What is the first treatment for sinusitis?

Sinusitis causes swelling in the lining of the nose and sinus passages, which can block drainage and create facial pressure, congestion, reduced smell and thick nasal discharge. Many episodes follow a viral cold, so antibiotics may not help. A clinician considers how long symptoms have lasted, whether they are improving, and whether there are features suggesting a bacterial cause. Initial care may include rest, fluids, saline nasal rinsing and suitable pain relief, with advice about any nasal medicine.

Drink regularly and rest. Saline rinsing may loosen mucus; use sterile, distilled or previously boiled and cooled water as directed, and clean the device after use. Take pain medicine only if it is suitable for you and follow the label. Avoid smoke and other irritants. Arrange a GP consultation if symptoms are severe, persistent, recurrent or interfering with sleep and daily activities. Do not start leftover antibiotics without assessment.

Seek urgent help for swelling or redness around an eye, vision changes, severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, facial weakness, or difficulty breathing. Contact a clinician promptly for high fever, severe one-sided facial pain, worsening symptoms after initial improvement, or a weakened immune system. Children with marked drowsiness, poor drinking or breathing difficulty need urgent assessment.

Ask whether the pattern suggests viral or bacterial sinusitis, which pain or nasal treatments are safe for you, how to perform saline rinsing, and what change should prompt review. If antibiotics are prescribed, ask how to take them and what side effects require advice.