How to prepare for a video visit about Chronic Sinusitis (Stable) - Follow-up

Audience: adult

Chronic sinusitis is a long-lasting inflammation of the sinuses that can cause symptoms like nasal congestion, facial pain, and pressure. When your condition is stable, regular follow-up visits help your healthcare provider check your progress and adjust treatments if needed. A video visit is a convenient way to discuss your symptoms, medications, and any concerns without leaving home. To get the most from your telemedicine appointment, prepare by noting your symptoms, medication use, and any changes since your last visit. During the visit, your provider may ask about your daily routine, symptom control, and any side effects. While telemedicine can support ongoing care for stable chronic sinusitis, it cannot replace in-person exams or imaging if new or worsening symptoms occur. If you experience severe facial pain, high fever, or vision changes, seek urgent in-person care. This guide helps you prepare for your video visit and understand what to expect.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe facial pain or swelling — seek urgent medical care immediately.
• High fever that does not improve with usual medications — contact your healthcare provider promptly.
• Vision changes or eye swelling — get emergency care without delay.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussion of stable symptoms and treatment response
• Medication review and adjustment for stable chronic sinusitis
• Advice on lifestyle changes and symptom management

What telemedicine cannot do

• Physical examination of sinuses and nasal passages
• Imaging tests such as CT scans
• Management of sudden severe symptoms or complications

What is Chronic Sinusitis (Stable)?

Chronic sinusitis means your sinus cavities are inflamed for a long time, usually more than 12 weeks. When your symptoms are stable, they may be mild or well-controlled with treatment. Common symptoms include a blocked or runny nose, facial pressure or pain, and reduced sense of smell. Managing this condition often involves medications like nasal sprays, saline rinses, or sometimes antibiotics.

How Telemedicine Can Help

A video visit lets you talk with your healthcare provider about how your symptoms are doing without traveling to a clinic. You can discuss your current treatment, any side effects, and lifestyle factors that affect your sinuses. Your provider can give advice, adjust medications, and decide if you need further tests or in-person care.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

Before your appointment, write down your current symptoms, how often they occur, and any changes since your last visit. List all medications and supplements you use. Find a quiet, well-lit place with good internet connection for the call. Have a list of questions or concerns ready to discuss.

What Telemedicine Can and Cannot Do

Telemedicine can:

Telemedicine cannot:

If you have new or worsening symptoms, an in-person visit may be necessary.

When to Seek Urgent Care

Contact your healthcare provider or emergency services if you experience:

These signs may indicate a serious infection or complication requiring immediate attention.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Write down current symptoms and any changes since last visit.
• List all medications, including nasal sprays and supplements.
• Prepare questions or concerns to discuss with your provider.
• Choose a quiet, well-lit area with a reliable internet connection for the video call.
• Have your health records or notes from previous visits handy if possible.

After your tele-visit

• Follow any medication changes or advice given during the visit.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any new or worsening signs.
• Schedule an in-person visit if recommended by your provider.
• Contact your healthcare provider if urgent symptoms develop.
• Keep a record of your follow-up appointments and treatments.

FAQs

Can I get a diagnosis for sinusitis through a video visit?

Telemedicine can help review your symptoms and manage ongoing treatment, but a full diagnosis often requires a physical exam or imaging tests that need an in-person visit.

What should I do if my symptoms suddenly get worse?

If you experience severe facial pain, high fever, vision changes, or swelling, seek urgent in-person medical care immediately as these may be signs of complications.

How can I manage my chronic sinusitis symptoms at home?

Using saline nasal rinses, avoiding known triggers like smoke or allergens, staying hydrated, and following your prescribed medication plan can help manage symptoms. Discuss these with your provider during your visit.

Will my provider be able to see inside my nose during the video visit?

No, video visits do not allow for internal examination of your nasal passages. Your provider relies on your description of symptoms and may recommend an in-person exam if needed.

How often should I have follow-up visits for chronic sinusitis?

Follow-up frequency varies depending on your symptoms and treatment response. Your provider will advise you on the best schedule during your visit.

Sources

1. Chronic Sinusitis — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Sinus Infection (Sinusitis) — Mayo Clinic.
3. Sinusitis — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Chronic Rhinosinusitis: Diagnosis and Management — National Library of Medicine.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have new, worsening, or emergency symptoms, please seek prompt medical attention from a healthcare professional in person.