re: Have you ever gone to the doctor for cold/sinus symptoms?

I avoid these threads like the plague usually .
FWIW
There are idiots here giving you bad advice. No, you don't need to see a doc for this (coming from an md)
Clear mucous = viral
Colored could mean anything

Bacterial typically starts with either allergies or a viral infection, an will typically improve after a few days, then worsen after5-7 days. (10% of acute sinusitis cases).

Nasal saline rinses often as you want
Afrin 2 sprays twice daily for 3 days (no more)
Get some Flonase (over the counter) 2 sprays daily for 2 weeks
Aleve 2 pills twice daily for 5 days
Drink plenty of fluids
Get a humidifier at bedtime
If you have allergies, take Claritin for at least the next month, but if you have allergies, you likely need to continue for the spring.

Neti pots have to be cleaned, otherwise you could cause more harm than good.
If you smoke, you're setting yourself up for this many times more in the future. (Stop)

If you have allergies to any of the above, don't take.

Finally, don't go to a message board for medical advice, because idiots respond and you don't know how to sift through right and wrong. You're being told to take meds that could raise your blood pressure to extreme levels, which they are ignorant to the possible severe consequences or have no care/consequence. You're being told to take antibiotics that you probably don't need either.
I am in no way saying that you need to go to the doctor, but sometimes when you don't have the answer, it's a better option than an Internet forum.