What are the symptoms of sinusitis and how is it treated? When should I see a doctor?

If any of the following occur, seek urgent medical attention or go to the nearest emergency department. These signs can indicate complications.

• Severe or rapidly worsening facial pain or swelling
• Swelling around the eyes, redness or eyelid swelling
• Sudden vision changes or double vision
• High fever or very unwell general state
• Signs of spreading infection (increasing redness, severe headache, neck stiffness)

Reported symptoms vary but commonly include the following. Their presence alone does not confirm a diagnosis.

• Nasal congestion/runny nose
• Pressure or pain in the face/head
• Postnasal drip
• Reduced sense of smell (hyposmia)
• Fever or general weakness

Symptoms can overlap with allergic rhinitis and viral upper respiratory infections.

See your family doctor or Otorhinolaryngology if symptoms are prolonged, recurrent, severe, or if you have concerning signs. The clinician will ask about the timing and course of symptoms and perform an examination; further tests are rarely needed initially but may include nasal endoscopy or imaging if chronic or complicated disease is suspected.

• Key history: symptom duration, prior sinusitis episodes, allergy history, recent upper respiratory infection, current fever
• Exam may include nasal inspection and facial tenderness assessment
• Referral to Otorhinolaryngology for persistent, recurrent or complicated cases

For urgent complications or uncertain diagnosis, emergency services evaluate initially. For most non‑urgent cases, your Family Medicine physician can assess and manage or refer to specialists as needed.

• Emergency care for red flags
• Family Medicine for initial assessment and symptomatic management
• Otorhinolaryngology for suspected bacterial, chronic, recurrent or complicated sinusitis
• Allergy/Immunology if allergic rhinitis is suspected