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How Long Does Sinusitis Last? An ENT in Gangnam, Seoul Explains

Answered by Dr. Kim Yoo Suk, MD · Board-certified otolaryngologist · Former professor, Yonsei & Ajou University · Consultations in English

The short answer: it depends on the type of sinusitis

Sinusitis (rhinosinusitis) is inflammation of the lining of the nose and the air-filled sinuses around it. Doctors classify it by how long symptoms last, because duration changes both the likely cause and the most appropriate treatment.

• Acute sinusitis: under 4 weeks. Most cases follow a common cold and settle in 7 to 10 days.
• Subacute sinusitis: 4 to 12 weeks, often an acute episode that never fully cleared.
• Chronic sinusitis: 12 weeks or longer, with or without nasal polyps.
• Recurrent acute sinusitis: four or more separate acute episodes a year, with full recovery in between.

Viral versus bacterial: why day 10 matters

The great majority of acute sinusitis is viral and improves on its own. A bacterial infection becomes more likely when symptoms persist beyond about 10 days without improvement, when fever and facial pain are severe from the start, or when you begin to recover and then suddenly get worse again ("double worsening"). Only in those situations are antibiotics usually considered.

Why some sinusitis becomes chronic

Chronic sinusitis is not simply a long infection. It is an ongoing inflammatory condition, and it tends to persist when something keeps the sinus drainage pathways narrow or the lining irritated. Common contributors include:

• Allergic rhinitis and swollen turbinates
• A deviated septum narrowing the drainage area
• Nasal polyps
• Dental infection or implant problems in the upper jaw (odontogenic sinusitis)
• Smoking, and in Seoul, high fine dust days that inflame the nasal lining

Typical symptoms to track

Keep a simple note of how long you have had nasal blockage, thick discolored discharge, postnasal drip, facial pressure, and reduced smell. Duration is the single most useful detail you can bring to an appointment.

What we do at Gangnam Yonsei ENT

At our clinic, Dr. Kim Yoo Suk, a board-certified otolaryngologist and former assistant professor at Ajou University who subspecialized in rhinology, starts with a careful history and a nasal endoscopy. The thin camera shows whether pus is draining from the sinus openings, whether polyps are present, and how the septum and turbinates are shaped.

If symptoms have lasted for months or keep returning, a sinus CT scan maps which sinuses are blocked. Treatment usually begins with medical therapy: saline irrigation, steroid nasal sprays, and antibiotics only when a bacterial infection is likely. When chronic sinusitis does not respond to a properly completed course of medication, endoscopic sinus surgery under local anesthesia may be discussed.

When to see a doctor promptly

Seek urgent care if you notice swelling or redness around the eye, double vision, a severe headache, a stiff neck, confusion, or high fever. These can signal a complication spreading beyond the sinuses.

For routine symptoms, consultations are available in English, and the clinic is a two-minute walk from Gangnam-gu Office Station Exit 3-1. See our location and hours page, or read related answers such as how to tell a sinus infection from a cold and whether you need antibiotics.

Related questions

Can sinusitis go away on its own?

Yes. Most acute sinusitis is viral and improves within 7 to 10 days with rest, fluids, saline rinses, and simple symptom relief. Chronic sinusitis rarely resolves by itself, because the underlying inflammation or blockage usually needs targeted treatment.

Is sinusitis lasting a month normal?

Symptoms beyond four weeks are no longer typical acute sinusitis. This subacute stage deserves an ENT examination with nasal endoscopy to check for ongoing infection, polyps, a dental source, or structural narrowing before it becomes chronic.

Does chronic sinusitis ever get cured?

Many people achieve long periods with few or no symptoms through daily saline irrigation, steroid sprays, allergy control, and surgery when needed. Because it is an inflammatory condition, ongoing maintenance care is often part of long-term control.

This answer is general medical information written and reviewed by an ENT specialist. It is not a diagnosis. Please see a doctor for an examination. In an emergency in Korea, call 119.