Medically reviewed by
Medically reviewed by
Dr Amanda Northridge
GP & Medical Reviewer·MBBS·GMC 2847829
Speak to a GP today about sinusitis or a sinus infection — video within 90 minutes, or in-clinic in Manchester the same day if needed.
GP appointments from £125 — see full pricing
Enough for most sinus infections. Seen today — prescription sent to your pharmacy if needed.
For a face and sinus exam — same-day appointments in Manchester.
A qualified GP reviews your symptoms and how long you've had them. Video or in-clinic.
Your GP explains whether it's likely viral or bacterial, and whether you'll need antibiotics.
If a prescription is the right next step, it's sent to your pharmacy the same day.
Sinusitis is when the sinuses behind your nose, cheeks and forehead become inflamed and blocked. Most cases are caused by viruses after a cold and settle within 2–3 weeks. A smaller number are bacterial and may need antibiotics. You're more likely to get sinusitis if you have:
If you have swelling around an eye, sight changes, or a severe headache with a stiff neck, go to A&E or call 999.
Sinus pain overlaps with several other conditions. A GP can tell the difference quickly and start the right treatment the same day.
Yes. Your GP examines you, checks how long symptoms have lasted, and either reassures + advises self-care for shorter cases or prescribes when the picture fits bacterial sinusitis. Most acute sinusitis settles within 2–3 weeks without antibiotics; treatment focuses on symptom control and clearing the sinuses.
Sinusitis lasting less than 10 days is usually viral and antibiotics don't help. After 10 days — or with high fever, severe one-sided facial pain, or symptoms getting worse after starting to improve — antibiotics may be appropriate, sent electronically to your pharmacy after the consultation.
Saline nasal rinses, steam inhalation, decongestant sprays (short-term only), and pain relief work well for most viral sinusitis. Your GP will recommend specific options at your appointment. If a steroid nasal spray is appropriate, that's prescribed the same day.
No imaging is needed for typical acute sinusitis. CT or referral to ENT is arranged for chronic sinusitis (over 12 weeks), recurrent infections, or complications. Your GP will explain why if it's needed and arrange the referral from the appointment.
Sinusitis pain is worse leaning forward, comes with a blocked nose and thick green or yellow mucus, and follows a recent cold. Migraine pain is usually one-sided, throbbing, and comes with light or sound sensitivity rather than nasal symptoms. Your GP can tell the two apart in the appointment.
Severe one-sided facial pain or swelling, vision changes, confusion, very high fever, or a stiff neck can mean a complication and need urgent assessment — go to A&E or call 999. A same-day GP appointment is right for everything else.
Video or in-clinic, 15 minutes. Your GP takes a focused history, examines you, and explains what they think is going on.
Blood tests, swabs, urine samples or imaging — your GP arranges what fits and shares the timeline at the appointment.
Prescriptions sent electronically to your pharmacy after the call. Sick notes issued at the visit. Specialist referral letters written the same day when needed.
Sources: NHS Sinusitis (sinus infection) · NICE CKS Sinusitis