Many of us are all too familiar with the annoying symptoms of a cold—blocked nose, sore throat, and that general feeling of being run down. But what happens when those symptoms linger longer than they should, or start to feel worse instead of better? In some cases, what starts as a simple cold can develop into something more uncomfortable, like sinusitis. In this blog, we’ll help you understand how to spot the signs, what to do if it happens, and when to speak to your pharmacist.
From Sniffles to Sinus Pain: What’s the Difference?
Colds and sinus infections can feel similar at first, but there are key differences that can help you figure out what’s going on. A cold is a viral infection that usually clears up within a week. Sinusitis, however, happens when your sinuses (the air-filled spaces behind your nose and eyes) become inflamed and blocked—often because of a lingering virus.
Here’s how you can tell the difference:
- — Cold symptoms often include a runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, and mild fatigue.
- — Sinusitis symptoms include facial pain or pressure, a blocked nose, thick mucus (often yellow or green), and sometimes a reduced sense of smell or taste.
- — Colds usually clear up in 7–10 days, while sinusitis can last longer or come on after a cold seems to be improving.
- — Pain around the eyes, forehead, or cheeks is more typical of sinusitis than a common cold.
If you notice your symptoms getting worse instead of better after a few days, or if you’re dealing with a heavy head and facial pressure, it might be time to consider sinusitis as the culprit.
Spotting the Signs of Sinusitis
It’s easy to mistake sinusitis for a stubborn cold, but there are a few signs that suggest your body is dealing with something more than just the sniffles.
Look out for these tell-tale symptoms:
- — Facial pain or pressure, especially around your eyes, cheeks, or forehead
- — Thick nasal mucus, often yellow or green in colour
- — Blocked or stuffy nose that doesn’t ease after a few days
- — A reduced or lost sense of smell or taste
- — Headache, particularly when bending over
- — Mild fever or general fatigue
If you’ve had cold symptoms for over a week and they’re either not improving or getting worse, it could be a sign of sinusitis. A chat with your local pharmacist can help you decide what to do next and whether any treatment is needed.
Is Sinusitis Contagious?
This is a common question—and the answer isn’t completely straightforward. The good news is that sinusitis itself isn’t usually contagious, but the viruses that cause it often are. If your sinusitis started after a cold, flu, or another upper respiratory infection, it likely began as something that can be passed on.
Here’s a quick breakdown to help explain:
- — Viral sinusitis: Often follows a cold or flu. The virus that caused it is contagious, even if the sinus infection itself isn’t.
- — Bacterial sinusitis: Less common and usually not contagious. This happens when bacteria grow in blocked sinuses.
- — Chronic sinusitis: Typically linked to allergies, nasal polyps, or structural issues in the nose—not something you can catch.
To reduce the risk of passing viruses to others:
- — Wash your hands regularly, especially after coughing or sneezing
- — Avoid close contact with others while you’re unwell
- — Use tissues and dispose of them straight away
If you’re unsure whether your symptoms are likely to spread, ask your pharmacist for advice—they can guide you on how to manage the illness and protect others at the same time.
Treatment Options You Can Access
If you’re dealing with sinusitis, the good news is that many symptoms can be managed at home with pharmacy-recommended remedies. You don’t always need to see a GP—your local pharmacist can offer advice and suggest treatments that help ease the pressure and get you feeling better.
Some over-the-counter options include:
- — Nasal decongestant sprays – help reduce swelling in the nasal passages for easier breathing
- — Saline nasal rinses – gently flush out mucus and allergens
- — Paracetamol or ibuprofen – relieve pain, headaches, and fever
Visit Newington Pharmacy for Advice and Sinus Relief
If you’re struggling with sinus symptoms or not sure whether it’s just a cold, pop into Newington Pharmacy for friendly, expert support. Sinusitis is covered under the NHS Pharmacy First service, which means you can book an appointment and speak to one of our trained pharmacists and get the right treatment without needing to see your GP. For more information or to ask a question, feel free to contact us—we’re here to help.
This blog post was written on behalf of Newington Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.