Yes, sinusitis can cause a fever, alongside facial pain, congestion and thick nasal mucus, as the body responds to inflammation and infection in the sinuses. A temperature of 38°C or more is considered a fever and is one of the main symptoms of sinusitis, alongside several others.
In this guide, we will look at how sinusitis can cause a fever, what other symptoms to expect, and when you should seek treatment.
What Is Sinusitis?
Sinusitis is swelling of the sinuses, the small air-filled spaces behind your cheekbones and forehead. It is usually triggered by a cold or flu and is very common. According to the NHS, most cases clear up on their own within 4 weeks.
Can Sinusitis Cause a Fever?
Sinusitis fever develops because the immune system raises the body’s temperature to help fight the underlying infection, in the same way it does with colds and flu. A high temperature of 38°C or more often appears alongside facial pain and nasal symptoms, rather than on its own.
What Other Symptoms Come With Sinusitis?
Sinusitis rarely causes fever on its own. It’s usually accompanied by a cluster of other symptoms as the infection develops, including:
- Facial pain, swelling or tenderness around the cheeks, eyes or forehead.
- A blocked or runny nose, often with green or yellow mucus.
- A reduced sense of smell.
- Headache, toothache or bad breath.
- A cough and a feeling of pressure in the ears.
The symptoms can vary from person to person. You may notice nasal congestion and facial pressure first, followed by other symptoms such as thicker mucus or a fever.
Does a Fever Mean Sinusitis Is Bacterial?
A fever does not automatically mean that sinusitis is caused by bacteria. Most acute sinusitis is viral and gets better without antibiotics. Bacterial sinusitis becomes more likely when symptoms persist without improvement or become significantly worse after initially getting better.
How Is Sinusitis Treated?
Most cases of sinusitis are mild and settle with simple self-care rather than medical treatment. This includes:
- Resting and drinking plenty of fluids.
- Taking paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain or fever (avoid aspirin in children under 16).
- Using a salt water nasal rinse.
- Trying a decongestant nasal spray for short-term relief.
Most acute sinusitis is caused by a virus, so antibiotics are not usually needed.
When Should You See a Pharmacist or GP About Sinusitis?
Most sinusitis can be managed with self-care or a quick pharmacy visit, but a small number of cases need more urgent input. Knowing which symptoms call for routine advice and which need immediate attention helps you get the right care at the right time.
When to See a Pharmacist or GP
Here are some situations where speaking to a pharmacist or GP is recommended:
- See a pharmacist if you or your child are aged 12 or over and have symptoms of sinusitis, as they can offer the same treatments as a GP without an appointment.
- See a GP if symptoms haven’t improved after 7 days of treatment or after 3 weeks of managing them yourself.
- See a GP if sinusitis keeps coming back, or if your child is 11 or under.
When It’s a Medical Emergency
Seek emergency care straight away if you notice any of the following, as they can indicate a rare but serious complication:
- Swelling or redness around an eye, or changes to your vision.
- A severe, one-sided headache.
- Confusion or a stiff neck.
These symptoms can indicate complications affecting the area around the eyes or, more rarely, the brain and its surrounding tissues.
Get Advice for Sinusitis Symptoms
If your sinusitis and fever aren’t improving, our pharmacists can assess your symptoms and provide treatment through the NHS Pharmacy First service, without needing a GP appointment. Book an appointment with Pharmacy To My Door today to find out if you’re eligible and arrange your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can sinusitis cause a high temperature?
Yes, a fever of 38°C or more is a recognised symptom of sinusitis, usually appearing alongside facial pain, congestion and thick nasal mucus.
What are the first signs of sinusitis?
Sinusitis often starts with a blocked or runny nose and facial pressure, with fever, thicker mucus and other symptoms developing as the infection progresses.
How long does sinusitis fever usually last?
Sinusitis, including any accompanying fever, usually clears up on its own within about four weeks, though a GP should be seen if symptoms haven’t improved after three weeks of self-care.
Do I need antibiotics if I have a fever with sinusitis?
Not usually. Sinusitis is most often caused by a virus, so antibiotics rarely make a difference and are only prescribed in specific circumstances.
Can a pharmacist treat sinusitis?
Yes, the NHS Pharmacy First service allows pharmacists to assess and treat sinusitis in people aged 12 and over, without needing a GP appointment.
When is a fever with sinusitis a medical emergency?
Seek emergency care if you develop eye swelling or redness, vision changes, a severe one-sided headache, confusion or a stiff neck alongside your symptoms.
