Condition guide
Sinus Pain
Facial pain and pressure from sinus congestion? Find relief from sinus pain and pressure with the right treatments and remedies.
Find the right medicineTreatment and relief options
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain and inflammation
- Saline nasal irrigation to clear sinuses
- Steam inhalation for congestion relief
- Decongestants for short-term use (max 3 days); avoid if hypertension or heart disease
- Stay hydrated to thin mucus
When to get help
- Severe facial pain with high fever
- Swelling around eyes or forehead
- Vision changes or severe headache
- Symptoms worsening after initial improvement
- Green/yellow discharge with facial pain for >10 days
Good to know
Is it really your sinuses?
Sinusitis pain sits in the cheeks, forehead or behind the eyes, often feels worse when you bend over and can spread to your teeth. It usually comes with a blocked or runny nose and a changed sense of smell, often after a cold (see cold and flu). Congestion without facial pain fits blocked nose better. Sneezing and itching that return each season point to hay fever, and untreated allergies can make sinusitis more likely. Head pain without nasal symptoms is covered on headache.
Antibiotics, rinses and warning signs
Sinusitis is usually viral, and symptoms generally improve within 1–2 weeks without antibiotics. The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care estimates that, out of 100 people, antibiotics help about 5 more feel better by then, while about 13 more get side effects such as vomiting, diarrhoea or rash. With a saline rinse bottle, mix the solution carefully and keep the device clean. Infection can spread to the skin around the eye or the eye socket, so go to an emergency department if you have swollen, red or painful eyes, changes to your vision or a severe headache. The healthdirect helpline (1800 022 222) has registered nurses available 24/7.
Sources: healthdirect — Sinusitis (rhinosinusitis); Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care — Sinusitis: should I take antibiotics?; healthdirect — Blocked nose; ASCIA — Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps position paper
Frequently asked questions
Facial pain/pressure, thick nasal discharge, reduced smell, symptoms >10 days or worsening after initial improvement.
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Medical disclaimer
This information is general in nature and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor about what’s right for you.