What does runny nose feel like with sinusitis?

The discharge can be watery at first or thicker and cloudy as the nasal lining becomes inflamed. You may need to sniff or blow your nose often, feel pressure around the cheeks or forehead, and notice reduced smell. Mucus sliding down the throat can cause throat clearing, coughing, or an unpleasant taste. Sinusitis can affect one or both sides, and congestion may make breathing through the nose difficult.

Drink fluids, rest, and use a clean humidifier or gentle steam from a warm shower to make mucus easier to move. Saline nasal spray or rinse may wash away mucus; use sterile, distilled, or previously boiled and cooled water for a rinse. Avoid smoke and other irritants. A pharmacist or clinician can advise whether a pain reliever or nasal treatment is suitable for you, especially if you have other conditions or take regular medicines.

Arrange medical advice if symptoms are severe, keep worsening, return after improving, or interfere with sleep and daily activities. Seek urgent help for swelling around an eye, vision changes, a severe headache, confusion, a stiff neck, or marked weakness. These symptoms need prompt assessment rather than home treatment alone.

Ask whether the drainage pattern fits sinusitis or another cause, whether you need an examination, and which nasal treatments are safe for you. Mention the colour and thickness of mucus, facial pressure, fever, changes in smell, and how symptoms have changed.