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How Do I Get a Sinus Infection Treated While Traveling in Gangnam, Seoul?

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

See an ENT, not just a pharmacy

A sinus infection (sinusitis) is inflammation of the air-filled sinuses around the nose, usually after a cold. Most cases are viral and improve within about 10 days. Bacterial sinusitis is more likely when symptoms last longer than 10 days without improvement, get worse after initially improving, or start severely with high fever and facial pain.

Pharmacies in Korea sell cold remedies, but antibiotics require a prescription. An ENT visit lets the doctor look inside the nose, decide whether antibiotics are actually needed, and clear thick mucus during the visit.

Typical symptoms

• Blocked nose with thick yellow or green discharge
• Pressure or pain in the cheeks, forehead or between the eyes, worse when bending forward
• Reduced sense of smell
• Postnasal drip and cough, often worse at night
• Upper tooth ache or ear fullness

What we do at Gangnam Yonsei ENT

Sinus disease is Dr. Kim Yoo Suk's academic subspecialty. He is a board-certified otolaryngologist and former rhinology faculty member at Yonsei and Ajou Universities, and he has published research on diagnosing chronic rhinosinusitis. A visit typically involves:

1. History in English: when it started, fever, travel dates and medicines tried.
2. Nasal endoscopy: a thin camera shows pus draining from the sinus openings, swelling or polyps.
3. In-office care: suction of mucus and topical decongestant to open drainage pathways.
4. Treatment plan: saline rinses, steroid nasal spray, symptom relief and, when bacterial infection is likely, a suitable antibiotic course.

Imaging is not routine for uncomplicated acute sinusitis. A sinus CT scan is considered if a complication is suspected or if symptoms keep coming back.

Flying with a sinus infection

Blocked sinuses and Eustachian tubes struggle to equalize pressure on descent, which can cause sinus pain or airplane ear. Tell Dr. Kim your flight date. He may suggest how and when to use a decongestant spray before landing, and whether a short delay is wiser. See also flying after an ear infection.

Why travel makes sinus infections more likely

Long flights, airport crowds, jet lag and dry cabin air all make a cold more likely, and a cold is the usual trigger for sinusitis. Swimming in pools, sudden changes in climate and Seoul's fine dust days can add irritation. If you are prone to sinus problems at home, pack saline rinse sachets and your usual steroid nasal spray, and start them early when a cold begins rather than waiting for facial pain to develop.

Self-care while you recover

• Rinse with saline once or twice daily.
• Stay hydrated; hotel rooms and planes are dry.
• Avoid using decongestant sprays for more than a few days unless your doctor directs it.
• Rest and avoid smoking or heavy alcohol.

Paperwork for your trip

Receipts and an English medical certificate are available for travel insurance claims. The clinic does not direct-bill insurers. Our international patient guide explains registration and payment.

Go to an emergency room if...

Swelling or redness around the eye, double vision, reduced vision, severe headache, confusion or a stiff neck can signal a spreading infection. These need hospital care immediately.

Related questions

Will I definitely need antibiotics?

Not necessarily. Most sinus infections that follow a cold are viral and improve with rinses, sprays and time. Dr. Kim prescribes antibiotics when the pattern and endoscopic findings suggest bacterial infection, which avoids unnecessary side effects.

Can I finish my treatment back home?

Usually yes. Tell Dr. Kim when you are leaving so the medication course fits your trip. An English medical certificate or copy of your records helps your home doctor continue care if symptoms persist after you return.

Is this different from chronic sinusitis?

Yes. Acute sinusitis lasts less than four weeks, while chronic sinusitis persists for twelve weeks or longer and may involve nasal polyps. Chronic cases usually need longer treatment and sometimes endoscopic sinus surgery when medication fails.

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.