What are the main symptoms or signs of Chronic sinusitis: twelve weeks of a blocked nose?

Common signs vary from person to person. The article above lists the symptoms to watch for, how they progress, and when they need medical attention.

When should you see a doctor for Chronic sinusitis: twelve weeks of a blocked nose?

See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few weeks, get worse quickly, stop you doing everyday things, or if you notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding.

Ear, Nose & Throat

Chronic sinusitis: twelve weeks of a blocked nose

Not an endless series of colds

Dr. Elise Fabre

Pulmonologist

7 min read

Medical illustration of Chronic sinusitis: twelve weeks of a blocked nose

In simple terms

Why the sinuses stay inflamed, how polyps change the picture, and the treatments that actually work.

What it is, in plain words

The sinuses are air-filled cavities that drain into the nose through narrow openings. If the lining stays inflamed and swollen, those openings block, mucus stagnates and inflammation feeds itself. When this lasts more than twelve weeks it is chronic rhinosinusitis, with or without nasal polyps.

Signs to look out for

Persistent nasal blockage and thick discharge
Reduced or absent sense of smell, often the most disabling symptom
Facial pressure or fullness around cheeks, eyes and forehead
Post-nasal drip, throat clearing and cough that is worse at night
Fatigue and disturbed sleep

Why it happens

Allergy, asthma, aspirin sensitivity, smoking, a deviated septum, immune deficiency and, less often, fungal disease all contribute. Recurrent short courses of antibiotics rarely address the underlying inflammation.

How doctors confirm it

Nasal endoscopy and CT of the sinuses confirm the diagnosis and show polyps or anatomical narrowing. Allergy testing and, occasionally, immune and ciliary studies find treatable contributors.

Treatments and solutions

Daily large-volume saline nasal irrigation, simple, cheap and genuinely effective
Intranasal corticosteroid spray or drops used correctly, aiming away from the septum, for at least three months
Treating associated allergy and asthma together, because they are one airway
Short courses of oral corticosteroids for severe polyps, and antibiotics only for documented bacterial exacerbations
Endoscopic sinus surgery when medical treatment fails, and biologic therapy for severe recurrent polyps

Living with it day to day

Technique matters more than the prescription: irrigate before the spray, keep using the spray when you feel better, and expect improvement over weeks rather than days.

When to seek medical help

Seek urgent care for swelling or redness around the eye, double vision, severe headache with fever, confusion or neck stiffness.

This article explains general health information in simple language. It does not replace advice from your own doctor.

The words explained

Medical terms used above, in everyday language.

Chronic: A problem that lasts a long time, usually more than three months, and often comes back.
Inflammation: The body's reaction to injury or irritation: redness, swelling, heat or pain.
Symptom: A sign you can feel or see that something is wrong, like pain, tiredness or a rash.
Diagnosis: The moment a doctor identifies which illness is causing your symptoms.
Immune system: Your body's defence team: cells that fight germs and repair damage.
Antibiotic: A medicine that kills bacteria. It does not work against viruses like colds or flu.

When should you see a doctor?

Your symptoms last more than a few weeks or keep coming back.
They get worse quickly, or stop you doing everyday things.
You notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding — seek urgent care.
You already take medication and want to change anything about it.

This article explains general health information. It does not replace advice from your own doctor.

Frequently asked questions

What is Chronic sinusitis: twelve weeks of a blocked nose?: Why the sinuses stay inflamed, how polyps change the picture, and the treatments that actually work.
What are the main symptoms or signs of Chronic sinusitis: twelve weeks of a blocked nose?: Common signs vary from person to person. The article above lists the symptoms to watch for, how they progress, and when they need medical attention.
When should you see a doctor for Chronic sinusitis: twelve weeks of a blocked nose?: See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few weeks, get worse quickly, stop you doing everyday things, or if you notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding.

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