How Long Do Sinus Symptoms Last? When to See a Doctor for a Sinus Infection

How Long Do Sinus Symptoms Last? When to See a Doctor for a Sinus Infection

Sinus symptoms can feel a lot like a cold or allergies—stuffy nose, facial pressure, drainage, cough. The difference is often the timeline and the pattern. If you’ve been wondering how long do sinus symptoms last, the duration can be a helpful clue for what to try at home, what to watch for, and when it may be time to get checked.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• The typical sinus infection timeline (acute, subacute, chronic)

• How symptom patterns (like “double-worsening”) can change next steps

• When to see a doctor for a sinus infection, including urgent red flags

Most acute cases improve within 10–14 days and typically resolve within 4 weeks. Symptoms lasting 4–12 weeks are considered subacute, and 12+ weeks suggests chronic sinusitis. [2–4]

What Counts as “Sinus Symptoms”?

Sinus issues can show up in different ways, and many overlap with colds or allergies. If you’re comparing possibilities, you may find our guide on sinus infection vs. cold helpful: https://sleepandsinuscenters.com/blog/sinus-infection-vs-cold-how-to-tell-the-difference.

A simple way to think about it: your sinuses are small air-filled cavities within the bones of your face that need open pathways to drain. When swelling blocks those pathways, pressure and thicker drainage can build—whether the trigger is a virus, allergies, or ongoing inflammation. [2]

Common symptoms people notice

• Nasal congestion / stuffy nose

• Facial pressure or pain (forehead, cheeks, around the eyes)

• Thick nasal discharge and/or post-nasal drip

• Reduced sense of smell or taste

• Cough (often worse at night)

• Ear pressure/fullness, headache, fatigue

Concrete example: Many people notice the cough more at night because drainage can collect in the back of the throat when you lie down, triggering irritation.

For more detailed symptom descriptions, visit: https://sleepandsinuscenters.com/symptoms-of-sinus-problems.

Bottom line: Sinus symptoms often mirror colds or allergies, but blocked drainage and facial pressure are common threads.

How Long Do Sinus Symptoms Usually Last? (A Simple Timeline)

If you’re asking how long do sinus symptoms last, it helps to think in categories—because “sinusitis” is often defined by duration. [1–4]

Another helpful analogy is a traffic pattern:

• Acute: a temporary slowdown that clears

• Subacute: traffic keeps moving, but the slowdown lingers longer than expected

• Chronic: the road stays partially blocked and congestion becomes the new “normal”

Acute sinusitis (most common)

Acute sinusitis often follows a cold or viral upper respiratory infection. Many cases improve on their own with time and supportive care. [2]

Typical duration: Less than 4 weeks, with many people improving in 10 days to 2 weeks. Most acute cases resolve by 4 weeks. [2–4]

What “normal improvement” can look like:

• Day 1–3: congestion and pressure begin; drainage may start

• Day 4–7: symptoms can peak (more pressure, thicker mucus, more coughing)

• Day 7–14: many people begin to see gradual improvement

Not everyone follows the exact same curve—but in general, there should be some sign of easing as you move into the second week (for example, less facial pressure, fewer “blocked” hours during the day, or thinning mucus). [2–4]

Clinician-style perspective: We don’t expect day-to-day perfection. We look for a trend—are you slowly turning the corner, or are you stuck or sliding backward? If symptoms worsen day-to-day, consult a provider.

Subacute sinusitis (the “in-between” category)

Subacute sinusitis is when symptoms linger longer than expected for an acute case.

Typical duration: 4–12 weeks. This is a less commonly used label and often prompts evaluation to identify ongoing inflammation or triggers. [3–4]

This can happen when inflammation doesn’t fully settle down, triggers keep repeating (like allergies or irritants), or drainage pathways stay blocked. In real life, it may feel like you’re “almost better” but never quite back to baseline.

Concrete example: You’re no longer wiped out like you were on day 4, but you still wake up congested most mornings, and your sense of smell hasn’t fully returned.

Chronic sinusitis

Chronic sinusitis is generally defined by persistent symptoms rather than a short-lived illness.

Typical duration: 12 weeks (3 months) or longer. [1–2]

Symptoms may fluctuate day to day, and some people experience flare-ups that feel like they come and go—while the underlying inflammation remains.

If you suspect this may be your situation, read more: https://sleepandsinuscenters.com/chronic-sinusitis.

Quick reference: Acute <4 weeks (often 10–14 days); Subacute 4–12 weeks; Chronic ≥12 weeks. [1–4]

Key takeaway: Most acute cases settle within 4 weeks; symptoms beyond that often deserve a closer look.

When Is It “Too Long”? Signs You Should Get Checked

A big part of deciding what to do next is recognizing when the usual timeline doesn’t fit. If you’ve been asking how long do sinus symptoms last because yours aren’t improving, these patterns are especially important.

The “10-day rule” (a common turning point)

A commonly used guideline is: symptoms lasting more than 10 days without improvement may be a reason to consider medical evaluation—especially if they’re worsening rather than slowly easing. [2–4]

Practical way to use this: If you’re at day 11 and your symptoms are basically unchanged from day 6—or you’re worse—that’s a different story than being at day 11 and clearly trending better, just not fully recovered yet. [2–4]

The “double-worsening” pattern

This is a key clue in many sinus infection timelines:

• You start with a typical cold

• You begin to feel better

• Then symptoms suddenly worsen again (more pressure, thicker drainage, worsening cough, etc.)

This “better-then-worse” pattern is often discussed as a sign that a bacterial infection may be developing after a viral illness, but it isn’t definitive. An evaluation is recommended to guide next steps. [2]

Concrete example: You had a rough 3–4 days, improved around day 6, went back to work, and then day 8 hits with renewed facial pressure and thicker drainage.

Ongoing symptoms that may signal chronic sinusitis

Symptoms that persist 12+ weeks can point toward chronic sinusitis, especially when you notice:

• Ongoing congestion/pressure

• Persistent post-nasal drip or thick drainage

• Ongoing reduction in smell [1–2]

Urgent / same-day red flags (don’t wait)

Some symptoms can signal complications or a more serious problem and may require urgent evaluation:

• Swelling/redness around the eye, or vision changes

• Severe headache, stiff neck, confusion

• High fever that won’t come down

• Severe facial pain or one-sided facial swelling [1–2]

If these occur, consider urgent care or emergency evaluation depending on severity.

If you’re not improving by 10 days, getting worse after a brief improvement, or crossing the 12-week mark, it’s time to get checked.

What Causes Sinus Infections (and Why Duration Can Differ)

Different causes can create very similar symptoms—yet the timeline can vary quite a bit.

Viral vs bacterial vs non-infectious inflammation

• Viral upper respiratory infections are the most common reason people develop sinus symptoms. [2]

• Bacterial sinus infections are less common and may be more likely when symptoms persist, worsen, or follow the double-worsening pattern. This is a clinical clue rather than a rule. [2]

• Allergies can cause swelling and blockage that mimic infection or make symptoms linger. [2] If recurring symptoms track with seasons or exposures, allergy testing may be part of a longer-term plan: https://sleepandsinuscenters.com/allergy-testing.

• Irritants like smoke or pollution, very dry air, and even reflux can contribute to inflammation in some people.

Why this matters: Two people can have the same “stuffy + pressure + drainage” symptoms, but their best next step may differ if one is day 4 of a viral illness and the other is week 10 of ongoing inflammation. [1–4]

Structural or medical factors that prolong symptoms

• A deviated septum: https://sleepandsinuscenters.com/deviated-septum-relief

• Narrow sinus drainage pathways

• Nasal polyps

• Immune issues or frequent exposure to infections

When these factors are present, the answer to how long do sinus symptoms last may depend less on the “typical” timeline and more on addressing the underlying driver.

The trigger (viral, bacterial, allergic, or structural) often explains why one person improves quickly while another lingers.

At-Home Care: What to Try in the First 7–10 Days

This section is general education (not individualized medical advice), but many people use supportive care to feel better while the body recovers.

A helpful goal for the first week is comfort + drainage support—not necessarily “zero symptoms by tomorrow.” Many viral cases simply need time. [2]

Symptom-relief basics

• Saline spray or saline rinse to help clear mucus and support drainage

• If you use a neti pot or rinse bottle, review Neti pot safety tips (especially water safety and cleaning): https://sleepandsinuscenters.com/blog/neti-pot-safety-tips-essential-steps-for-safe-nasal-irrigation.

• Steam/humidification and staying well-hydrated

• Warm compresses for facial pressure

• Over-the-counter pain relievers (for example, acetaminophen or ibuprofen) as appropriate, following label directions

OTC medications—what helps and what to avoid

• Decongestants: may help short-term congestion; some people need to use extra caution (for example, with high blood pressure or certain heart conditions).

• Antihistamines: can be helpful if allergies are a major driver.

• Nasal steroid sprays: often used to reduce inflammation, especially with an allergic component. [2]

For more education on OTC options and when symptoms may need evaluation, read: https://sleepandsinuscenters.com/blog/best-otc-medicine-for-sinus-infection-when-to-see-a-doctor.

Lifestyle tips that support recovery

• Prioritize sleep; consider elevating your head at night if post-nasal drip is bothersome

• Avoid smoke, strong fragrances, and known irritants

• Wash hands and reduce exposure during cold season when possible

Give your body time, support drainage, and monitor whether symptoms are clearly easing by the 10-day mark.

Treatments a Doctor May Recommend (and Why)

How clinicians decide if it’s bacterial

Often, the decision is based on:

• 10+ days of symptoms without improvement

• Double-worsening

• Severity (such as significant pain or higher fever) [2–4]

In other words, it’s not just “Do you have congestion?”—it’s how the story is unfolding over time. [2–4]

Common medical treatments

Depending on the situation, a plan may include:

• Prescription nasal steroid sprays to better control inflammation [2]

• Antibiotics when appropriate (and not automatically for every case) [2]

• A short course of oral steroids in select cases (clinician-directed)

• Addressing contributors like allergies, polyps, or structural blockage [1–2]

Important caution: Self-medicating with leftover or non-prescribed antibiotics is not advised and can contribute to side effects and antibiotic resistance. Always seek evaluation first.

If symptoms keep returning or never fully clear

If you frequently cycle through symptoms—or they never truly go away—discussion may shift toward:

• Chronic sinusitis evaluation

• Identifying allergy triggers

• Assessing structural issues

In some cases, imaging or nasal endoscopy may be considered when indicated, and an ENT referral may be recommended. [1–2]

Treatment is guided by the timeline, pattern, and contributors—antibiotics aren’t always needed, but targeted care can speed recovery.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Questions the provider may ask

• Exactly how long symptoms have lasted (this helps classify acute vs chronic) [1–4]

• Whether you improved and then worsened again

• Fever, severe pain, one-sided symptoms, tooth pain

• Allergy history, exposures, previous sinus infections

Tip: If you can, jot down a quick timeline (start date, any “better-then-worse” moment, and what you’ve tried). It can make the visit more efficient and more accurate.

Possible exam and next steps

• Nasal exam to look for swelling, irritation, drainage, or other signs

• A treatment plan and guidance on follow-up timing

• Referral for ENT evaluation when symptoms are persistent or chronic [1–2]

If your symptoms are disrupting sleep, work, or daily life, consider booking an appointment with Sleep and Sinus Centers of Georgia: https://sleepandsinuscenters.com/appointments.

A clear timeline and symptom history help your clinician choose the right next step faster.

FAQs

How long does a sinus infection last with antibiotics?

When antibiotics are used, some people notice improvement within a few days, though full symptom resolution can take longer. It’s generally important to follow the prescribed plan and finish medication as directed unless told otherwise. [2]

Can sinus symptoms last 3–4 weeks and still be “acute”?

Yes. Acute sinusitis can last up to 4 weeks. If it’s not improving, that’s a reason to consider evaluation. [2–4]

What if my sinus symptoms last more than 10 days but I don’t have a fever?

A fever isn’t required. Duration and lack of improvement (or worsening) are still important factors in deciding whether to get checked. [2–4]

What’s the difference between chronic sinusitis and recurrent sinus infections?

• Chronic sinusitis: symptoms persist 12+ weeks. [1–2]

• Recurrent sinus infections: separate episodes, with clearer improvement between them.

When should I see an ENT instead of primary care?

Common reasons include symptoms 12+ weeks, frequent recurrences, suspected polyps or structural blockage, or poor response to typical treatment options. [1–2]

Conclusion — A Simple Rule of Thumb

• If symptoms improve within about a week, supportive care may be enough as things continue to settle.

• If symptoms last more than 10 days without improvement or follow a double-worsening pattern, it may be time to consider medical evaluation. [2–4]

• If symptoms persist 12+ weeks, think chronic sinusitis and consider an ENT-focused evaluation. [1–2]

If you’re concerned about your sinus infection timeline—or your symptoms are disrupting sleep, work, or daily life—book an appointment with Sleep and Sinus Centers of Georgia: https://sleepandsinuscenters.com/appointments.

Sources

[1] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-sinusitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351661

[2] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17701-sinusitis

[3] https://chicagoent.com/sinusitis/how-long-does-sinusitis-last-for/

[4] https://www.carymedicalgroup.com/blog/acute-vs-chronic-sinusitis/

This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.