When to Visit your Doctor

Acute bacterial sinusitis (ABS) is often preceded by a viral upper respiratory tract infection, such as a cold. Some people who suffer from sinusitis caused by a virus will go on to develop ABS.

Although there may be other reasons for consulting your doctor, you should seek medical advice if:

• Your symptoms of sinusitis last for longer than 10 days or worsen after five to seven days
• You have a severe headache which is not helped by over-the-counter pain relief medicine
• You have a fever
• You have completed your course of antibiotics but still have symptoms

Seeing your doctor

Your doctor will usually examine you and discuss your symptoms with you. The physical examination may involve the doctor pressing on your sinuses for signs of tenderness. Your doctor may also examine your teeth and jaw to see if you have pain there.

Further tests your doctor may arrange include:

• X-rays of your sinuses
• Nasal endoscopy
• A sample of your nasal discharge may be sent away to test for bacteria or allergy testing
• A CT scan of the sinuses
• Blood tests

The information provided on this website does not replace a consultation with a medical professional. If you have any concern about your condition please contact a medical professional.