How common is postnasal drip in sinusitis?

Sinusitis involves inflammation of the sinus passages, which can alter how mucus moves through the nose. Drainage down the throat may bring on a tickle, cough, frequent swallowing, or the sense that mucus is stuck at the back of the nose. Nasal blockage, discharge, facial pressure, reduced smell, or discomfort around the cheeks and forehead may occur too. Symptoms following a cold can differ from nasal symptoms that recur around a seasonal or environmental trigger.

Rest, fluids, and avoiding cigarette smoke can be useful while symptoms settle. Saline irrigation may loosen nasal secretions; use sterile, distilled, or previously boiled and cooled water for this purpose. A warm shower can make nasal passages feel more comfortable, but take care to avoid very hot steam. Speak with a pharmacist or clinician before using decongestants, especially if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, glaucoma, are pregnant, or take regular medicines.

Contact a clinician if symptoms are severe, keep returning, or worsen after initial improvement. Urgent assessment is needed for eye swelling, trouble moving an eye, vision changes, a severe headache, confusion, stiff neck, or significant facial swelling. Children who are unusually drowsy or difficult to wake need prompt medical attention.

Ask whether your symptoms suggest sinusitis or another nasal condition, whether a nasal steroid spray is appropriate, and what changes should prompt follow-up. Share how long symptoms have lasted and whether you have dental pain, fever, asthma, or allergy symptoms.