Can I text a doctor about a sinus infection?
Last updated September 3, 2026.
Yes - sinusitis is diagnosed from the story: congestion, face pressure, thick discharge, reduced smell. Most cases are viral and settle in two to three weeks with saline rinses, short-course decongestants, and painkillers - no antibiotic needed. The NHS escalation lines: no better after 7 days of pharmacy treatment or 3 weeks of self-care, recurrent episodes, or a child under 12. Severe signs - high fever, swelling or redness around an eye, vision changes, severe headache, confusion - need urgent in-person care. Antibiotics genuinely apply mainly when symptoms pass 10 days, run severe, or improve then worsen. Pymander is a free AI doctor, 24/7 by text, and can help you judge the stage.
What to do
- Start with saline rinses and painkillers: most sinusitis is viral.
- Cap decongestant sprays at a few days: longer use rebounds.
- Past 10 days or double-worsening? Ask about antibiotics: that is their window.
- Eye swelling, vision changes, or severe headache? Go in urgently.
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