5 Signs of Chronic Sinusitis

We all get the occasional stuffy nose or sinus pressure from time to time, especially during allergy season or when we catch a cold. But if those symptoms never seem to go away or keep coming back, you might be dealing with something more serious: chronic sinusitis. 

Raj Bhayani, MD, and the team at the New York Institute of Otolaryngology and Aesthetic Surgery, located in Brooklyn and Rego Park, Queens, understand the toll that long-lasting inflammation of the sinuses can have on the quality of your life. So how can you tell the difference between a stubborn cold and a chronic issue? Let’s look at five key signs. 

1. Congestion that won’t quit 

It’s one thing to feel a bit stuffy for a few days, but chronic sinusitis causes nasal congestion that lasts for weeks or even months. If you constantly reach for tissues and can’t clear your nose, it may be more than allergies or a lingering cold. Here's what to look for: 

• A feeling of fullness or pressure in your face
• Difficulty breathing through your nose
• Needing to breathe through your mouth, even while sleeping

2. Facial pain and pressure 

One of the most common and uncomfortable symptoms of chronic sinusitis is a tight, achy feeling in your face. You may notice pain or pressure around your eyes, behind your cheeks, in your forehead, temples, or even along your upper jaw and teeth. This discomfort is usually caused by blocked sinus passages that trap mucus and lead to inflammation. If this kind of pressure happens regularly, get it checked out. 

3. Thick nasal discharge 

With chronic sinusitis, your body constantly produces excess mucus to try and flush out the inflammation — but the result is thick, discolored drainage. Here are some telltale signs to watch out for: 

• Yellow or green mucus when you blow your nose
• Postnasal drip (mucus dripping down the back of your throat)
• Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth 

4. Headaches and fatigue 

If you feel like you’re dragging through the day and often relying on pain relievers to ease headaches, it could be linked to your sinuses. Sinus-related headaches and fatigue often show up as a heavy, dull pain — especially when you bend forward — along with constant low energy or difficulty concentrating. You might even feel rundown after a full night’s sleep. Chronic sinus inflammation can take a serious toll on your body and mind, leading to persistent fatigue that doesn’t easily go away.

5. Symptoms that last longer than 12 weeks 

Lastly, one of the biggest differences between acute and chronic sinusitis is how long your symptoms stick around. Acute sinusitis may clear up in 1-2 weeks. Chronic sinusitis lingers, or returns again and again. Look out for symptoms that:

• Last 12 weeks or more
• Keep coming back despite medications
• Don’t improve with time 

Ultimately, chronic sinusitis isn’t just annoying. It can seriously affect your daily life and overall health. If you experience ongoing congestion, facial pain, or any of the symptoms listed above for more than a few weeks, don’t brush it off. Use our online booking tool to schedule an appointment at one of our offices today.