Facial pressure and headache are not always sinusitis; migraine can also cause nasal blockage and watering eyes. Pain location and discharge colour alone do not establish a diagnosis.
Assess episode duration, light or sound sensitivity, nausea, discharge and smell changes together. Without objective sinus inflammation, repeated antibiotics or sinus surgery may not resolve pain. Suspected migraine may need neurological assessment. A sudden worst-ever headache, neck stiffness, vision changes or speech disturbance requires emergency care.
Diagnosis uses symptom duration and examination; endoscopy and CT are selected when needed. Saline, appropriate nasal medicines and sometimes surgery may form an individual plan. Not every sinus complaint needs antibiotics.
Seek emergency care for swelling around the eye, reduced vision, severe unusual headache or neurological symptoms. Use sterile, distilled or previously boiled and cooled water in nasal irrigation devices.
This information does not replace an individual consultation. Diagnosis and treatment depend on a medical assessment.
Consultation and treatment