Sinusitis, also called a sinus infection, is inflammation or swelling of the sinuses. NHS says it is common, often happens after a cold or flu, and usually clears up on its own within 2 to 3 weeks. CDC also describes sinus infection symptoms as involving the nose, face, and sinuses.

This matters because many people treat sinusitis as 'just a blocked nose,' but official sources show it is more than that. Sinusitis often causes facial pain or pressure, blocked or runny nose, headache, cough, and post-nasal drip.

Sinusitis means inflammation of the sinuses. NHS says it is usually caused by an infection, and recent NHS prescribing guidance notes that acute sinusitis is often triggered by a viral upper respiratory infection such as the common cold. Blockage of the sinus openings contributes to symptoms.

NHS says the main symptoms include: pain, swelling, or tenderness around the cheeks, eyes, or forehead; a blocked or runny nose; a reduced sense of smell; green or yellow mucus from the nose; and sometimes a high temperature. CDC lists a similar pattern: runny nose; stuffy nose; facial pain or pressure; headache; mucus dripping down the throat; sore throat; cough; and bad breath.

One of the most useful practical clues is pain or pressure in the face. NHS says sinusitis commonly causes pain, swelling, and tenderness around the cheeks, eyes, or forehead. This matters because an ordinary cold often causes congestion, but sinusitis is more likely to include that 'pressure in the face' feeling.

People often assume that green or yellow mucus means a bacterial infection. Official guidance does not support that. NHS lists it as a common sinusitis symptom, but newer guidance says acute sinusitis is usually viral and self-limiting. CDC's cold guidance also says mucus can change color normally and does not by itself mean antibiotics are needed.

A cold usually causes runny nose, congestion, sneezing, and sore throat, with symptoms peaking in 2-3 days. Sinusitis overlaps with a cold but is more likely to include facial pain, sinus tenderness, reduced sense of smell, pressure around the face, and ongoing symptoms. A cold is more like a nose-and-throat illness, while sinusitis involves face pressure and sinus pain.

NHS says sinusitis usually clears up on its own within 2 to 3 weeks. This matters because some people expect symptoms to disappear in just a few days. Sinusitis can last longer than a simple cold, even when it is not dangerous.

Bacterial sinus infection becomes more likely when: symptoms last for 10 days without improvement; there is high fever with nasal discharge and facial pain lasting several days; or symptoms improve and then get worse again ('double worsening' pattern).

Chronic sinusitis means sinus symptoms lasting longer than 12 weeks, including nasal blockage or discharge plus facial pressure or reduced smell. That is a different category from a short-lived sinus infection after a cold.

'Green mucus means I definitely need antibiotics.' Not true. Acute sinusitis is often viral, and mucus color alone does not prove bacterial infection.

'It's just a cold if my nose is blocked.' Not necessarily. Sinusitis is more likely to involve facial pain, pressure, reduced smell, and longer-lasting symptoms.

'If I have headache, it must be sinusitis.' Not always. Facial or head pain can come from other causes too.

Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses, usually after a cold or flu. Official sources from NHS and CDC show that it often overlaps with a cold but is more likely to involve facial pressure, sinus tenderness, and longer-lasting symptoms. Most cases improve on their own, while persistent or worsening patterns deserve more attention.

The safest bottom line is simple: sinusitis is more than 'just a stuffy nose,' but mucus color alone does not tell you whether it is bacterial — the overall symptom pattern and duration matter more.

*This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for sinusitis diagnosis and treatment.*