Sinusitis is something most people experience at some point. The blocked nose, facial pressure, and thick nasal discharge that come with it are unpleasant, but for the majority of people, the symptoms clear up within two to three weeks without the need for medical treatment. When sinusitis drags on well beyond that, something else may be going on.
If your sinusitis has lasted more than 12 weeks, it is likely to be classed as chronic sinusitis rather than acute, and that distinction matters for how it is treated.
Acute vs Chronic Sinusitis: What Is the Difference?
Understanding where your symptoms fall on this spectrum is a useful starting point. The table below outlines the key differences between acute and chronic sinusitis:
| Criteria | Acute Sinusitis | Chronic Sinusitis |
| Duration | Up to 12 weeks | 12 weeks or longer |
| Typical cause | Viral infection (cold or flu) | Ongoing inflammation, nasal polyps, allergies, structural causes |
| Onset | Sudden | Gradual or persistent |
| Antibiotics needed? | Rarely | Depends on cause; often not |
| Resolves on its own? | Usually yes | Often requires treatment |
If your symptoms have been present for less than 12 weeks and began following a cold, you most likely have acute sinusitis, and it will usually resolve without intervention. If it has persisted considerably longer, a GP assessment is worthwhile.
How Long Does Sinusitis Last?
Acute sinusitis typically lasts between 10 days and 12 weeks, depending on the cause and the individual. Viral sinusitis, which is by far the most common type, usually begins to improve within 10 days. Bacterial sinusitis, which is less common, may take longer and sometimes requires antibiotic treatment.
Subacute sinusitis falls between the two, lasting between four and twelve weeks. Chronic sinusitis is defined by symptoms that persist beyond 12 weeks, even with attempts at treatment.
Recurrent acute sinusitis, where a person experiences four or more episodes in a year, is a separate pattern that also warrants investigation.
What Causes Sinusitis to Become Chronic?
When sinusitis does not resolve, there is usually an underlying reason. Common contributing factors include:
- Nasal polyps, which are small, non-cancerous growths inside the nasal passages that can obstruct drainage
- A deviated nasal septum or other structural issue affecting airflow
- Allergic rhinitis (hay fever), which causes persistent nasal inflammation
- Asthma, which is associated with chronic sinusitis in a significant proportion of patients
- A weakened immune system, which makes it harder for the body to clear an infection
- Exposure to environmental irritants such as cigarette smoke or air pollution
In many cases, treating the underlying cause is the most effective route to resolving chronic sinusitis.
Sinusitis Treatment: What Are Your Options?
Treatment depends on how long symptoms have been present, their severity, and whether an underlying cause has been identified. For acute sinusitis, the NHS recommends self-care in the first instance:
- Steam inhalation or a warm flannel held over the face to help ease congestion
- Saline nasal irrigation or sprays to rinse and moisturise the nasal passages
- Over-the-counter decongestant sprays for short-term use, typically no longer than a week
- Pain relief, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, for facial pain and headache
- Staying well hydrated and resting
For chronic sinusitis, NHS treatment may include corticosteroid nasal sprays, prescribed on a longer-term basis to reduce inflammation, or referral to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist if symptoms are significant or a structural cause is suspected. In some cases, surgery to improve sinus drainage is considered.
Antibiotics are not routinely recommended for sinusitis, even when it has persisted. Most cases are not caused by bacteria, and antibiotic treatment is unlikely to help unless there is clear evidence of bacterial infection.
When Should You See a GP?
You should contact your GP if:
- Your symptoms have lasted more than 12 weeks
- Symptoms are severe or getting noticeably worse rather than improving
- You have a very high temperature or feel seriously unwell
- You have swelling around your eyes, a severe headache, or changes to your vision
- You have had repeated episodes of sinusitis over the past year
- Over-the-counter treatments have not provided adequate relief
The symptoms listed above in the final three bullet points, particularly swelling around the eyes or changes to vision, require a same-day medical assessment rather than a routine appointment.
Can a Pharmacist Help with Sinusitis?
Yes. For sinusitis that has lasted more than 10 days but has not yet become chronic, a pharmacist may be able to help through the NHS Pharmacy First service. Under this scheme, patients aged 12 and over can be assessed for sinusitis by a participating pharmacist, who can provide advice and, if appropriate, supply treatment without a GP prescription.
This is a practical first step if your symptoms are lingering, but you are not yet at the point of needing a GP referral.
How Pharmacy To My Door Can Support You
If you have been prescribed medication for sinusitis, whether that is a corticosteroid nasal spray, a course of antibiotics, or another ongoing treatment, managing your prescription should be the least of your worries. At Pharmacy To My Door, we dispense and deliver your NHS prescriptions directly to your home anywhere in the UK.
Our GPhC-registered pharmacy team is always on hand if you have questions about your medication, and we make it straightforward to stay on top of your treatment without repeated trips to a pharmacy.
Ready to make your prescription easier to manage? Book an appointment with our pharmacy team today and let us handle the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Sinusitis is considered chronic once symptoms have persisted for 12 weeks or more. Symptoms lasting between four and twelve weeks are sometimes referred to as subacute sinusitis. Acute sinusitis, which typically follows a cold or viral infection, usually resolves within ten days to two weeks.
Most cases of acute sinusitis, particularly those caused by a viral infection, will clear up on their own within two to three weeks. Self-care measures such as nasal irrigation, steam inhalation, and over-the-counter pain relief can help manage symptoms in the meantime. If symptoms persist beyond 12 weeks or worsen significantly, speak to your GP.
For straightforward acute sinusitis, a GP appointment is usually not necessary in the first instance. Self-care and, if appropriate, a consultation under the NHS Pharmacy First service, are the recommended starting points. You should see your GP if symptoms last longer than 12 weeks, are severe, or if you experience swelling around the eyes or changes to your vision, which require prompt assessment.
In most cases, no. The majority of sinusitis cases are caused by viruses, against which antibiotics are ineffective. Antibiotics are occasionally prescribed when there is clear evidence of a bacterial infection that has not responded to other measures, but this is not the standard approach. Overuse of antibiotics can contribute to antibiotic resistance, which is why they are not routinely recommended.
The two terms are often used interchangeably. Sinusitis simply means inflammation of the sinuses. A sinus infection implies that the inflammation is caused by an infectious agent, whether viral or bacterial. Because most sinusitis is viral in origin, the distinction is largely academic in everyday use, though it becomes more relevant when deciding whether antibiotic treatment is appropriate.
