Facial swelling in sinusitis: what to know

Sinuses are air-filled spaces around the nose, cheeks and eyes. Inflammation can narrow their drainage openings, causing pressure, tenderness, congestion and puffiness over the affected area. Sinusitis may follow a cold or be associated with allergies. One-sided redness, warmth and tenderness can instead suggest cellulitis. Swelling around the eye is more concerning when it comes with pain on eye movement, reduced vision or difficulty opening the eyelid.

Rest, drink fluids according to your usual medical advice, and use saline nasal rinsing only with properly prepared or sterile water. A warm compress over the cheeks may ease pressure. A pharmacist can help you choose symptom relief that fits your health conditions and other medicines. Arrange a review if symptoms are persistent, recurrent, severe, or not improving as expected; antibiotics are not suitable for every episode.

Get urgent medical help for swelling around an eye with vision change, double vision, severe headache, vomiting, confusion, stiff neck, or pain when moving the eye. Emergency help is also needed for breathing difficulty, throat or tongue swelling, or a rapidly spreading facial reaction, which may indicate anaphylaxis or angioedema. Fever with rapidly worsening redness or tenderness also warrants prompt assessment.

Ask whether the pattern fits sinusitis, whether your eyes need checking, which nasal treatments are safe, and what change would mean you need urgent care.