Seasonal colds, allergic reactions, and viral infections are often accompanied by a runny nose that lasts a few days and resolves without complications. However, in some cases the symptoms don’t disappear—in fact, they worsen. Pressure appears in the forehead or cheek area, headaches develop, and nasal congestion becomes constant. In such situations, it may not be a simple rhinitis but sinusitis—an inflammatory condition of the paranasal sinuses. It is easy to confuse it with an ordinary cold, especially at an early stage when the symptoms are similar. But timely recognition of sinusitis is critically important: without treatment, this illness can become chronic and cause serious complications, up to otitis, meningitis, or a brain abscess. To avoid this, it is important to know the signs that distinguish sinusitis from a common runny nose and to seek medical help from an ENT in time.
Signs of Sinusitis That Distinguish It From a Runny Nose
Sinusitis is inflammation of the mucous membrane of one or more paranasal sinuses: maxillary, frontal, sphenoid, or ethmoid. The most common form is maxillary sinusitis (sinusitis), in which the maxillary sinuses located in the cheek area are affected. Sinusitis often develops as a complication after a viral infection, undertreated rhinitis, or even ordinary hypothermia. The symptoms of sinusitis have their own features by which you can understand that the problem requires medical intervention.
How to Recognize Sinusitis by the Type of Pain and Discharge
The first symptom of sinusitis is pain, which can be considered a kind of indicator. If you learn to distinguish the character of the pain, that is the best help for early treatment of a serious illness:
- Pain or pressure in the sinus area. Depending on the affected region, this may be pain in the cheeks (maxillary sinusitis), forehead (frontal sinusitis), around the eyes (ethmoiditis), or in the back of the head (sphenoiditis).
- Headache. When bending the head forward, during coughing, or even just while walking.
- Prolonged runny nose. More than 7–10 days without improvement, with thick discharge that may have a green or yellow tint and an unpleasant odor.
- Nasal congestion. More often on one side, but it can be on both. In this case, decongestants work weakly or only briefly.
- Decreased sense of smell or complete loss. In some cases—distortion of taste sensations.
- Sensation of pus in the throat. Characteristic when the discharge runs down the back wall of the nasopharynx (postnasal drip).
The pain with sinusitis has a “pressing”, “bursting” character and often worsens in the evening or after sleep. In severe cases, it may be accompanied by facial swelling, especially in the eye area.
When Should You Definitely See an ENT?
Unlike an ordinary runny nose, which usually goes away on its own, sinusitis requires diagnosis and systematic treatment. Self‑treatment often negatively affects the course of illness because a patient cannot determine which sinus is affected or which type of therapy will be effective—local or systemic. Therefore, if you suspect sinusitis, it is important to consult an otolaryngologist at North Fulton Ear Nose & Throat, who will perform rhinoscopy, order an ultrasound or CT scan of the sinuses, and select appropriate therapy.
Warning Symptoms That Should Not Be Ignored
Certain symptoms should alert you and may indicate an urgent need to see a doctor. These include:
- A temperature above 38 °C that persists for more than two days and does not respond to antipyretics.
- Severe headache, especially in the forehead or jaw area, that worsens when bending over.
- Purulent nasal discharge that increases over time and has a sharp odor.
- Swelling of the cheek, eyelid, or the area under the eyes—this signals a possible spread of infection.
- Visual disturbances or double vision, which can occur with inflammation of the sphenoid sinus.
- Marked weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite—signs of systemic intoxication.
- Nausea, vomiting, or dizziness—rare, but possible with sinus involvement or complications.
You should also see a doctor if sinusitis recurs several times a year or does not resolve for more than 12 weeks—this may indicate a chronic form of the disease.
Remember, sinusitis is a serious inflammatory condition that requires timely diagnosis and proper treatment. Its symptoms can be recognized by characteristic pain, prolonged nasal discharge, reduced sense of smell, and overall deterioration in well‑being. If you notice similar signs in yourself or your loved ones, do not delay seeing a doctor. Timely treatment will help you avoid complications and preserve normal breathing, smell, and overall health. It is better to be cautious than to spend years treating a chronic form or the consequences of a neglected infection.
