Sinusitis Nasal Congestion, Thick Mucus, Headache

Sinusitis occurs when the lining of the sinus cavities becomes inflamed and swollen, causing blockage and mucus buildup. It is often triggered by viral, bacterial, or allergic infections, and may also be associated with structural issues of the nasal cavity or exposure to polluted environments.
Symptoms include nasal congestion, thick mucus, facial pressure, forehead pain, or pain around the eyes, along with reduced sense of smell. These differ from allergic rhinitis, which usually presents with clear mucus, sneezing, and itching without facial pain. Sinusitis symptoms are typically more severe and last longer.
Treatment depends on severity and may include medication such as antibiotics, decongestants, antihistamines, and saline irrigation. In chronic cases or complications, endoscopic sinus surgery may be recommended to improve drainage and reduce inflammation.

Sinusitis Overview

Sinusitis is often overlooked, but symptoms like congestion, thick mucus, or headaches may point to a condition that can become chronic if untreated. Vibhavadi Hospital provides ENT specialists supported by advanced diagnostic technologies, such as CT scans, to ensure accurate evaluation and offer both medication-based and surgical treatment options.

What Is Sinusitis?

Sinusitis is the inflammation of the mucosal lining inside the sinus cavities—air-filled spaces around the nose. These include the frontal, maxillary, ethmoid, and sphenoid sinuses. They help regulate air temperature and humidity before it enters the lungs and reduce skull weight.
When infected by viruses, bacteria, or fungi, the sinus lining swells and produces excess mucus, blocking drainage pathways. This leads to pressure buildup and pain around the forehead, face, or eyes, accompanied by congestion, thick yellow or green mucus, bad breath, nasal voice, or fever in some cases.

Symptoms of Sinusitis

Common symptoms vary depending on severity and affected sinus areas:

Nasal congestion and difficulty breathing due to swollen mucosa
Thick mucus or phlegm, yellow or green, sometimes draining to the throat causing irritation or chronic cough
Pressure or pain around the eyes, cheeks, or forehead
Reduced sense of smell or taste
Additional symptoms: headache (especially in the morning or when bending down), fever, cough, sore throat, ear pain, fatigue, or bad breath

Complications That Require Medical Attention

Certain symptoms may signal severe infection spreading to nearby structures such as the eyes or brain:

High fever with chills
Severe swelling or pain around the eyes
Blurred or double vision
Severe or persistent headache
Redness or warmth on the forehead or cheeks
Vomiting with intense headache (possible meningitis)
Symptoms not improving after medication or lasting more than 12 weeks

What Causes Sinusitis?

Sinusitis results from inflammation and blockage of sinus drainage pathways:

Viral infections such as the common cold
Bacterial or fungal infections
Allergies causing swollen nasal mucosa
Structural issues like deviated septum or nasal polyps
Chronic allergies
Smoking or polluted environments damaging mucosal linings
Age over 60
Chronic diseases like diabetes or COPD
Recurrent sinus infections weakening sinus mucosa

Diagnosis of Sinusitis

Diagnosis includes:

Medical history & physical exam: assessing congestion, mucus, facial pain, headache, fever
Imaging tests: X-ray or CT scan to evaluate inflammation and structural abnormalities
Additional tests: nasal endoscopy, culture tests, allergy testing, blood tests (for recurrent or severe cases)
Classification: acute (symptoms <4 weeks) or chronic (>12 weeks) to guide treatment options

Treatment Options for Sinusitis

Self-Care

Saline nasal irrigation
Warm compresses
Hydration and rest
Avoiding irritants: smoke, dust, strong odors, dry air

Medications

Decongestants
Antihistamines
Antibiotics (only when bacterial infection is confirmed)
Pain relievers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen

Specialized Treatments

Endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic or obstructive cases
Allergy treatment such as immunotherapy
Management of complications involving the eyes or brain

How to Prevent Sinusitis

Regular saline nasal rinsing
Avoiding dust, smoke, and pollution
Practicing good hygiene
Staying hydrated and well rested
Managing allergies effectively
Avoiding extreme cold or sudden temperature changes
Treating respiratory infections promptly

Foods to Avoid With Sinusitis

When Having Sinusitis

Spicy, salty, or oily foods
Processed or fried foods
Alcohol and excessive caffeine
Sugary foods and drinks

After Sinus Surgery

Hard or crunchy foods
Very hot or spicy foods
Alcohol and high caffeine
Gas-producing foods like certain beans or sodas
Recommended foods: soft, easy-to-digest items such as soups, steamed vegetables, soft fruits, and plenty of water.

Sinusitis Treatment at Vibhavadi Hospital

Vibhavadi Hospital provides comprehensive sinusitis treatment by ENT specialists using advanced diagnostics such as CT scans and high-resolution nasal endoscopy. Treatment ranges from medication and inflammation control to minimally invasive endoscopic sinus surgery with fast recovery under specialist care.

Summary

Sinusitis is inflammation of sinus cavities causing congestion, thick mucus, facial pain, and reduced smell. It may be acute or chronic, triggered by infections, allergies, or environmental factors. Diagnosis involves examinations, imaging, and endoscopy. Treatment includes self-care, medication, and surgery for chronic cases. Prevention involves avoiding irritants and managing allergies. After surgery, avoid hard or spicy foods. Vibhavadi Hospital offers complete care for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Importance of Early Evaluation

Early sinus evaluation allows timely diagnosis and treatment, reducing severity and preventing complications. Vibhavadi Hospital provides complete assessment and personalized treatment plans for faster recovery and reduced recurrence.

FAQ

Is allergy testing necessary for chronic sinusitis?

Yes, especially for chronic or recurrent sinusitis, since allergies trigger ongoing inflammation. Testing helps identify causes and guide precise treatment.

Who needs endoscopic sinus surgery?

Patients with chronic sinusitis unresponsive to medication, or those with complications such as eye or brain involvement.

How is sinusitis different from allergic rhinitis?

Sinusitis involves inflammation with facial pain and thick yellow/green mucus, while allergic rhinitis presents with sneezing, itching, and clear mucus.