What does coughing up phlegm feel like with chronic sinusitis?

With chronic sinusitis, mucus may travel backwards from the nose into the throat, a process often called post-nasal drainage. You may notice a sticky coating, a need to swallow or clear your throat, a cough that is worse when lying down, or an unpleasant taste. Nasal blockage, facial pressure, reduced sense of smell, headache, and throat irritation may occur too. The phlegm may be clear, white, yellow, or green; colour alone cannot confirm a bacterial infection or identify the cause.

Drink fluids, avoid smoke and strong fragrances, and consider a saline nasal rinse if a clinician or pharmacist says it is suitable. Follow the product instructions and use safe water for any rinse. Keeping the bedroom air comfortable and raising your head slightly at night may reduce drainage-related coughing for some people. A clinician can check nasal inflammation, allergies, medicines, and other causes when symptoms continue or interfere with sleep.

Arrange a review for persistent facial swelling or pain, worsening symptoms, repeated nosebleeds, vision changes, or a fever that does not settle. Seek emergency help for swelling around an eye, severe headache with confusion or neck stiffness, breathing difficulty, or coughing up blood. A change in the usual pattern deserves assessment rather than self-treatment alone.

Ask whether post-nasal drainage explains your cough and whether allergies, nasal polyps, reflux, or another condition should be considered. Check how to use a saline rinse safely, which nasal treatments fit your medicines, and what symptoms would require urgent assessment.