Sinus Infections (Sinusitis)
A sinus infection (sinusitis) is inflammation of the sinuses that causes facial pressure, congestion, and thick nasal drainage. Virtual ER evaluates sinus infections via 24/7 telemedicine: a board-certified emergency physician or nurse practitioner reviews your symptoms and how long they have lasted by video, judges whether the cause is viral or bacterial, and treats accordingly — sending any prescription to your pharmacy.
Symptoms We Treat
- Facial pressure or pain around the eyes, cheeks, or forehead
- Nasal congestion and blocked breathing
- Thick yellow or green nasal discharge
- Post-nasal drip and sore throat
- Reduced sense of smell or taste
- Headache or upper-tooth pain
- Cough that worsens at night
- Symptoms past 10 days, or improving and then worsening again
How We Treat It
Most sinus infections are viral and resolve without antibiotics, so our physician starts with the timeline: how long symptoms have lasted, and whether they improved and then got worse — the pattern that separates a bacterial sinus infection from a lingering cold. Care may include saline rinses, nasal sprays, and symptom relief; when your history points to a bacterial infection, an antibiotic can be sent electronically to your pharmacy. We will also tell you plainly when an antibiotic is not the right answer.
When to Seek Emergency Care
Seek in-person emergency care for swelling or redness around the eye, vision changes or double vision, severe headache with a stiff neck or confusion, high fever that will not come down, or swelling of the face or forehead — these can mean infection is spreading beyond the sinuses. Call 911 for confusion, seizure, or difficulty breathing.
Common Questions
Can Virtual ER treat sinus infections (sinusitis) via telemedicine?
A sinus infection (sinusitis) is inflammation of the sinuses that causes facial pressure, congestion, and thick nasal drainage. Virtual ER evaluates sinus infections via 24/7 telemedicine: a board-certified emergency physician or nurse practitioner reviews your symptoms and how long they have lasted by video, judges whether the cause is viral or bacterial, and treats accordingly — sending any prescription to your pharmacy.
Do I need to download an app for a telemedicine visit?
No. Virtual ER telemedicine visits run through a web-based platform. No app download or account creation is required.
Can I get a prescription during my telemedicine visit?
Yes. If medication is appropriate, your prescription is sent electronically to the pharmacy of your choice — typically.
Ready to Get Treated?
Start a telemedicine visit now — no app download, no waiting room. Available 24/7.