At Your Appointment

Sinus Infection Appointment Guide

Ask the right questions at your next doctor’s appointment. Answer two questions below to personalize your appointment guide.
  • Please describe the symptoms and issues you’re having that led you to schedule this online appointment. Start at the beginning of this current episode and tell me how and when things have changed and progressed.
  • Is this your first case of sinusitis?
  • How many episodes of sinusitis have you had in the past year?
  • Are your symptoms improving or getting worse?
  • Are you currently using decongestants or nasal sprays? Do you use them daily, or only as symptoms occur?
  • Do you have seasonal allergies?
  • Do you need help quitting smoking?
  • Describe your symptoms. Do you experience nasal congestion, headache, ear pressure, or pain in your face, forehead, cheeks, jaw or teeth?
  • Does your pain get worse when you bend over?
  • Do you have a nasal discharge? If so, is it thick or thin? Does it have a color?
  • How long have you had these symptoms? Are your symptoms improving or getting worse?
  • What seems to make your symptoms better or worse?
  • Do you smoke or are you around someone who smokes?
  • What side effects are you experiencing from your medicine?
  • What tests and treatments have you had so far?
  • What new symptoms are you experiencing?
  • What is the difference between a sinus infection and sinusitis?
  • Do my symptoms mean I have sinusitis?
  • Could another medical condition be causing or contributing to my symptoms?
  • Is sinusitis always caused by a bacterial infection?
  • Are there other treatments that would do a better job of controlling my symptoms?
  • How do you diagnose sinusitis?
  • What treatments are available for sinusitis?
  • What should I do if my symptoms do not improve or get worse?
  • Do you always need antibiotics to treat sinusitis or a sinus infection?
  • What are my treatment options for sinusitis?
  • How long should it take for my sinusitis to clear?
  • How likely am I to get sinusitis again in the future?
  • Could my new or different symptoms be related to my sinusitis?
  • What is the best treatment plan for my case of sinusitis?
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THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
  1. Acute Sinusitis. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acute-sinusitis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351677
  2. Sinus Infection (Sinusitis). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/community/for-patients/common-illnesses/sinus-infection.html