What should you know about frequent sinus pressure?

Pressure or pain around the cheeks, forehead, eyes or nose can accompany blocked nasal passages and thick mucus. Sinusitis may cause congestion, reduced smell, facial tenderness and sometimes fever. Chronic sinusitis describes ongoing or repeatedly troublesome inflammation, often with persistent blockage or drainage. Allergic swelling can narrow drainage pathways without an infection. Migraine can also create facial pressure, sometimes with light sensitivity, nausea or a throbbing headache, even when the nose feels blocked. The location of discomfort does not prove that the sinuses are the source.

Record whether pressure follows a cold, seasonal exposure, dust, bending forward or changes in sleep. Drink fluids, rest and consider saline nasal rinsing with properly prepared water and clean equipment. A pharmacist or clinician can advise whether a nasal treatment is suitable; follow its directions and avoid prolonged unsupervised use of decongestant sprays. Arrange review if episodes recur, interfere with sleep, or do not settle as expected.

Seek urgent medical care for swelling or redness around an eye, vision changes, severe headache unlike your usual pattern, confusion, stiff neck, facial weakness or high fever with marked illness. Get prompt advice if pain is severe, one-sided and persistent, or if symptoms follow an injury.

Does my pattern fit sinusitis, chronic sinusitis or migraine? Could allergies be narrowing my nasal passages? Which rinse or nasal treatment is appropriate for me? What changes would require urgent review?