What are the symptoms of chronic sinusitis?

Inflamed sinus passages can make breathing through the nose difficult and cause mucus to drain forwards or down the throat. Pressure may be felt around the cheeks, eyes, forehead or upper teeth, sometimes with a headache. Smell and taste can become less clear. A cough, particularly when lying down, may follow post-nasal drainage. Allergic rhinitis, nasal polyps and other nasal problems can produce similar symptoms, so duration, examination and the pattern of flare-ups help distinguish them.

Arrange a GP Consultation when symptoms continue, keep returning, disturb sleep or affect breathing and smell. A clinician may examine your nose and throat, review allergy triggers and recommend treatment. Allergy Testing can be useful when symptoms follow dust, pollen, mould or animal exposure. Saline rinsing with safe water, avoiding smoke and following prescribed nasal treatment may help; use decongestant sprays only as directed.

Seek urgent help for swelling or redness around an eye, vision changes, severe headache with neck stiffness, confusion, or rapidly worsening facial swelling. Prompt assessment is also needed for high fever with severe facial pain, repeated vomiting or symptoms after a significant head injury.

Ask whether the pattern suggests chronic sinusitis, allergy or another nasal condition; which treatments are suitable; and whether an examination, imaging or allergy assessment is needed. Ask how to rinse safely and when persistent symptoms need review.