Antibiotics prescribed - no phone call or examination

[Huppy]

I've had nose problems for 2-3 months - probably a sinus infection, pressure in my head/face etc, blood when blowing my nose. I made an online request with my GP and they just sent a message prescribing antibiotics with no examination or even phone call. Is this normal? I don't even know if it's a bacterial infection and I know it's not great to take antibiotics if you don't need them.

Doubt there’s any examination they can do for your sinus
you filled on a form describing your symptoms they must fill the criteria for infection
as for if it’s bacterial or viral it’s a guess
know it’s not what you want to hear but but and examination or phone call wouldn’t tell tell anything you haven’t out in your form

You have a health issue that has been ongoing for 2-3 months.
You know it is likely a sinus infection.

I don’t see any issue with it. Sinus infections are usually bacterial anyway.

What difference does a phone conversation and and filled out form make ? From your description they have made an informed decision and given you antibiotics, one of my Dc was given antibiotics from filling the online form for a sinus infection, I don't think there is any sort of examination for it really.

Sinus infections can get really serious because your sinuses are close (within millimetres) to your brain and there's only a thin membrane and bone separating them. So it's less harmful to give you antibiotics you might not need than missing a bacterial infection that could be very serious. They can't swab your sinuses, so they have to go on symptoms.

I'd say you were bloody lucky. I've had sinusitis twice, the only thing that cleared it up was ABs. Correct first line treatment and response. If they don't clear it up, go back.

Thanks everyone, good to get some opinions. I haven't had a sinus infection before so I assumed I would have to have an appointment before being prescribed anything.

If it doesn't clear up obviously go back, I had a sinus infection years ago my face hurt so much, I don't know how you put up with it for 2 months,

It's a bit of an odd one really. I sometimes get pressure in my face, but other times not. It's definitely not constant.

Poor you. My sinus infections aren’t painful on my face. They do cause me headaches and that cotton wool head feeling.

Ah fair, I think mine built up from a cold but the pressure before I went to the Dr was constant thankfully the antibiotics sorted it out.