Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Seek emergency care for confusion, unusual drowsiness, a seizure, weakness, a stiff neck, or a severe and rapidly worsening headache.
These symptoms are uncommon but can suggest that infection has spread beyond the sinuses.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek urgent medical care for swelling or redness around an eye, pain when moving the eye, double vision, reduced vision, or an eye that appears pushed forward.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine medical review if:
Symptoms last more than about 10 days without improving
Symptoms improve and then become noticeably worse
Pain or fever is severe or persistent
Sinus symptoms continue for 12 weeks or keep returning
Symptoms are mainly on one side
You have repeated nosebleeds, dental pain, or persistent smell loss
Symptoms are affecting sleep, asthma, or everyday activities
You have a weakened immune system or another condition that raises infection risk
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Sinusitis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.