A blocked nose that refuses to clear, facial pain, a persistent headache or thick nasal discharge may seem like the aftermath of a common cold. However, if these symptoms persist or recur frequently, sinusitis could be the underlying cause.
Sinusitis is one of the most common reasons people visit an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist. While many cases improve with appropriate treatment, ignoring persistent symptoms can affect your quality of life, disrupt sleep, reduce productivity and, in rare cases, lead to complications.
Understanding what causes sinusitis, recognising its symptoms and seeking timely medical care can help prevent long-term problems and ensure faster recovery.
The sinuses are air-filled cavities located within the bones of the face and skull. They are connected to the nasal passages through small openings that allow mucus to drain naturally.
There are four pairs of sinuses:
The sinuses produce mucus that traps dust, allergens and germs before they enter the lungs. Tiny hair-like structures called cilia continuously move this mucus towards the nose, where it is cleared naturally.
When these drainage pathways become blocked due to infection, allergies or structural abnormalities, mucus accumulates inside the sinuses. This creates an environment where viruses, bacteria or fungi can multiply, resulting in sinusitis.
Sinusitis, also known as a sinus infection or rhinosinusitis, is the inflammation of the lining of the sinuses and the nasal passages.
The inflammation causes swelling, narrowing of the sinus openings and poor drainage. As mucus builds up, pressure increases within the sinuses, leading to pain, congestion and other symptoms.
Although sinusitis often develops after a viral cold, it may also result from allergies, bacterial infections, nasal polyps or anatomical problems inside the nose.
Sinusitis is classified according to how long symptoms last.
Acute sinusitis usually lasts for less than four weeks. It commonly develops after a viral upper respiratory tract infection such as the common cold.
Most cases improve with supportive treatment. A smaller number may develop into secondary bacterial infections.
Symptoms persist between four and twelve weeks but usually resolve completely with appropriate medical treatment.
When symptoms continue for more than twelve weeks despite treatment, the condition is known as chronic sinusitis.
People with chronic sinusitis often experience repeated flare-ups and may have underlying allergies, nasal polyps or a deviated nasal septum.
Some individuals develop four or more episodes of acute sinusitis within a year, with complete recovery between episodes.
Repeated infections warrant evaluation by an ENT specialist to identify the underlying cause.
The symptoms of sinusitis vary depending on the severity and duration of the condition.
Common symptoms include:
Many people mistake sinus headaches for migraines. While both conditions can cause pain around the forehead and eyes, sinus headaches are usually accompanied by nasal congestion, facial tenderness and nasal discharge.
Several factors can interfere with normal sinus drainage and trigger inflammation.
The majority of acute sinus infections begin after a common cold. Viral infections cause swelling of the nasal lining, temporarily blocking the sinus openings.
If mucus remains trapped inside the sinuses, bacteria may multiply and cause a secondary bacterial infection.
Unlike viral infections, bacterial sinusitis may produce persistent symptoms lasting longer than ten days or symptoms that initially improve before worsening again.
Allergic rhinitis is one of the leading causes of recurrent sinus problems.
Exposure to allergens such as dust mites, pollen, mould or pet dander causes swelling inside the nose, increasing the risk of blocked sinus drainage.
Nasal polyps are soft, painless growths that develop inside the nasal cavity due to chronic untreated nasal allergy.
Polyps can obstruct sinus openings and contribute to repeated infections.
The nasal septum is the wall that separates the nasal cavity into two.
A significantly deviated septum may restrict airflow and interfere with mucus drainage, making sinus infections more likely.
Infections affecting the upper back teeth can occasionally spread into the nearby maxillary sinuses.
Prompt dental treatment is therefore important in preventing certain types of sinus infections.
Fungal sinusitis is not uncommon in tropical places like ours. It can be of 2 types- Allergic Fungal Sinusitis and Invasive Fungal Sinusitis. The latter can occur in people with weakened immune systems or poorly controlled diabetes.
This form of sinusitis requires prompt specialist evaluation and treatment.
Certain factors increase the likelihood of developing sinusitis.
These include:
In cities across South India, increasing levels of traffic pollution, construction dust and prolonged exposure to air-conditioned environments can irritate the nasal passages, making some individuals more susceptible to sinus problems.
Sinusitis itself is not contagious.
However, the viral infections that often trigger sinusitis can spread from person to person through respiratory droplets or contaminated surfaces.
Practising good hand hygiene, covering your mouth while coughing or sneezing and avoiding close contact with people who have respiratory infections can help reduce the risk.
How Is Sinusitis Diagnosed? -H2
Most cases of sinusitis can be diagnosed based on your symptoms and a thorough examination by an ENT specialist.
Your doctor may ask about:
During the examination, your nose, throat and ears will be assessed for signs of infection or inflammation.
A nasal endoscopy allows the ENT specialist to examine the nasal passages and sinus openings using a thin flexible camera.
This procedure helps identify swelling, nasal polyps, pus, structural abnormalities or other conditions affecting sinus drainage.
It is usually performed as an outpatient procedure and causes minimal discomfort.
A CT scan of the sinuses may be recommended if:
CT imaging provides detailed views of the sinus cavities and helps guide further management.
For patients with recurrent or chronic sinusitis, allergy testing may identify environmental triggers that contribute to repeated episodes.
Managing allergies effectively often reduces the frequency of sinus infections.
Ignoring persistent sinus symptoms can allow inflammation to continue for months, increasing the risk of chronic sinusitis and repeated infections.
Early diagnosis not only relieves symptoms more quickly but also helps identify underlying problems such as allergies, nasal polyps or a deviated nasal septum that may require specific treatment.
Common symptoms include a blocked nose, thick nasal discharge, facial pain or pressure, headache, reduced sense of smell, postnasal drip, cough and fatigue. Some people may also experience fever or ear pressure.
Sinusitis is more likely when nasal congestion, facial pressure or thick discharge persists or worsens, particularly after a cold. Persistent or recurring symptoms should be evaluated by an ENT specialist.
Sinusitis can develop due to viral or bacterial infections, allergies, nasal polyps or a deviated nasal septum. Dental infections, smoking, air pollution and reduced immunity can also increase the risk.
Sinusitis itself is not contagious. However, the viral infections that commonly trigger sinusitis can spread through respiratory droplets and contaminated surfaces.
An ENT specialist can usually diagnose sinusitis through your symptoms and a nasal examination. Nasal endoscopy, CT scans or allergy testing may be recommended for persistent, recurrent or chronic cases.
See an ENT specialist if symptoms persist, keep coming back, or interfere with sleep and daily activities. Early evaluation can identify problems such as allergies, nasal polyps or a deviated septum.
Many cases of acute sinusitis, particularly those caused by viral infections, improve with supportive care. Persistent or worsening symptoms may require medical evaluation and treatment.
Yes. Symptoms lasting more than 12 weeks are considered chronic sinusitis. Recurrent inflammation may be associated with allergies, nasal polyps or structural problems affecting sinus drainage.
Article Updated on 27th August 2026
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