Sinusitis often feels like pressure in the cheeks or forehead. The nose is blocked, the head feels heavy, and bending forward can make the pain worse. Most of the time the condition improves with time and simple self-care, especially if the swollen lining gets a chance to settle.
What it usually feels like#
Sinus symptoms often start after a common cold. The nasal lining swells, drainage slows down, and pressure builds in the sinuses. That can cause facial pressure, a blocked nose, pain in the upper teeth or cheeks, and mucus running down the throat.
The nasal discharge can become thicker or look yellowish or greenish and still be part of a viral illness. Colour alone does not tell you whether bacteria are involved.
When it is more likely to be viral#
If the problem began with a cold and starts easing over the first week, viral sinus symptoms are more likely. In that situation, the main job is to support drainage and comfort while the body recovers.
That is why it is usually more useful to watch the direction of travel than to fixate on one symptom. Better, worse, or stuck in place tells you more than colour.
When to suspect bacterial sinusitis#
Bacterial sinusitis is less common. It becomes more likely when symptoms last more than 10 days without clear improvement, when the illness gets worse again after starting to improve, or when fever and general illness are clearly stronger than in an ordinary cold.
Strong one-sided facial pain is also a reason to be more cautious. If the pain is clearly local and getting worse, assessment is wiser than waiting.
What can help at home#
Saline nasal rinsing can loosen mucus and improve the feeling of blockage. A warm shower or sitting in a steamy bathroom may also make the mucus easier to move.
A decongestant nasal spray can open the nose quickly, but only for a short time. If it is used too long, the nose can become more blocked once the effect wears off.
Rest, enough fluids, and a little head elevation at night can make the pressure easier to handle. If the pain is bothersome, a familiar pain reliever can help if it is suitable for you.
When to seek care#
Seek care if symptoms last more than about 10 days without improvement, or if they improve and then clearly worsen again. Seek care also if fever is high, the person feels clearly ill, or the facial pain is strong and one-sided.
Get urgent help if swelling around the cheeks or eye area increases, if vision changes, if eye pain increases, or if double vision appears. A stiff neck, confusion, or a very unusual headache also needs immediate assessment.
Further reading and sources#
Further reading: