What happens if chronic sinusitis is not treated?

The swollen lining of the nose and sinuses may narrow the passages that normally let mucus drain. This can cause a blocked nose, facial pain or pressure, reduced smell, headache and coughing up phlegm from mucus draining into the throat. Chronic inflammation can also make breathing through the nose and sleeping comfortably more difficult.

Symptoms may remain steady, fluctuate, or worsen during a flare. Allergic rhinitis can contribute to nasal swelling, so identifying triggers may be part of the assessment. Persistent symptoms do not by themselves prove that a serious complication is present, but they deserve a clinical review when they interfere with normal activities.

Arrange a GP Consultation if symptoms continue, recur frequently or affect sleep, work or exercise. A clinician can examine your nose and throat, review medicines and consider whether allergy symptoms, nasal polyps or another cause is involved.

Follow the recommended plan consistently. This may include saline measures, a nasal medicine, treatment for allergies or other targeted care. Allergy Testing may be considered when the pattern suggests an allergic trigger. Avoid using decongestant nasal sprays for longer than advised, because overuse can worsen congestion.

Seek urgent medical help for swelling or redness around an eye, vision changes, severe or rapidly worsening headache, confusion, a stiff neck, marked facial swelling, or difficulty breathing. These symptoms can signal a problem needing prompt assessment rather than routine sinus care.

Contact a clinician soon if fever, facial pain, discoloured discharge or a sudden deterioration accompanies your usual symptoms, or if symptoms are strongly one-sided and persistent.

Ask whether your symptoms fit chronic sinusitis, whether allergies or polyps could be contributing, which treatments are appropriate for regular use, and what changes should prompt a review. You can also ask how to protect sleep and manage mucus while the cause is being assessed.