RA
1
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Mild severity
· MD Medicine
Sinusitis
Inflamed nasal sinuses · Facial pressure
Inflamed sinus cavities cause facial pressure, blocked nose and post-nasal drip. Most are viral and clear in 10 days; bacterial cases need antibiotics.
At a glance
- Prevalence
- Common after colds
- Typical age
- Adults
- Outlook
- Curable
- System
- Lungs
Reviewed by a verified MD Medicine doctor
What causes it
Causes
- Viral upper respiratory infection
- Allergic rhinitis
- Deviated nasal septum
- Dental infection
- Smoking
How it feels
Symptoms & effects
- Facial pressure, worse on bending
- Blocked nose, thick discharge
- Reduced smell
- Post-nasal drip, sore throat
- Headache, tooth pain
How it’s treated
Treatment & cure
- Saline nasal irrigation
- Steam inhalation, decongestants under 5 days
- Nasal steroid spray
- Antibiotics if bacterial (over 10 days, fever)
- Surgery in chronic recurrent cases
Staying ahead
Prevention
- Treat allergic rhinitis
- Don't smoke
- Hand hygiene
- Adequate hydration
Do’s
- Rinse nose with saline daily
- Use a humidifier
- Treat allergies
- Sleep with head elevated
Don’ts
- Use decongestant sprays over 5 days
- Demand antibiotics for every sinus pain
- Smoke during recovery
- Fly with severe blocked nose
See a doctor immediately if
Symptoms are sudden or severe, getting worse despite home care, or interfering with sleep, work or daily life. Don’t self-diagnose from the internet — book a verified clinician below.
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Disclaimer ·
This article is educational and reviewed by clinicians, but it cannot replace an in-person assessment.
Medication doses, prevention advice and treatment choices vary by person. Always confirm with a doctor before acting on anything here.