Ok, but the guy takes antibiotics, and the pain goes away. Seems pretty clear-cut, no? How long should he wait in pain?

I get sinus infections like that. They drag on for weeks at a time, I take some antibiotics, and bang, better in a day or two. Those weeks when I'm miserable have costs in terms of not being able to work as much, not being as much help around the house, not going out/seen friends, and generally getting less done.

Naturally, here in Italy I can pretty much see a doctor any day of the week, so of course I get them prescribed.