Your nose feels blocked.
You have a headache that refuses to go away.
Your face feels heavy, especially around the cheeks and eyes.

You assume it is just another seasonal cold.
But sometimes, it could be sinusitis.

During the monsoon, many patients believe that every blocked nose or headache is simply due to the weather. While seasonal infections are common, prolonged or recurring symptoms may actually be caused by inflammation of the sinuses.

Understanding what sinusitis is and why it becomes more common during the rainy season can help you recognise when it is time to seek treatment.

Sinusitis happens when the small air-filled spaces in your face, called sinuses, become swollen or irritated. These spaces are located behind your forehead, cheeks, nose, and eyes.

Normally, your sinuses make a small amount of mucus that drains out of your nose without you even noticing. But when they get blocked or inflamed, this mucus cannot drain properly. It starts to build up, which can sometimes lead to infection.

This is why people with sinusitis often feel a heavy or tight sensation in the face, along with a blocked nose, pressure around the eyes or cheeks, and difficulty breathing comfortably through the nose.

• Increased humidity that encourages the growth of mould and fungi
• Seasonal viral infections that cause swelling inside the nose
• Allergies triggered by damp surroundings, dust mites, or mould spores
• Reduced drainage of mucus due to nasal inflammation
• Weakened immunity following repeated seasonal infections

• Pain or pressure around the forehead, cheeks, eyes, or nose
• Headache that worsens on bending forward
• Reduced sense of smell
• Persistent cough, especially at night
• Bad breath
• Mild fever in some cases
• Thick yellow or green nasal discharge

One of the biggest misconceptions is that every episode of sinusitis requires antibiotics.
In reality, many cases are caused by viral infections or allergies and improve with appropriate supportive treatment. Antibiotics are only recommended when a bacterial infection is suspected after proper medical evaluation.

Taking antibiotics without medical advice may not relieve your symptoms and can contribute to antibiotic resistance

• Keep your hands clean to reduce the spread of infections
• Avoid exposure to dust, mould, and damp environments
• Stay well hydrated to keep mucus thin
• Manage allergies as advised by your doctor
• Avoid smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke
• Seek treatment early if symptoms persist

• Symptoms last for more than 10 days
• Sinus infections keep coming back
• Facial pain or swelling becomes severe
• You develop a high fever
• You notice swelling around the eyes or changes in vision
• Symptoms do not improve despite treatment

Early evaluation helps identify the underlying cause and ensures you receive the most appropriate treatment before complications develop.

If you have been experiencing ongoing nasal congestion, facial pain, or recurrent sinus infections, consult our ENT Department for a comprehensive evaluation and a personalised treatment plan. Healthy sinuses help you breathe, sleep, and live more comfortably.