What do sinuses look like when congested

Head congestion, or colds, are caused by different types of viruses, with the rhinovirus being the most common. Symptoms of head congestion usually include a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, coughing, headaches and body aches. The following questions and answers can help you identify and determine the causes of your sinus congestion. The mucus that builds up in sinuses causing sinus congestion also results in sinus pain and pressure.

You may feel a sinus headache, have a stuffy or runny nose and experience pressure across your cheeks or other areas of your face. Pressure and pain from sinus congestion can be felt behind the forehead, eyes, cheeks or jaw, depending on which types of sinuses are affected.

The main difference between sinus congestion and head congestion is the duration of symptoms. Sinus congestion may cause a sinus infection, which comes with symptoms lasting up to four weeks. Talk to your doctor if you think you may have a sinus infection. Head congestion as part of a cold is usually gone in seven to 10 days. Though there are some differences between head congestion and sinus congestion, the following tips can help provide relief from your symptoms.

Be sure to talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Sinus infections are common and can be a major health problem. People often develop sinusitis after they have a common cold.

If the lining of your sinuses becomes blocked in a cold, the mucus gets thick and sticky. Your sinuses may not drain properly and bacteria can then build up in the mucus. Symptoms of a sinus infection are similar to those of a cold:.

A sinus infection can last from 10 days to as long as 8 weeks. This is called an acute sinus infection. Sometimes a sinus infection can become chronic , getting better and then worse again, off and on for months.

Chronic sinusitis is medically defined as sinusitis that occurs more than four times a year. The symptoms of acute and chronic sinusitis are similar. Fever is less likely, except in severe cases. Try moist heat or steam.

You can make a steam inhaler by putting hot water in a bowl and inhaling the steam. To do this:. You can also buy a vaporizer , which creates steam from heat. If another condition is associated with your chronic sinusitis, get treated for it and stick to your medications or treatment plan.

See an allergy doctor to identify and have ongoing treatment for allergies. There are treatment options like immunotherapy. And there are other ways to manage allergies — your doctor may also advise you on specific antihistamines to take to reduce your allergy symptoms. You might be a candidate for desensitization treatment. Learn about different antihistamine and decongestant options. Talk with a doctor about corticosteroids.

Your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids in nasal spray form to treat and prevent inflammation. If your condition is severe, they may prescribe oral corticosteroids. If your infection is bacterial, a doctor can prescribe an antibiotic.

Understand your individual sinus anatomy. Recognize and try to avoid inhaling irritants. Stay away from known irritants, such as tobacco smoke. Try a nasal rinse or spray. Use a nasal saline spray or solution to irrigate your nose and reduce irritants.

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This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Chronic sinusitis Open pop-up dialog box Close. Chronic sinusitis Chronic sinusitis can be caused by an infection, growths in the sinuses nasal polyps or swelling of the lining of your sinuses.

Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Nasal polyps Open pop-up dialog box Close. Nasal polyps Nasal polyps are soft, noncancerous growths on the lining of your nose or sinuses. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references AskMayoExpert. Chronic rhinosinusitis. Mayo Clinic; Bennett JE, et al. Philadelphia, Pa.