Contact

Blocked Nose, Facial Pain, and Headaches: Signs You Might Have Sinusitis

A woman using a tissue to blow her nose

Sinusitis is a common condition that occurs when the sinuses, air-filled cavities located around the nose, eyes, and forehead, become inflamed or swollen. Many people experience symptoms such as a blocked nose, facial pain, and headaches, often mistaking them for a lingering cold or migraine. As a result, sinusitis is frequently underdiagnosed or left untreated. Seeking assessment at a trusted ENT clinic in Singapore allows for accurate diagnosis and timely management, especially when symptoms persist or recur.

Recognising the signs of sinusitis early is important to prevent complications and ensure effective treatment. In Singapore, where humidity, air quality, and allergies can contribute to nasal and sinus problems, specialist ENT care plays a vital role in restoring comfort, breathing, and overall quality of life.

What Is Sinusitis?

Sinusitis refers to inflammation of the sinus lining, which interferes with normal mucus drainage and airflow. When mucus becomes trapped, it creates pressure within the sinuses and provides an environment for infection to develop. Sinus inflammation may be triggered by infections, allergies, or structural abnormalities in the nasal passages.

There are two main types of sinusitis:

  • Acute sinusitis
    Symptoms develop suddenly and usually last less than four weeks. This form is commonly associated with viral upper respiratory infections.
  • Chronic sinusitis
    Symptoms persist for 12 weeks or longer, or recur frequently despite treatment. Chronic sinusitis often involves ongoing inflammation and may require specialist intervention.

Understanding whether sinusitis is acute or chronic is essential for selecting the most effective treatment approach.

Common Symptoms of Sinusitis

A woman holding her hand to her head in pain

Sinusitis can present with a range of symptoms affecting the nose, face, and head. These symptoms may vary in severity and often worsen when bending forward or lying down.

Nasal Symptoms

  • Blocked or stuffy nose
  • Thick yellow or green nasal discharge
  • Reduced or altered sense of smell and taste

Facial Symptoms

  • Pain or pressure around the eyes, cheeks, nose, or forehead
  • Tenderness when touching the face
  • Swelling around the nasal or eye area

Headaches and Other Symptoms

  • Frontal headaches or pain behind the eyes
  • Fatigue and general discomfort
  • Sore throat due to post-nasal drip
  • Persistent cough
  • Bad breath

When left untreated, these symptoms can significantly affect daily activities, sleep quality, and work performance.

Causes of Sinusitis

Identifying the underlying cause of sinusitis helps guide treatment and reduce the risk of recurrence. Common causes include:

  • Viral infections
    Most cases of acute sinusitis develop after a common cold.
  • Bacterial infections
    Symptoms that persist for more than 10 days or worsen after initial improvement may indicate a bacterial infection.
  • Allergies
    Allergic rhinitis caused by pollen, dust mites, mould, or pet dander can lead to ongoing sinus inflammation.
  • Structural issues
    A deviated nasal septum, nasal polyps, or enlarged turbinates can obstruct sinus drainage and contribute to chronic sinusitis.

When to See an ENT Specialist in Singapore

Female doctor listening to a male patient during an appointment

While mild sinus symptoms may improve with rest and self-care, medical evaluation is important if symptoms persist or worsen. You should seek ENT assessment if you experience:

  • Symptoms lasting longer than 10 days
  • Severe or increasing facial pain or pressure
  • Recurrent sinus infections throughout the year
  • Fever, vision changes, or swelling around the eyes or forehead

If sinus symptoms become chronic or recurrent, assessment by a dedicated sinus specialist helps identify underlying causes and prevent long-term complications.

Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Diagnosis

ENT specialists use a combination of clinical evaluation and diagnostic tools to confirm sinusitis, including:

  • Physical examination to assess the nasal passages and sinus tenderness
  • Nasal endoscopy to directly visualise inflammation or blockage
  • Imaging, such as CT scans, for chronic or complex cases

Accurate diagnosis ensures that treatment addresses the root cause rather than providing only temporary relief.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the type, cause, and severity of sinusitis.

Medications

  • Decongestants and antihistamines to reduce nasal swelling
  • Nasal corticosteroid sprays to control inflammation
  • Antibiotics for confirmed bacterial infections

Nasal Irrigation

  • Saline sprays or rinses to flush out mucus and irritants

Lifestyle Measures

  • Adequate hydration
  • Avoidance of known allergens and pollutants
  • Use of humidifiers to maintain moisture in the nasal passages

Surgery

  • Considered for chronic sinusitis or structural abnormalities such as nasal polyps
  • Endoscopic sinus surgery improves sinus drainage and airflow

Following specialist guidance improves symptom control and reduces the risk of recurrence.

Preventing Sinusitis

Although sinusitis cannot always be prevented, certain measures can help reduce risk:

  • Maintain regular nasal hygiene with saline rinses
  • Manage allergies proactively
  • Avoid exposure to smoke, dust, and air pollution
  • Use a humidifier in dry indoor environments

Preventive care supports long-term sinus health and minimises repeated infections.

Conclusion

Blocked nasal passages, facial pain, and headaches are not symptoms that should be ignored, especially when they persist or recur. While sinusitis often begins as a mild condition, untreated inflammation can progress to chronic disease, significantly affecting breathing, sleep, and overall well-being. Early recognition and accurate diagnosis are key to effective treatment and long-term relief.

If your symptoms do not improve with self-care or continue to interfere with daily life, seeking professional evaluation is essential. An ENT specialist can determine the underlying cause and provide a tailored treatment plan to restore sinus health safely and effectively. For personalised care and expert guidance, it is advisable to speak to an ENT specialist and address sinus symptoms before complications develop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common signs include a blocked nose, facial pain or pressure, headaches, thick nasal discharge, reduced sense of smell, and fatigue.

Acute sinusitis typically resolves within four weeks, while chronic sinusitis lasts 12 weeks or longer.

Yes. Sinus inflammation creates pressure that often leads to frontal headaches, pain behind the eyes, and facial tenderness.

You should seek specialist care if symptoms last beyond 10 days, worsen, or are associated with fever, severe pain, or vision changes.

Maintaining nasal hygiene, managing allergies, avoiding irritants, and using a humidifier can help reduce recurrence.