Symptoms of Sinusitis: How to Know If It’s More Than Just a Stuffy Nose

By Dr. Anup Roy in ENT, Neck & Head Surgery

May 21, 2025

Ever had a cold that just wouldn’t go away? One that left you feeling congested, headachy, and plain miserable? It might not be just a cold — it could be sinusitis.

Sinusitis, also known as a sinus infection, happens when the tissue lining your sinuses becomes inflamed. This can lead to a range of uncomfortable symptoms, from facial pressure to blocked nasal passages. Knowing the symptoms of sinusitis can help you get timely treatment and relief.

In this blog, we’ll take you through the most common sinusitis symptoms, how they differ in acute and chronic cases, and when to see a doctor.

What is Sinusitis?

Sinusitis is an inflammation or swelling of the sinuses, which are air-filled spaces behind your forehead, cheeks, nose, and eyes. When these get blocked due to infection, allergies, or a cold, it can cause mucus buildup and lead to pain, pressure, and other sinus infection symptoms.

There are two main types:

Acute Sinusitis: Short-term, usually caused by a viral infection.
Chronic Sinusitis: Lasts more than 12 weeks and can result from allergies, nasal polyps, or frequent infections.

Common Symptoms of Sinusitis

Let’s break down the key signs and symptoms of sinusitis that you shouldn’t ignore:

Facial Pain and Pressure

One of the most noticeable sinusitis symptoms is pressure or pain around the eyes, forehead, nose, or cheeks. This discomfort often gets worse when bending over.

Nasal Congestion

A stuffy or blocked nose is a classic symptom. It might feel like your nose is constantly clogged, making it hard to breathe normally.

Thick Nasal Discharge

If you have yellow or green mucus draining from your nose or down the back of your throat (post-nasal drip), it’s likely a sign of sinus infection.

Headache

That dull, throbbing headache that worsens in the morning or when lying down? Often caused by pressure in the sinuses, especially the forehead and cheeks.

Cough (Especially at Night)

Post-nasal drip from inflamed sinuses can trigger a persistent cough, especially when lying down to sleep.

Loss of Smell and Taste

Because of nasal blockage, you might temporarily lose your sense of smell or taste — a frequent complaint with chronic sinusitis.

Fever (In Acute Cases)

A low-grade fever may be present in cases of acute sinus infection, especially when caused by bacteria.

Bad Breath (Halitosis)

Trapped mucus and infection can lead to foul-smelling breath, even if your oral hygiene is good.

Ear Pressure or Fullness

Your ears and sinuses are connected. So sinus infections often cause a feeling of pressure or fullness in the ears.

Fatigue and General Malaise

Fighting off an infection can make you feel tired, sluggish, and generally unwell.

Symptoms of Chronic Sinusitis

If you’ve been experiencing these symptoms for over 12 weeks, it may be chronic sinusitis. Typical signs include:

Persistent nasal blockage
Facial pain or pressure
Reduced sense of smell
Frequent sinus headaches
Thick nasal mucus that won’t go away

Chronic sinusitis symptoms may be less intense but longer lasting — and they often need more than just home remedies to resolve.

Symptoms of Sinusitis in Different Groups

In Adults

Facial pressure
Sinus headaches
Nasal congestion and thick mucus

In Children

Irritability
Nasal congestion with cough
Swelling around the eyes
Difficulty breathing through the nose

In Patients with Allergies or Asthma

Sinus symptoms may worsen during allergy seasons
Increased frequency of infections

FAQs: What Patients Often Ask

What are the early signs of sinusitis?

Early symptoms include nasal congestion, sinus pressure, post-nasal drip, and a dull headache.

Is sinusitis contagious?

The condition itself is not, but the virus causing an upper respiratory infection may be.

How long do sinusitis symptoms last?

Acute sinusitis: up to 4 weeks
Chronic sinusitis: more than 12 weeks

What causes sinusitis?

Common causes include viral infections, bacterial infections, allergies, deviated septum, and nasal polyps.

When to See a Doctor for Sinusitis Symptoms

Seek medical advice if you experience:

Symptoms lasting more than 10 days
Severe facial pain and swelling
High fever
Vision changes or confusion
Multiple sinus infections in a year

Your ENT specialist may recommend imaging tests or nasal endoscopy for diagnosis and may treat you with medications like nasal sprays, decongestants, antibiotics, or even sinus surgery in severe cases.

Key Takeaway: Know the Symptoms, Act Early

Sinusitis is more than just a blocked nose — it can affect your daily life, sleep, and energy levels. Recognizing the symptoms of sinusitis early can help you recover faster and prevent chronic complications.

If you’re dealing with ongoing nasal congestion, sinus headaches, or thick nasal discharge, don’t ignore it. Whether it’s acute sinusitis symptoms or signs of something chronic, a quick visit to your doctor can make all the difference.