Sinus Pressure That Just Won’t Quit? It Might Be Sinusitis
October 30 • 2025
Stuffed up? Head feels like it’s in a vice? Can’t breathe through your nose? You might be dealing with more than just a stubborn cold. You could have sinusitis.
Stuffy, miserable, and not sure what helps? Jason Caudell, FNP-C, talks sinusitis plus what actually brings relief in the video below.
What Is Sinusitis?
Sinusitis happens when the sinuses—the air-filled spaces in your face—become inflamed. This inflammation often results from a common cold, allergies, or even environmental irritants. When your sinuses swell, they can’t drain properly, which leads to that familiar (and frustrating) combo of pressure, congestion, and overall misery. People often call Sinusitis a sinus infection (they are the same thing!)
Common Symptoms of Sinusitis
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Head and facial pressure (especially behind your eyes or cheeks)
- Postnasal drip or sore throat
- Trouble breathing through your nose
- Mild fatigue
- Sometimes, a low-grade fever
Home Remedies That Can Help
If your symptoms are mild and started recently, try these at-home options:
- Saline rinses – Help flush out mucus and allergens
- Neti pots – Use distilled or sterile water to gently irrigate the nasal passages
- Over-the-counter nasal sprays – Steroid sprays like Flonase can reduce inflammation
- Steam or warm compresses – These may ease sinus pressure naturally
These remedies can bring real relief, but they’re not a cure-all, especially if symptoms linger or worsen.
When to See a Provider
If your sinus symptoms:
- Last more than 10 days
- Keep coming back
- Get worse after initially improving
- Include a fever, swelling, or pain that spreads to your jaw or teeth
It’s time to check in with a provider.
You could be dealing with a sinus infection that needs prescription treatment like antibiotics, or another underlying issue like chronic sinusitis or nasal polyps. A provider can help you get to the root of the problem and create a treatment plan that works.
Is It a Cold, COVID-19, Allergies, or Sinusitis?
When you’re feeling under the weather, it can be hard to tell what’s causing your symptoms. Is it just a common cold, seasonal allergies, COVID-19, or something like sinusitis?
While all four conditions can cause similar signs like congestion, fatigue, and a runny nose, there are key differences. Colds usually come on gradually with a sore throat and sneezing, while COVID-19 often includes fever, body aches, and loss of taste or smell. Allergies tend to cause itchy eyes, sneezing, and symptoms that come and go with exposure. Sinusitis, or a sinus infection, typically causes facial pain, pressure, and thick nasal mucus that lasts more than 10 days.
If you’re not sure what’s behind your symptoms, a visit to your primary care provider can help you get the right diagnosis and treatment.
Let Aylo Health Help You Breathe Easy Again
At Aylo Health, we’re here to help you stop suffering through sinus issues and start breathing easier. Whether you need a quick evaluation, treatment for a lingering infection, or long-term care for chronic sinus problems, our team is ready when you are.