Sinus infection assessment
Symptoms and their course help distinguish an ordinary respiratory illness from a sinus problem that needs further assessment. Mucus color alone does not determine the need for antibiotics.
Common symptoms
- Nasal congestion or discharge
- Facial pain or pressure
- Post-nasal drip or cough
- Reduced smell or taste
- Sometimes fever or fatigue
A useful care conversation
Be ready to discuss how long you have been ill, fever, facial pressure, previous sinus problems and treatments tried. Many sinus infections improve without antibiotics. A clinician can explain suitable symptom care, whether observation is reasonable and when examination or specialist review would help.
When to seek more care
- Seek assessment if symptoms persist more than ten days without improvement, worsen after getting better or include severe facial pain or headache.
- Vision changes warrant prompt in-person care.
General educational information, not a diagnosis or a complete symptom checker. The right care depends on your circumstances.
For an emergency, call 911. Do not wait for a Tap reply or send a photo first.
About this information
Adapted from Tap’s published care-topic library. Original publication: 2025-01-01. Prepared for this guide: 2026-09-07. Preparation is not a clinical-review certification.
The clinician decides whether advice, testing, an examination or a prescription is appropriate. A listed topic does not guarantee remote treatment or a refill. Tap does not prescribe controlled substances.