RFSymptoms: Safety netting advice
AdultsSinusitis
DATE LAST REVIEWED: 05/11/2026
When to seek further review
- Arrange GP review if symptoms are not improving after 3 weeks of self-care, or after 7 days of treatment from a pharmacist or GP.
- Seek urgent advice sooner if pain is worsening or not controlled, fever develops with worsening illness, or immune defences are weakened.
- A child aged 11 or under with suspected sinusitis should be assessed by a GP.
- Arrange review for repeated episodes or symptoms that keep returning.
- Do not wait for the suggested review time if symptoms become worse, new symptoms appear, or you are worried.
- Contact your GP when the surgery is open. If it is closed, you cannot get the help you need, or you are unsure what to do, call NHS 111. You can call even if you are not sure whether the symptoms are serious.
When to get emergency help
(Immediately dial 999 or go to your nearest Emergency Department)
- Swelling or redness around an eye with reduced sight, double vision, a bulging eye or painful or restricted eye movements.
- Swelling over the forehead, or a severe frontal headache with fever or severe illness.
- A stiff neck, confusion, a seizure, or new weakness or speech difficulty.
- Severe difficulty breathing, such as gasping or being unable to speak normally.
- New confusion or not making sense when speaking.
- Being very difficult to wake.
- Collapse or loss of consciousness.
- Blue, grey, unusually pale or blotchy skin or lips, especially when feeling very unwell.
How to spot sepsis
Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to an infection. It can get worse quickly. If someone is seriously unwell and may have sepsis, call 999 or go to your nearest Emergency Department. Do not wait for every sign, a high temperature or a rash.
An unwell child under 5 who has not had a pee or wet nappy for 12 hours needs emergency assessment. If you are unsure and there are no emergency signs, call NHS 111 for advice.
