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Conditions
Sinusitis
Inflammation of the sinuses, usually from infection or allergies. Causes facial pressure, congestion, and headache.
Check online review fit
Online care is not suitable for every situation. A doctor decides what fits after assessment.
Symptoms
CommonsymptomsofSinusitis
Symptoms can overlap across conditions. A doctor considers context, red flags, and whether remote review is appropriate.
Facial pressure or pain
Blocked or runny nose
Reduced sense of smell
Headache (worse when bending forward)
Thick yellow or green mucus
Cough (especially at night)
Fatigue
Our Scope
Whereonlinereviewmayfit
Online review can help with some straightforward situations, but it is not a substitute for urgent care, physical examination, or ongoing GP management.
May fit online review
- Medical certificates for sinusitis-related absence
- Assessment of whether antibiotics are needed
- Advice on decongestants and nasal irrigation
- Referral if symptoms persist
Needs in-person or urgent care
- Sinus procedures or imaging
- Treatment for chronic or recurrent sinusitis (may need ENT)
Depending on your situation, an AHPRA-registered doctor may be able to issue a medical certificate or arrange a repeat prescription after reviewing your request online.
Clinical Guidance
Whentoseeadoctor
These indicators suggest you should seek professional medical advice promptly.
Signs you need a doctor
- 1Symptoms lasting more than 10 days
- 2Symptoms that improve then worsen
- 3Severe facial pain or headache
- 4High fever
- 5You need a medical certificate
Seek emergency care if
- Severe headache with stiff neck
- Swelling around eyes
- Confusion or vision changes
- Difficulty breathing
Call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department
Clinical Insight
Adoctor'sperspectiveonSinusitis
InstantMed Clinical Team
AHPRA-registered medical team · Reviewed 2026-03
Sinusitis is one of the most over-prescribed conditions in general practice - most cases are viral and resolve without antibiotics. The key clinical question is whether the infection is bacterial or viral. Viral sinusitis typically follows a cold pattern: symptoms peak around day 3-5 and gradually improve over 7-10 days. Bacterial sinusitis is suspected when symptoms either persist beyond 10 days without improvement, or when there is a 'double worsening' pattern - you start to improve, then get significantly worse again. Green or yellow nasal discharge alone does not indicate bacterial infection (this is a common misconception). When antibiotics are needed, a 5-day course is as effective as a 10-day course for uncomplicated cases. Saline irrigation is genuinely effective and underused - it physically flushes mucus and irritants from the sinuses.
Treatment
TreatingSinusitis
Most sinusitis is viral and resolves without antibiotics in 7-10 days. Antibiotics are only appropriate for bacterial sinusitis -- defined as symptoms persisting beyond 10 days without improvement, or worsening after initial improvement (double-sickening). Nasal saline irrigation is the single most effective supportive treatment.
Amoxicillin
Amoxil, Alphamox
Class:Penicillin antibiotic
Typical dose:500mg three times daily for 5-7 days (bacterial sinusitis)
PBS:PBS listed for acute bacterial sinusitis
- First-line antibiotic when bacterial sinusitis is confirmed
- Only needed for symptoms lasting >10 days or 'double-sickening' pattern
- Most sinusitis is viral - antibiotics provide no benefit for viral cases
- Well tolerated, common side effects include diarrhoea and nausea
Amoxicillin + clavulanate
Augmentin Duo Forte
Class:Penicillin + beta-lactamase inhibitor
Typical dose:875/125mg twice daily for 5-7 days
PBS:PBS listed for acute sinusitis when amoxicillin alone fails
- Second-line antibiotic when amoxicillin fails after 48-72 hours
- Broader coverage including resistant organisms
- Higher rate of GI side effects than amoxicillin alone
- Take with food to reduce stomach upset
Mometasone furoate nasal spray
Nasonex
Class:Intranasal corticosteroid
Typical dose:2 sprays per nostril once or twice daily
PBS:PBS listed for rhinosinusitis
- Reduces nasal mucosal inflammation and improves sinus drainage
- Effective for both acute and chronic sinusitis
- Can be used alongside antibiotics when needed
- Safe for longer-term use in chronic sinusitis
Source: Therapeutic Guidelines - Antibiotic, 2024. This information is educational only and does not replace clinical assessment.
Specialist referral: Referral to an ENT specialist is recommended for chronic sinusitis (symptoms >12 weeks), recurrent acute sinusitis (4+ episodes per year), suspected nasal polyps, or sinusitis with complications (orbital or intracranial involvement).
Sinusitis in Australia
Sinusitis affects approximately 1.9 million Australians each year
It is responsible for around 2.6 million GP visits annually in Australia
Up to 90% of sinusitis cases are viral and do not require antibiotics
Chronic sinusitis (lasting more than 12 weeks) affects about 10% of the Australian population
Recovery
Whattoexpect
Typical recovery timeline and return-to-work guidance for most patients.
Typical recovery
Acute viral sinusitis: 7-10 days, with symptoms usually peaking around day 3-5. Acute bacterial sinusitis: 10-14 days with antibiotic treatment. Chronic sinusitis: may require weeks to months of management.
Return to work
Most people can work with sinusitis if symptoms are manageable. Facial pain, headache, and poor sleep may warrant 1-2 days off for the worst period. You are not typically contagious with sinusitis itself (though the underlying cold may be).
When to reassess
See a doctor if symptoms persist beyond 10 days without improvement, if you develop a high fever, severe facial swelling or pain, visual changes, or a severe headache - these can indicate complications requiring urgent assessment.
Self-Care
ManagingSinusitisathome
Evidence-based tips to support your recovery alongside medical treatment.
Saline nasal irrigation (using a squeeze bottle or neti pot with sterile saline) is highly effective - do it 2-3 times daily
Steam inhalation with a towel over your head can temporarily relieve congestion
Stay well hydrated - this helps thin mucus secretions
Sleep with your head slightly elevated to promote sinus drainage
Use a decongestant spray for no more than 3 consecutive days (longer use causes rebound congestion)
Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help with facial pain and headache
FAQ
CommonquestionsaboutSinusitis
Answers to the most common questions from patients.
Most sinusitis is viral and doesn't need antibiotics. Bacterial sinusitis may need them if symptoms persist beyond 10 days or worsen. A doctor can assess.
Yes. Sinusitis can cause significant discomfort and affect concentration. Our doctors can provide a certificate if appropriate.
Steam, saline nasal irrigation, decongestants, and pain relief can help. Avoid flying when congested - it can worsen sinus pressure.
Acute sinusitis usually improves within 2-3 weeks. Chronic sinusitis lasts 12+ weeks and may need specialist referral.
Where online review may fit for Sinusitis
Remote review is not suitable for every situation. A doctor reviews the information and decides whether online care is appropriate.
Full refund if the doctor declines.