleep). The surgeon can widen your sinuses by either:
You should be able to have FESS within 18 weeks of your GP appointment. The ENT UK website has more information about FESS. Page last reviewed: 02 February 2021 What is the fastest way to get rid of a sinus infection?These self-help steps can help relieve sinusitis symptoms:. Rest. This will help your body fight infection and speed recovery.. Drink fluids. Continue to drink plenty of fluids.. Use a warm compress. ... . Moisten your sinus cavities. ... . Rinse your nasal passages.. What are the stages of sinus infection?Stages of a Sinus Infection – What You Should Know. Acute sinusitis.. Subacute sinusitis.. Chronic sinusitis.. Recurrent sinusitis.. How long does sinus infection last without antibiotics?About 70 percent of the time, symptoms of acute bacterial sinus infections go away within two weeks without antibiotics. When sinusitis symptoms last seven to 10 days or more, it's a good idea to see a doctor to discuss treatment options.
How do I know if my sinus infection is improving?How do you know if your sinus infection is getting better?. Fever is completely gone or noticeably improving.. Your congestion and discharge is obviously lessening.. You don't feel as fatigued as you did a few days ago.. |