How to prepare for a video visit about Sinus Infection (Sinusitis)

Audience: adult

A sinus infection, also called sinusitis, happens when the spaces inside your nose and head become swollen and inflamed. This can cause pain, pressure, stuffy nose, and sometimes fever. Many sinus infections get better on their own, but sometimes you may need medical advice or treatment. A video visit with a healthcare provider lets you talk about your symptoms from home. To get the most from your video visit, it helps to prepare ahead. This includes noting your symptoms, any medicines you take, and questions you want to ask. During the visit, your provider will ask about your symptoms and may guide you on home care or when to get in-person care. Telemedicine can often help with mild to moderate sinus infections, but if you have severe symptoms or certain red flags, you may need urgent care. This guide explains how to prepare for your video visit, what telemedicine can and cannot do, and what to watch for after your visit. Remember, this information is educational and not a diagnosis or treatment plan.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• High fever over 39°C (102°F) lasting more than 3 days — seek urgent medical care.
• Severe facial pain or swelling, especially around the eyes — get immediate in-person evaluation.
• Sudden vision changes, weakness, confusion, or difficulty breathing — call emergency services right away.

What telemedicine can do

• Mild to moderate sinus infection symptoms assessment
• Providing advice on home care and symptom relief
• Deciding if in-person care is needed
• Follow-up on ongoing sinus symptoms

What telemedicine cannot do

• Physical examination requiring sinus palpation or nasal endoscopy
• Prescribing certain medications without in-person evaluation
• Evaluating severe or complicated sinus infections
• Managing emergencies or sudden severe symptoms

What is a Sinus Infection?

A sinus infection, or sinusitis, happens when the lining of your sinuses becomes swollen and blocked. This can cause mucus to build up, leading to pain and pressure around your nose, eyes, cheeks, or forehead. Sinus infections often follow a cold or allergies and may last from a few days to a few weeks. Symptoms can include nasal congestion, thick nasal discharge, facial pain or pressure, headache, cough, and sometimes fever.

How Telemedicine Can Help

A video visit allows you to speak with a healthcare provider without leaving your home. During the visit, the provider will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and any treatments you have tried. They can help you understand if your sinus infection is likely viral or if you might need further care. They may recommend home treatments, such as nasal sprays, pain relievers, or rest. Telemedicine is convenient for mild to moderate symptoms and follow-up care.

What Telemedicine Cannot Do for Sinus Infections

While telemedicine is useful, it has limits. Providers cannot perform a physical exam that requires touching your face or sinuses, take samples for lab tests, or prescribe certain medications without seeing you in person. If your symptoms are severe, worsening, or if you have other health problems, you may need an in-person visit or emergency care.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

Before your video visit, gather information to share with your provider:

Being ready helps your provider give you the best advice.

After Your Video Visit: What to Do Next

Follow the advice your provider gives you. This may include:

Keep track of any changes and contact your provider if you have concerns.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Write down your current symptoms and when they started
• Note any fever or changes in symptoms
• List all medicines, supplements, or home remedies you are using
• Prepare questions or concerns to discuss
• Ensure your device has a working camera and microphone
• Find a quiet, well-lit place with good internet connection for the visit

After your tele-visit

• Follow your provider's recommendations for medications or home care
• Monitor your symptoms daily for improvement or worsening
• Schedule a follow-up visit if advised or if symptoms persist
• Seek in-person care if red flag symptoms appear or if you feel worse
• Keep a record of any new symptoms or side effects from treatments

FAQs

Can a sinus infection go away without antibiotics?

Yes, many sinus infections are caused by viruses and often improve on their own without antibiotics. Your healthcare provider can help determine if antibiotics are needed based on your symptoms and duration.

What home treatments can help relieve sinus infection symptoms?

Home treatments may include using saline nasal sprays or rinses, applying warm compresses to your face, staying hydrated, resting, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

When should I seek emergency care for a sinus infection?

Seek emergency care if you experience high fever lasting several days, severe facial pain or swelling, sudden vision changes, weakness, confusion, or difficulty breathing. These symptoms may indicate serious complications.

How long does a typical sinus infection last?

Acute sinus infections usually last less than four weeks. If symptoms persist longer or keep coming back, it may be chronic sinusitis, which requires further evaluation.

Can allergies cause sinus infection symptoms?

Yes, allergies can cause inflammation and swelling in the sinuses, leading to symptoms similar to sinus infections. Your provider can help distinguish between allergies and infections.

Sources

1. Sinusitis — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Sinus Infection (Sinusitis) — Mayo Clinic.
3. Sinus Infection (Sinusitis) — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Acute Sinusitis — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If you have severe symptoms or concerns, please seek immediate medical attention.