How to reduce sinus pressure

Pressure or pain around the cheeks, forehead, nose or eyes can occur when nasal lining becomes swollen and mucus cannot drain easily. A cold, allergy or sinus infection may contribute. Facial pressure is not specific to sinus disease: migraine can cause facial pain with light sensitivity, nausea or a throbbing headache, sometimes without much nasal discharge. Persistent or repeated symptoms may need assessment for chronic sinusitis.

Drink regularly, rest and try a saline nasal spray or rinse made with sterile, distilled or previously boiled and cooled water. Follow the product instructions and keep the device clean. Warm moisture may feel soothing, although very hot steam can burn. A pharmacist can advise on pain relief and whether a nasal steroid or decongestant is suitable; decongestant sprays should not be used longer than the label advises. Avoid antibiotics left from an earlier illness, because many sinus symptoms are not bacterial.

Arrange care when symptoms are severe, persist beyond a typical cold, keep returning or affect vision, sleep or daily activity. Seek urgent help for swelling around an eye, vision changes, a severe headache with neck stiffness, confusion, weakness, or a rapidly worsening illness. A clinician can distinguish sinusitis from migraine and check whether chronic sinusitis needs treatment.

Do my symptoms fit sinusitis, allergy or migraine? Is a nasal treatment appropriate? How should I rinse safely? Could recurring symptoms indicate chronic sinusitis? Which changes require urgent care?