When to worry about postnasal drip with sinusitis

Sinusitis inflames the spaces around the nose, and mucus can drain backwards into the throat instead of forwards. This may cause a tickling cough, hoarseness, frequent swallowing, nasal blockage, facial pressure, or reduced smell. Most people with Sinusitis notice postnasal drip. A short-lived episode often settles as the nasal inflammation improves, while persistent or recurrent symptoms deserve a closer look.

Saline nasal irrigation may loosen thick mucus; use sterile or distilled water, or water that has been boiled and cooled. Keep away from cigarette smoke and other irritants, drink fluids, and rest. Ask a pharmacist about suitable pain relief or nasal treatment, particularly if you are pregnant or have another medical condition. Avoid sharing towels or tissues if discharge accompanies a suspected infectious illness.

Get urgent help if you develop swelling or redness around an eye, double vision, reduced vision, a severe headache, confusion, or neck stiffness. Contact a clinician for severe facial pain, fever that persists, repeated episodes, symptoms mainly on one side, or thick or bloody discharge that does not improve. A clinician can examine the nose, throat, and face and decide whether further evaluation is needed.

Could allergy or nasal irritation be contributing? Which saline or nasal medicine fits my symptoms? How should I recognise an eye complication? If this keeps returning, do I need a specialist assessment?