Ear, nose and throat
Medicines for Chronic sinusitis
Long-lasting inflammation of the sinuses causing a blocked or runny nose, facial pressure and reduced smell — managed with nasal treatments and, sometimes, surgery.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Chronic sinusitis?
Chronic sinusitis is inflammation of the lining of the nose and sinuses that lasts for 12 weeks or more. It causes a persistently blocked or runny nose, facial pain or pressure, a reduced sense of smell, and post-nasal drip.
- How it is treated: Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation and improving drainage.
- Self-care: Regular saltwater nasal rinses, avoiding smoke and known allergy triggers, and using prescribed nasal sprays consistently (with correct technique) all help.
- When to seek help: See a GP for nasal symptoms lasting more than a few weeks or not improving with treatment.
What it is
Chronic sinusitis is inflammation of the lining of the nose and sinuses that lasts for 12 weeks or more. It causes a persistently blocked or runny nose, facial pain or pressure, a reduced sense of smell, and post-nasal drip. It can follow repeated infections but is largely an inflammatory rather than infective problem, and is sometimes associated with nasal polyps, allergies or asthma. Because the symptoms overlap with other conditions and affect quality of life, it is worth assessing properly. Diagnosis is usually clinical, sometimes with a nasal examination or a CT scan.
How it is treated
Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation and improving drainage. The mainstays are regular saltwater nasal rinses and steroid nasal sprays or drops used consistently over time, along with managing any contributing allergy. Antibiotics have only a limited role, as most chronic sinusitis is not primarily an infection. When symptoms persist despite good medical treatment, or when there are polyps or structural problems, referral to an ENT specialist and sometimes surgery to improve drainage can help. Avoiding smoke and known triggers supports recovery.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Chronic sinusitis
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Regular saltwater nasal rinses, avoiding smoke and known allergy triggers, and using prescribed nasal sprays consistently (with correct technique) all help. Managing allergies and not smoking support the nasal lining.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See a GP for nasal symptoms lasting more than a few weeks or not improving with treatment. Seek urgent care for severe headache with a stiff neck, swelling or redness around an eye, vision changes, or confusion.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Chronic sinusitis: frequently asked questions
Do antibiotics cure chronic sinusitis?
Usually not. Chronic sinusitis is mainly an inflammatory rather than infective problem, so the mainstays are saltwater rinses and steroid nasal sprays. Antibiotics have only a limited role.
When is surgery needed for sinusitis?
Surgery to improve sinus drainage may be considered when symptoms persist despite good medical treatment, or when there are nasal polyps or structural problems, after ENT assessment.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NICE CKS — Sinusitis
- ENT UK — Chronic rhinosinusitis
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