What are the first signs of sinusitis?

Inflammation and swelling around the sinuses can stop mucus draining normally. This may cause pressure around the cheeks, forehead, eyes, or upper teeth, with discomfort that worsens when bending forward. A cough can develop when mucus drains into the throat, and ear pressure or earache may occur. Sinusitis can follow a [Common Cold](/conditions/common-cold/) and may resemble [Allergic Rhinitis](/conditions/allergic-rhinitis/), so symptom duration and progression help a clinician judge the cause.

Rest, drink fluids, and use saline nasal rinsing if suitable and prepared safely. A warm compress over the face may ease pressure. Follow label directions for pain relief and ask a pharmacist if you have a long-term condition or take other medicines. A [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) can assess persistent or worsening symptoms; [Antibiotic Treatment](/treatments/medical-management/antibiotic-treatment/) is not appropriate for every case.

Arrange medical advice if symptoms are severe, keep worsening, return after improving, or interfere with sleep and daily activities. Seek urgent care for swelling around an eye, vision changes, severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, or marked facial swelling. Earache with fever or discharge also deserves assessment.

Ask whether your symptoms match [Sinusitis](/conditions/sinusitis/), [Blocked Nose](/symptoms/blocked-nose/), or another cause, whether nasal treatment is suitable, and what change should prompt review. Mention any [Facial Pain and Pressure](/symptoms/facial-pain-and-pressure/), [Cough](/symptoms/cough/), or [Earache](/symptoms/earache/).