Sinus pressure and congestion that keep returning?

When should I worry about sinus pain?

Mild congestion can improve with supportive care, but worsening facial pressure, persistent headache, discolored drainage, or symptoms lasting beyond about a week should be checked.

Because the ears, nose, and throat are connected, untreated sinus infections can contribute to downstream ear and throat symptoms in some patients.

What is sinusitis?

Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinus lining. It can be triggered by viral illness, bacterial infection, allergy inflammation, or drainage obstruction from anatomy or tissue swelling.

The inflammation reduces airflow and traps mucus, which is why pressure, pain, and blocked breathing often happen together.

Signs of a possible sinus infection

• Pressure or pain around the cheeks, eyes, or forehead.
• Thick nasal drainage or postnasal drip.
• Nasal blockage that makes breathing difficult.
• Headache, reduced smell, or fatigue.
• Sore throat, cough, or bad breath from ongoing drainage.
• Fever with worsening congestion in some cases.

Will it clear on its own?

Some sinus infections improve with supportive care, especially when symptoms are mild and short-lived. Evaluation is helpful when pressure and congestion continue past about a week, worsen, or repeatedly return.

A focused exam helps identify whether infection, allergy inflammation, drainage obstruction, or another contributor is keeping symptoms active.

Chronic sinus infections and sinusitis

Chronic sinusitis means symptoms persist for 12 weeks or more. That can involve prolonged inflammation, recurrent infection cycles, or structural narrowing that prevents normal sinus drainage.

Long-running inflammation can increase risk of recurring flare-ups and ongoing quality-of-life impact. Treatment is individualized: many patients improve with medical management, and if a procedure is worth considering, that discussion follows a full exam and imaging when needed.