Sinusitis: symptoms, causes & treatment in Nigeria
Also known as sinus infection, blocked sinuses.
This page is general health information, not a diagnosis. Always consult a licensed clinician about your own health.
Overview
Sinusitis is inflammation of the air spaces around the nose, causing facial pressure, a blocked nose and thick discharge — often after a cold or during heavy harmattan dust. Most episodes are viral and clear within two to three weeks without antibiotics.
Symptoms
Facial pain or pressure, worse bending forward
Blocked nose
Thick yellow or green nasal discharge
Reduced sense of smell
Post-nasal drip and cough, worse at night
Headache around the eyes or forehead
Fever in bacterial cases
Causes & risk factors
Viral colds spreading to the sinuses
Allergies and harmattan dust irritation
Nasal polyps or a deviated septum blocking drainage
Bacterial infection following a viral cold
Treatment & self-care
Steam inhalation, saline nasal rinses, plenty of fluids and simple pain relief settle most episodes; decongestant sprays should not be used beyond a few days. Doctors reserve antibiotics for clearly bacterial cases — high fever, severe pain or symptoms worsening after initial improvement. Recurrent sinusitis deserves ENT assessment for an underlying cause.
See a doctor urgently if
Swelling or redness around the eye — emergency
Severe headache with stiff neck or confusion
Symptoms beyond ten days or worsening after improving
Recurring episodes several times a year
Frequently asked questions
What are the first signs of Sinusitis?
Early signs often include facial pain or pressure, worse bending forward, blocked nose, thick yellow or green nasal discharge. Symptoms vary from person to person, so a proper assessment by a doctor is the only way to be sure.
Can Sinusitis be treated?
Steam inhalation, saline nasal rinses, plenty of fluids and simple pain relief settle most episodes; decongestant sprays should not be used beyond a few days. Doctors reserve antibiotics for clearly bacterial cases — high fever, severe pain or symptoms worsening after initial improvement. Recurrent sinusitis deserves ENT assessment for an underlying cause.
When should I see a doctor about Sinusitis?
See a doctor promptly if you notice: swelling or redness around the eye — emergency; severe headache with stiff neck or confusion; symptoms beyond ten days or worsening after improving; recurring episodes several times a year.