When to Worry About a Cough With Sinusitis

Inflamed sinuses can produce mucus that drains down the back of the throat. This post-nasal drainage may irritate the throat and trigger a cough, especially when lying down. A blocked nose can also lead to mouth breathing and dryness. The cough may be dry or bring up mucus, while facial pressure, nasal blockage, reduced smell, or thick nasal discharge may occur alongside it.

Drink fluids, rest, and use saline nasal rinsing if it is suitable for you and you can follow the product instructions. Raising your head slightly during sleep may reduce drainage-related coughing. Avoid smoke and other airway irritants. Take medicines only as directed by a pharmacist or clinician, particularly if you have pregnancy, kidney disease, high blood pressure, or other ongoing conditions.

Arrange medical advice if the cough is worsening, prevents sleep, continues after other sinus symptoms improve, or comes with fever that does not settle. Get urgent help for shortness of breath, chest pain, marked drowsiness, dehydration, swelling around an eye, vision changes, or severe headache with neck stiffness. A clinician can check whether the cough is from sinus drainage or another chest problem.

Could post-nasal drainage explain my cough? Do I need an examination of my chest or sinuses? Which treatments are suitable with my other medicines? What changes should prompt an urgent review?