RAG rating

n/a

Document type

Clinical pathways

Place

Hertfordshire and West Essex ICB

Output type

Clinical Pathways

Pathway

Chronic and Acute Sinusitis

Chronic and Acute Sinusitis

Sinusitis is swelling of the sinuses, usually caused by an infection. It's common and usually clears up on its own within 4 weeks. But medicines can help if it's taking a long time to go away.

Sinusitis is common after a cold or flu.

The main symptoms of sinusitis include:

• pain, swelling and tenderness around your cheeks, eyes or forehead
• a blocked or runny nose
• a reduced sense of smell
• green or yellow mucus from your nose
• a high temperature

Other symptoms include:

• a headache
• toothache
• bad breath
• a cough
• a feeling of pressure in the ears

You may also snore at night and sound nasal when you speak.

How you can treat sinusitis yourself

You can often treat mild sinusitis without seeing a GP by:

• getting plenty of rest
• drinking plenty of fluids
• taking painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen (do not give aspirin to children under 16)
• avoiding things that trigger your allergies
• not smoking
• cleaning your nose with a salt water solution

Please see pathway for more information.