Stuffy nose and sinus pressure: what to know

Swelling near the sinus openings can slow mucus drainage and create fullness around the cheeks, forehead or eyes. Sinusitis may also cause reduced smell, thick discharge, cough or discomfort that changes with position. Migraine can cause facial pressure or nasal symptoms even when the sinuses are not infected, especially with light sensitivity, nausea or a throbbing headache. The location of pressure alone cannot distinguish these causes.

Drink fluids, rest, and use a warm—not scalding—compress over the face. Saline spray or a saline rinse can clear mucus; rinse only with sterile or previously boiled and cooled water. Keep smoke away from the nose and avoid forceful nose blowing. A pharmacist can advise on suitable pain relief or nasal treatment after checking your health conditions and other medicines.

Get urgent help for swelling or redness around an eye, vision changes, severe headache with neck stiffness, confusion, or difficulty breathing. Arrange a medical review when symptoms are severe, keep worsening, recur often, or do not settle after a short illness. One-sided blockage with repeated bleeding also deserves assessment.

Does the pattern fit sinusitis, migraine, allergy or another cause? Is a saline rinse or nasal medicine appropriate for me? What changes would mean I should return or seek urgent help?