- Saudi Arabia
- Egypt
- Qatar
- United Arab Emirates
October 16, 2025
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Last Updated: 16/10/2025
Do you often wake up with a heavy head, facial pressure, or a stuffy nose that makes it hard to breathe? These could be clear sinusitis symptoms — a common condition that causes inflammation in the sinus cavities, leading to discomfort, fatigue, and sleep disturbance.
In this medically reviewed guide from Magrabi Hospitals, you’ll learn the most common sinusitis symptoms, how to tell when they become serious, and the best ways to relieve and treat them safely.
✨ Book your consultation today with an ENT specialist at Magrabi Hospitals for a precise diagnosis and a treatment plan tailored to your condition.
Sinusitis refers to inflammation of the air-filled cavities around your nose and eyes. When these tissues swell due to infection, allergies, or environmental triggers, mucus becomes trapped, causing pain, pressure, and difficulty breathing.
According to the Saudi Ministry of Health, you should see a doctor if sinusitis symptoms last longer than 10 days or recur frequently throughout the year.
If you’d like to explore more about sinusitis, visit our comprehensive guide — where you’ll find detailed information about its causes, treatment, and prevention.
One of the most frequent sinusitis symptoms is a dull or throbbing headache, especially behind the eyes or in the forehead. The pain often worsens when bending forward or waking up in the morning.
Blocked nasal passages make it hard to breathe properly, particularly at night. In more advanced cases, patients may experience sinusitis symptoms and shortness of breath, as swollen tissues restrict airflow.
Yellow or green nasal discharge is a key indicator of bacterial infection. If the discharge lasts for several days or has an unpleasant odor, consult your doctor for evaluation.
When nasal passages are swollen or blocked, airflow to the olfactory nerves is reduced — leading to a partial or total loss of smell. This is among the most common sinusitis symptoms that affect daily life.
Persistent sinus pressure can radiate to the upper teeth or jaw, creating discomfort. Chronic fatigue also occurs as the body fights inflammation and poor oxygen flow disrupts sleep.
A low-grade fever is common in acute sinusitis symptoms, while long-lasting congestion and facial fullness may suggest a chronic form of the condition.
Sinusitis symptoms in adults often appear more pronounced and last longer than in children. They typically include:
If these signs persist for more than 10 days, it could indicate chronic sinusitis symptoms that require medical assessment and ongoing treatment. ENT specialists at Magrabi Hospitals can help identify the underlying cause and create a tailored management plan.
One of the most distressing sinusitis symptoms is shortness of breath. Swelling of the nasal passages can block airflow, forcing you to breathe through your mouth and disrupting your sleep.
The Saudi Food and Drug Authority emphasizes that using a nasal spray for sinusitis under medical supervision can relieve congestion and open the airways safely. However, overuse without a doctor’s advice can lead to rebound congestion or nasal dryness.
This type usually follows a cold or viral infection. Sinusitis symptoms appear suddenly and can include:
Symptoms generally last less than four weeks and improve with prescribed medication or nasal spray for sinusitis.
Sinusitis symptoms that persist for 12 weeks or longer indicate a chronic condition. These symptoms are milder but continuous and include:
If left untreated, acute sinusitis can evolve into chronic sinusitis, requiring long-term management or surgical intervention. Magrabi Hospitals ENT specialists recommend medical evaluation when symptoms do not improve over time.
Seek medical attention immediately if you experience:
Don’t ignore your body’s warning signs — book your appointment at Magrabi Hospitals today and get expert guidance from our ENT team.
While waiting for medical treatment, you can ease sinusitis symptoms at home with simple steps:
The Saudi Ministry of Health eServices recommends consulting your doctor before using any decongestant sprays or over-the-counter medications for prolonged periods.
Yes. The pressure buildup inside inflamed sinuses can cause persistent headaches and even dizziness, especially when bending forward or standing up quickly.
Untreated sinusitis symptoms can lead to loss of smell, sleep problems, dental pain, or—in chronic cases—spread of infection to nearby areas like the eyes or ears.
Sinusitis symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe breathing problems. Early diagnosis and professional care can prevent complications and help restore normal breathing and daily comfort.
Edited and medically reviewed by Dr. Mohammed Kamel
Consultant of ENT – Magrabi Hospitals
The information provided in this article is for educational and awareness purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
If you are experiencing sinus-related symptoms or any persistent health condition, please consult an ENT specialist at Magrabi Hospitals for a thorough evaluation and a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.
