Sinus infection treatment online
Pressure behind your eyes, a blocked nose and a headache that won't quit? Talk to a licensed provider about your sinus symptoms by video or phone, usually the same day.
- Licensed providers
- Same-day visits, usually
- Video or phone
Get started Members: request a visit
Written by the CheckMD care team · Updated
Is it a sinus infection?
Sinusitis is swelling of the spaces behind your cheeks, nose and forehead. It often follows a cold or comes with allergies. Typical signs:
- Pain or pressure in the face, worse when you bend forward
- A blocked or runny nose with thick yellow or green mucus
- Mucus running down the back of the throat, and a cough
- A reduced sense of smell, tiredness, sometimes a fever or toothache
Most sinus infections are caused by viruses and clear up by themselves within 7 to 10 days. The trick is knowing when you need more than rest.
What your provider can do
Your provider asks how long you have been unwell and how your symptoms have changed. That timeline matters: antibiotics only help sinus infections caused by bacteria, which is more likely when
- symptoms last more than 10 days without getting better,
- you have a high fever and severe facial pain for several days in a row, or
- you started to recover from a cold and then got worse again.
If antibiotics are the right choice, your provider sends them to your pharmacy. If they aren't, you will leave with a plan that actually helps: saline rinses, a steroid nasal spray, pain relief, fluids and rest – and clear advice on when to check back.
Medicines your provider may prescribe
- Saline rinses and a steroid nasal spray such as fluticasone – the first step for most sinus infections
- Amoxicillin-clavulanate (Augmentin) or doxycycline – only when a bacterial infection is likely
Only when it is right for you: your provider checks your symptoms, allergies, other medicines and health history first. Prescriptions go to the pharmacy you choose.
What you can do at home right now
- Rinse with saline once or twice a day
- Breathe in steam from a shower
- Sleep with your head raised
- Drink plenty of fluids
When to get seen in person
- Swelling or redness around the eye, double vision or other changes in your sight
- A severe headache, a stiff neck, confusion or a very high fever
- Symptoms that keep coming back several times a year
- A weakened immune system
A virtual visit is not an emergency service. For chest pain, trouble breathing, severe bleeding, signs of a stroke or a serious injury, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. If you are thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) at any time.
Get help in three steps
Request a visit
Tell us what is going on and choose video or phone.
Talk to a provider
Usually the same day, often within hours.
Start feeling better
Get your care plan and any prescription at your pharmacy.
Questions about sinus infections
Will I get antibiotics?
Only if they are likely to help. Most sinus infections are viral, and antibiotics don't work on viruses. Your provider will explain the reason either way.
How long does a sinus infection last?
Most get better within 7 to 10 days. Symptoms lasting longer than that, or getting worse after first improving, are a good reason for a visit.
What helps at home?
Saline nasal rinses, steam, plenty of fluids, rest and over-the-counter pain relief. A steroid nasal spray can help with swelling – ask your provider whether it suits you.
How much does an online visit cost?
Visits are part of your CheckMD membership – one yearly price, and you don't need insurance. You pay the pharmacy for any medicine. See the current plans on our pricing page or read about telehealth without insurance.
Can I be seen today?
Most visits happen the same day. Request a visit, choose video or phone and pick the earliest time.
What if I don't get better?
Book a follow-up visit. Your provider can adjust your treatment or tell you where to be seen in person. If you get worse quickly, don't wait – get urgent care.
Feeling unwell? Talk to a provider today.
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