Most of us have experienced a stuffy nose or a runny nose at some point. Sometimes, these sniffles are nothing more than a common cold or seasonal allergies. However, they can also be a warning sign that you may have a sinus infection, known medically as sinusitis. If you have been battling persistent congestion or discomfort, keep reading.

What Is a Sinus Infection? Sinuses are hollow spaces in the bones around your nose and eyes. They make mucus, which helps keep the inside of your nose moist and traps germs or dust. Sometimes, the sinus linings become inflamed or infected, leading to sinusitis. In many cases, you can have a mild sinus infection that gets better on its own, but if it lingers or worsens, you may need to seek medical help.

1. Persistent Nasal Congestion and Stuffiness

One of the most common signs of a sinus infection is unrelenting stuffiness. With a typical cold, your congestion may peak around day two or three and then gradually improve. However, when a sinus infection sets in, the congestion often persists or even feels like it’s getting worse over time. You might notice that no matter how often you blow your nose, you can’t seem to clear it. Here are a few clues that point toward a sinus infection:

Nasal passages feel blocked or swollen for longer than a week.
You might breathe through your mouth more often because your nose feels blocked.
Over-the-counter nose sprays or pills provide only brief relief or none at all.

That constant feeling of not being able to breathe clearly through your nose can be a strong indicator that the sinuses are inflamed rather than simply irritated by a cold or allergies.

2. Pain or Pressure Around Your Face

Facial pain or pressure is another telltale sign. When you have sinusitis, you might notice a throbbing ache in areas such as your forehead, around your eyes, and even in your cheeks. In some cases, this pain intensifies when you bend forward or move your head quickly, like when you stand up from a chair or lean down to pick something up.

Pay close attention to where you feel the discomfort:

Forehead: Pain in your frontal sinuses, which are just behind your eyebrows.
Cheekbones: Pain in the maxillary sinuses, found on either side of your nose.
Between or Behind the Eyes: Pain in your ethmoid or sphenoid sinuses, deeper in your nasal cavity.

If you’ve been rubbing your forehead or cheeks in an attempt to relieve the ache for more than a week, that pressure may very well signal a sinus infection.

3. Thick, Discolored Nasal Discharge

When you blow your nose during a regular cold, the mucus (also known as snot) is often clear or whitish and typically thinner. In contrast, a sinus infection may produce thicker mucus that is yellowish or greenish in color. Sometimes, you may even see hints of brownish or blood-streaked discharge if the inflammation is more severe.

Another clue is “postnasal drip.” This occurs when mucus drips down the back of your throat, which might make you cough more often, especially at night. If you notice these changes in your nasal discharge for several days, you might be dealing with sinusitis. Keep in mind that while discolored mucus is often a sign of infection, the best way to confirm whether it’s viral or bacterial is by visiting a healthcare provider if your symptoms don’t improve.

4. Nagging Headaches That Won’t Quit

A lingering headache can be a sign that your sinuses aren’t happy. This is slightly different from the pressure pain I mentioned earlier. With a sinus headache, you may feel a steady ache that can be sharp or dull, often in the same regions mentioned before—the forehead, between the eyes, or around the cheekbones.

You might also notice that the headache seems worse in the morning. Why? Lying down at night can cause mucus to build up in your sinuses, leading to increased pressure when you wake up. You might feel some improvement after getting up and moving around, only to have the headache return later in the day if the infection persists.

5. Lingering or Worsening Symptoms Beyond a Week

A regular cold usually starts to fade within 5 to 7 days. Allergies can last as long as you are exposed to the triggering substance (like pollen), but they often come with specific features such as itchy eyes, sneezing fits, and clear, watery nasal discharge.

However, if your stuffiness, facial pain, headaches, or thick nasal discharge persist longer than 7 to 10 days—or seem to be getting worse after initially improving—you should consider the possibility of a sinus infection. Bacterial sinus infections, in particular, can drag on for more than 10 days. Viral sinus infections might clear up sooner, but if symptoms keep hanging around or become more intense, it’s time to seek medical advice.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

If you suspect that you have a sinus infection, it’s a good idea to see a healthcare provider if your symptoms are severe, last longer than 10 days without improvement, or if they initially improve but then come roaring back. Only a specialist can accurately determine whether you have a viral or bacterial sinus infection and guide you toward the right treatment.

Depending on the cause and severity, your healthcare provider may recommend different strategies, such as:

Nasal Steroid Sprays or Rinses: These help reduce inflammation and clear out mucus.
Decongestants: Use them sparingly and only for a short period, as overuse can worsen congestion.
Antibiotics: Usually prescribed if your provider suspects a bacterial infection.
Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter medications can help reduce discomfort and headaches.

Simple Steps to Find Relief

While you’re waiting for symptoms to subside or for an appointment with your provider, you can take some steps at home to ease your discomfort:

Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids helps thin out mucus, making it easier to drain.
Use a Humidifier: Moist air can soothe inflamed nasal passages.
Try Warm Compresses: A warm towel placed gently on your face can help relieve pressure and pain.
Rest and Sleep Well: Your immune system needs energy to fight off infections.

Takeaway

Sniffles are common and can be caused by everything from the common cold to allergies. However, when your stuffy nose, facial pain, thick discharge, and headaches persist or worsen for more than a week, it may be time to consider that those sniffles are actually a sinus infection. If you recognize these signs—persistent congestion, face pressure, discolored nasal discharge, nagging headaches, and symptoms that linger—you can decide whether to seek professional care for faster relief.

If you suspect you have a sinus infection that isn’t improving, make sure to contact a healthcare provider for guidance.