Understanding Sinus Congestion and Pain

Sinus infection signs

Sinusitis, which is the swelling of the sinuses, is common after you have had a cold or the fluⁱ. Once the sinuses start to swell it can stop mucus from draining properly, giving you a feeling of sinus congestion.

According to the NHS, you may experience other sinus infection symptoms such as green or yellow mucus coming from your nose, a reduced sense of smell or a high temperature.ⁱ There might also be other, less obvious symptoms, like bad breath or toothache (or, in young children, irritability or difficulty feeding).ⁱ

You may also find that signs of sinus congestion come with some sinus pain, which can occur as a result of the inflamed sinus opening.ⁱⁱ This may be due to an infection, allergy, irritant or structural abnormality.ⁱⁱ

Sinusitis treatment

It is important to understand sinus congestion and pain because the two are linked. While most of the time sinus congestion will clear up of its own accord in just a few weeks, it can occasionally turn into chronic sinusitis, where it can last three months or more.ⁱⁱⁱ

There are home remedies for sinus infections that can soothe some of your symptoms, but don’t turn to antibiotics – Public Health England and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence discourage them unless otherwise prescribed.^iv This is because most sinus infections are viral.^iv

Over-the-counter treatments such as Beechams Max Strength capsules* may relieve the sinus congestion and pain, but it should clear up on its own within two to three weeks.ⁱ

*Beechams Max Strength All in One Capsules. For Cold and Flu Relief. Always read the label.

Sinus infection causes

Having a sinus infection doesn’t always necessarily mean having a blocked nose or lack of smell. There can be many sinus infection signs (such as a sinus headache or facial pain, swelling and tenderness),ⁱ especially after recovering from a cold or flu when your immune system is weakened. Other sinus congestion and pain causes include nasal allergies or a blockage to the drainage channels.^v This blockage could be caused by an internal growth, injury or, in the case of a child, objects pushed into the nose.^v A poor immune system and smoking could also be factors in sinus infections.^v

When it comes to understanding sinus congestion and pain, the home remedies for sinus infection include rest and drinking plenty of fluids; you may also find over-the-counter decongestants helpful.

Chronic sinusitis is when the condition lasts longer than normal.ⁱⁱⁱ It is a relatively common illness with around 1 in 10 people in the UK finding that their sinusitis symptoms last longer than 12 weeks.^vi

When to see your GP

If you find yourself with sinus infection symptoms such as a blocked nose or a sinus headache that don’t begin to improve after seven to 10 days, or if they continue to recur, it might be a good time to see your GP to understand the signs of sinus congestion.^vii They’ll work with you to identify what’s causing your blocked sinuses and be able to recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

Possible treatments could even include surgery, especially if the sinus infection spreads and causes an abscess that could threaten your vision – although this is a very rare complication.^viii

Your GP will be able to give you further advice on chronic sinusitis and if the condition lasts longer than two weeks, they may be able to help further with any sinus congestion and pain.

The Beechams range includes Powders, Cold & Flu Hot powder for oral solution range, Cold & Flu Capsules, Breathe Clear Hot powder for oral solution, Flu Plus Hot powder for oral solution range, Flu Plus Caplets, All in One Tablets, All in One Liquid, Max Strength All in One Capsules. For Cold and Flu Relief. Always read the label.

Sources: Clicking any of the links below takes you to an external website that is independently operated and not managed by Haleon. Haleon assumes no responsibility for the content on the website. If you do not wish to leave this website, do not click on the links below.

Sinusitis (sinus infection). NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sinusitis-sinus-infection/. Accessed 08/10/2020.
Sinus infection (Sinusitis). ENT UK. https://www.entuk.org/sinus-infection-sinusitis. Accessed 08/10/2020.
Sinusitis. NHS inform. https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/ears-nose-and-throat/sinusitis. Accessed 08/10/2020.
Antibiotics should not be used to treat the majority of sinus infections, NICE says. NICE. https://www.nice.org.uk/news/article/antibiotics-should-not-be-used-treat-the-majority-of-sinus-infections-nice-says. Accessed 08/10/2020.
Acute Sinusitis. Patient. https://patient.info/ears-nose-throat-mouth/acute-sinusitis. Accessed 08/10/2020.
What works for chronic sinusitis? Cochrane UK. https://uk.cochrane.org/news/what-works-chronic-sinusitis. Accessed 09/10/2020.
Sinusitis. nidirect. https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/conditions/sinusitis. Accessed 09/10/2020.
Everything you need to know about sinusitis. NetDoctor. https://www.netdoctor.co.uk/conditions/ear-nose-and-throat/a140/sinusitis/. Accessed 09/10/2020.

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Understanding Sinus Congestion and Pain

Sinus infection signs

Sinusitis treatment

Sinus infection causes

When to see your GP

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Understanding Sinus Congestion and Pain

Sinus infection signs

Sinusitis treatment

Sinus infection causes

When to see your GP

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Understanding Cold & Flu Symptoms

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Understanding the DifferenceBetween Cold & Flu

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