Sinusitis treatment

Sinusitis is swelling of the sinuses, usually caused by an infection. Common causes and risk factors include upper respiratory tract infections, allergies, nasal polyps, deviated nasal septum, smoking and having a weakened immune system. Chronic sinusitis occurs when symptoms last for longer than 12 weeks.

Acute sinusitis often goes away on its own without treatment. Painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen can help. You can buy saline or decongestant nasal sprays from a pharmacy to help unblock your nose.

Sometimes a GP or ENT doctor will prescribe antibiotics if sinusitis is caused by bacterial infection. If you get sinusitis repeatedly or symptoms don’t get better after 3 months of treatment then surgery may be required to relieve symptoms.