Sinusitis symptoms usually include facial pain or pressure, a blocked nose, and thick nasal discharge that lasts longer than a typical cold. Because sinusitis, colds and allergies share several symptoms, it can be genuinely hard to tell them apart without knowing what to look for, and getting it right matters for choosing the correct treatment.
In this blog, we will look at the main symptoms of sinusitis, how it differs from a cold or allergies, when it needs treatment, and where to get fast help if you need it.
What Are the Main Sinusitis Symptoms?
The most common sinusitis symptoms are facial pain or pressure, nasal blockage and thick, discoloured mucus that persists for more than ten days. You may also notice a reduced sense of smell, a cough that is worse at night, or tenderness around your cheeks and forehead. Some people also develop a mild fever or pain that feels similar to a toothache in the upper jaw.
Could It Be Allergies Instead of Sinusitis?
If you’re sneezing a lot, have itchy or watery eyes and a clear runny nose, allergies may be the more likely explanation. Allergy symptoms often appear soon after you’re exposed to something that triggers them, such as pollen, dust or pet dander. They can also follow a seasonal or trigger-based pattern.
Sinusitis is more likely to cause facial pain or pressure and thicker, coloured mucus, whereas these aren’t usually features of allergies.
When Does Sinusitis Need Treatment?
Most cases of sinusitis clear up on their own within two to three weeks. If symptoms are mild, you may simply need some self-care and time for your body to recover. However, pharmacy advice or medication can sometimes help you manage troublesome symptoms.
Self-Care for Mild Sinusitis
Most mild sinusitis settles with rest, fluids, and steam or saline rinses to ease congestion. For pain or fever, paracetamol or ibuprofen may help, but aspirin should not be given to children under 16. A warm flannel held against the face may also help relieve some of the pressure.
When to See a Pharmacist or GP
Speak to a pharmacist or GP if your symptoms last more than three weeks, keep returning, or come with a high fever or severe facial pain. Depending on the cause, treatment may include steroid nasal sprays or drops to ease sinus swelling, sometimes for several months, or antihistamines if allergies are behind your symptoms. Antibiotics are rarely needed because sinusitis is usually viral rather than bacterial.
Not Sure What’s Causing Your Sinus Symptoms?
If you’re unsure whether your symptoms are sinusitis, a cold or allergies, our pharmacists can help you work it out. Whether your symptoms are just dragging on or you’re simply tired of waiting for them to clear, help is available at Teddington Pharmacy, where we offer fast, professional sinusitis treatment in Teddington.
Through the NHS Sinusitis Pharmacy First service, patients aged 12 and over can often be assessed and treated on the same day, without needing to see a GP first, where clinically appropriate.
Book your Pharmacy First appointment today and speak to our team about your symptoms.
FAQ
What are the first signs of sinusitis?
The first signs are usually facial pain or pressure, a blocked or stuffy nose, and thick nasal discharge, often following on from a cold that hasn’t cleared up.
How do I know if it’s sinusitis and not just a cold?
A cold usually improves within a week, while sinusitis symptoms last beyond ten days or come with facial pain and thick-coloured mucus rather than clear discharge.
Can allergies turn into sinusitis?
Yes, ongoing nasal inflammation from untreated allergies can block the sinuses and lead to a secondary sinus infection, particularly if congestion persists for weeks.
Do I need antibiotics for sinusitis?
No, most sinusitis is caused by a virus and clears without antibiotics. They’re usually only considered if symptoms are severe, worsening, or last beyond ten days.
When should I see a doctor about sinusitis?
See a doctor if symptoms last more than three weeks, keep coming back, or are accompanied by a high fever, severe facial pain, or swelling around the eyes.
Can Teddington Pharmacy treat sinusitis without a GP appointment?
Yes, through the NHS Pharmacy First service, our pharmacists can assess and treat sinusitis in patients aged 12 and over, where clinically appropriate, without a GP referral.
