By Dr. Rajeev Nangia, Senior Consultant – ENT at Pacific OneHealth, New Delhi

Blocked nose, facial pain or frequent headaches?

It could be Sinusitis.

Do you often experience a blocked nose, facial pressure, thick nasal discharge or difficulty breathing through your nose?

These symptoms may be associated with sinusitis —- a common condition that can affect your comfort, sleep and daily activities.

Understanding the symptoms and available sinusitis treatment options can help you make informed decisions and find relief.

Understanding Sinuses & Their Function

Sinuses are air-filled cavities within the bones around your nose, cheeks, forehead, and eyes. They help condition the air you breathe, support normal nasal function and contribute to voice resonance.

Sinusitis develops when the tissues lining the sinuses become inflamed, often causing nasal congestion, facial pressure, and discomfort. It often develops following a viral respiratory infection and may sometimes be associated with allergies, bacterial infection or nasal polyps.

What are the Symptoms of Sinusitis?

Sinusitis symptoms can vary depending on the underlying cause and how long the inflammation persists. Common signs include:

• Nasal congestion: A blocked or stuffed nose
• Facial pain or pressure: Discomfort around the cheeks, forehead or eyes
• Nasal discharge: Thick or discoloured mucus
• Post-nasal drip: Mucus that flows down the back of the throat
• Headache, fatigue or bad breath
• Reduced sense of smell or taste
• Upper tooth discomfort or ear pressure
• Fever: May occur in some cases

Discoloured mucus alone does not necessarily indicate a bacterial infection. Persistent or recurring symptoms should be evaluated by a medical professional to determine the underlying cause and the most appropriate course of treatment.

Best treatment for chronic sinusitis

Sinusitis treatment depends on the cause, severity and duration of symptom.

Home care: Saline nasal rinses may help clear mucus. Use sterile, distilled or previously boiled and cooled water for nasal irrigation. Adequate hydration and warm compress may help ease discomfort and provide temporary relief.

Medications: Pain relievers may help manage facial discomfort and headaches when suitable. Nasal corticosteroid sprays can reduce inflammation and may be particularly beneficial when allergies or chronic inflammation contribute to symptoms. Antihistamines may be useful for associated allergies. Decongestant nasal sprays should generally be used no more than three days unless advised by the doctor, as prolonged use can worsen nasal congestion.

Antibiotics are appropriate only in selected cases when bacterial sinusitis is suspected or diagnosed. Many cases of acute sinusitis are caused by viruses and do not require antibiotics.

Surgical Treatment Options

If symptoms persist despite appropriate treatment or sinusitis repeatedly affects quality of life, an ENT specialist may recommend further assessment. Depending on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms, surgical treatment may include:

• Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)
• Balloon Sinuplasty
• Nasal Polypectomy
• Submucosal Diathermy

The choice of procedure depends on the diagnosis and individual anatomy; surgery is not necessary for most uncomplicated cases of sinusitis.

When should you see an ENT specialist for sinusitis?

Seek medical advice if symptoms last more than 10 days without improvement, worsen after initially improving, or recur frequently. Seek urgent care for swelling or redness around the eyes, vision changes, severe headache, confusion or other concerning symptoms.

Don’t let sinus problems affect your everyday life. Consult an ENT specialist in Delhi for accurate diagnosis and a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs. Book a consultation at Pacific OneHealth.