What should you know about chronic sinus infection?

Sinusitis involves swelling of the lining around the spaces behind the cheeks, forehead and nose. Ongoing symptoms may include a blocked nose, thick drainage, reduced smell, cough, facial pain or pressure, and sometimes fever. A common cold can irritate the same area, while allergic rhinitis can keep nasal tissue swollen. Symptoms that continue, return often, or affect sleep and daily activities deserve a clinical review. Facial pressure does not by itself prove a bacterial infection, and many causes can look similar.

Arrange a primary-care appointment if symptoms have persisted or keep returning. Note when they began, whether one side is worse, the colour and amount of nasal drainage, changes in smell, and any triggers. Gentle saline rinsing may help clear mucus when used with safe water and clean equipment. Drink fluids, avoid smoke and strong irritants, and follow label directions for any medicine. A clinician may examine your nose, review allergies and medicines, and decide whether a nasal treatment or another approach fits the cause.

Seek urgent medical help for swelling around an eye, vision changes, severe headache, confusion, a stiff neck, or marked weakness. Contact a clinician promptly for high fever, severe facial pain, worsening symptoms after initial improvement, or symptoms mainly affecting one side. An earache, persistent cough, or ongoing blocked nose can also be relevant to the assessment.

Could allergy or another nasal condition be driving these symptoms? Do I need an examination or further testing? Which treatments are suitable for my symptoms, and how should I use them? What changes should prompt an earlier review?