Acute Sinusitis: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Most of us have experienced the misery of a blocked nose, facial pressure, and thick mucus that just won’t go away. This is often due to acute sinusitis—inflammation of the sinuses that usually follows a cold or viral infection.
At Hampshire ENT Clinics, we see many patients with sinus problems and can help guide you through treatment and recovery.
What is Acute Sinusitis?
The sinuses are air-filled spaces in the cheeks, forehead, and around the eyes. When the lining of the nose swells—most often after a viral cold—the drainage pathways of the sinuses become blocked. Mucus builds up, creating pressure and sometimes leading to infection.
Symptoms of Acute Sinusitis
Blocked nose
Facial pain or pressure (often worse when bending forward)
Thick yellow or green nasal discharge
Loss of smell
Fever or feeling unwell (in some cases)
Most acute sinusitis episodes last less than 4 weeks and improve on their own, but the symptoms can be very uncomfortable.
Treatment Options
1. Self-Care and Symptom Relief
Saline rinses to clear mucus and keep the nose moist.
Over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
Decongestant sprays or drops (short-term use only, usually no more than 5–7 days).
2. Medical Treatment
Nasal steroid sprays can reduce swelling and help the sinuses drain.
Antibiotics may be prescribed if bacterial infection is suspected—particularly if symptoms last longer than 10 days, worsen after initial improvement, or are severe.
3. When to Seek Specialist Care
If sinus infections are:
Very severe,
Recurrent (several times a year), or
Not improving with usual treatments,
…then seeing an ENT specialist is important. We can check for underlying problems such as a deviated septum, nasal polyps, or chronic inflammation that may need longer-term treatment.
How Hampshire ENT Clinics Can Help
Our expert ENT consultants provide:
A detailed nasal examination (often with a small camera).
Tailored treatment plans—ranging from medical therapy to minimally invasive surgery if sinus drainage pathways are blocked.
Advanced techniques for patients with chronic or recurrent sinusitis to restore healthy breathing and prevent repeated infections.
Take the First Step
Acute sinusitis can make you feel exhausted and miserable—but effective treatments are available. If you suffer with repeated sinus infections or symptoms that just won’t settle, the team at Hampshire ENT Clinics is here to help.
📞 Contact us today to arrange your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Acute Sinusitis
What is acute sinusitis?
Acute sinusitis is inflammation of the lining of the sinuses, usually following a viral upper respiratory infection such as a common cold. Swelling blocks normal sinus drainage, leading to mucus build-up, pressure and pain. Symptoms typically last less than 4 weeks.
What are the most common symptoms?
Typical symptoms include:
Nasal blockage or congestion
Facial pain or pressure (often worse when bending forward)
Thick yellow or green nasal discharge
Reduced or lost sense of smell
Headache, toothache, or ear pressure
Fever or feeling generally unwell (in some cases)
Is acute sinusitis usually caused by bacteria or a virus?
Most cases are viral and improve without antibiotics. Bacterial sinusitis is less common and is more likely if symptoms:
Last longer than 10 days without improvement
Worsen after initial recovery
Are severe (high fever, significant facial pain)
How long does acute sinusitis last?
Most episodes resolve within 7–14 days, although some symptoms can last up to 3–4 weeks. Gradual improvement is expected.
Do I need antibiotics for acute sinusitis?
Not usually. Antibiotics are only recommended if bacterial infection is suspected. Overuse of antibiotics does not speed recovery in viral sinusitis and can cause side effects or resistance.
What self-care measures help most?
Helpful measures include:
Saline nasal rinses to clear mucus
Regular pain relief (paracetamol or ibuprofen)
Short-term decongestant sprays (no more than 5–7 days)
Adequate hydration and rest
Are steroid nasal sprays useful?
Yes. Steroid nasal sprays can reduce inflammation, improve sinus drainage and shorten symptom duration, particularly in moderate or prolonged cases.
When should I see an ENT specialist?
You should consider specialist assessment if:
Symptoms are severe or worsening
Infections recur several times a year
Symptoms do not improve with standard treatment
You have one-sided symptoms, swelling around the eye, or reduced vision
You suspect an underlying problem such as a deviated septum or nasal polyps
Can acute sinusitis turn into a chronic problem?
Yes. Repeated or poorly resolving episodes can progress to chronic rhinosinusitis, especially if there are underlying structural or inflammatory issues. Early assessment helps reduce this risk.
How can Hampshire ENT Clinics help?
At Hampshire ENT Clinics, we offer:
Consultant-led ENT assessment
Nasal endoscopy to assess sinus drainage pathways
Tailored medical treatment plans
Advice on preventing recurrence
Advanced surgical options for patients with recurrent or complicated sinus disease
When should I seek urgent medical advice?
Seek urgent help if you develop:
Swelling or redness around the eye
Severe headache with fever
Visual changes
Confusion or drowsiness
These are rare but important complications.
👉 If sinus symptoms are severe, recurrent, or not settling, contact Hampshire ENT Clinics to arrange a specialist assessment and personalised treatment plan.