Sinusitis, sometimes called a sinus infection, is a common condition that often develops after a cold or flu. Because its symptoms overlap with everyday winter illnesses<\/a>, many people don\u2019t realise they\u2019re dealing with the condition rather than a slow recovery.<\/p>\n Here are some lesser-known signs to look out for and when it might be time to seek advice.<\/p>\n Why sinus symptoms often linger in winter<\/p>\n Sinusitis<\/a> is inflammation of the sinuses \u2013 the air-filled spaces behind the cheeks, eyes and forehead \u2013 usually caused by an infection, which leads to blocked sinuses and trapped mucus.<\/p>\n \u201cSinusitis tends to worsen in the colder months due to dry air, infections, and inflammation caused by the weather,\u201d Niamh McMillan, superintendent pharmacist at Superdrug tells Yahoo UK.<\/p>\n Often mistaken for a lingering cold, sinusitis can cause symptoms that go beyond a blocked nose and may persist after the initial infection has cleared. But what are the other symptoms to be aware of?<\/p>\n 6 symptoms of sinusitis to watch for1. Persistent facial pain or pressure<\/p>\n This is one of the most common and misunderstood signs of sinusitis.<\/p>\n \u201cOne of the major symptoms of sinusitis is pain or pressure around the face, particularly near the eyes, cheeks, and forehead,\u201d McMillan explains.<\/p>\n What often causes confusion is where that pain shows up.<\/p>\n It can also affect:<\/p>\n \u201cMany people don\u2019t realise that this discomfort can also extend to the upper teeth or ears, and this can cause confusion about the root cause of their pain,\u201d McMillan notes.<\/p>\n Facial pressure around the eyes and cheeks is a common symptom of sinusitis.<\/p>\n (Getty Images)2. Bad breath<\/p>\n Bad breath isn\u2019t usually the first thing people associate with sinus problems, but it can be a key clue.<\/p>\n \u201cChronic sinusitis can lead to unpleasant breath that doesn\u2019t improve with oral hygiene,\u201d McMillan says.<\/p>\n The reason is internal rather than dental. She explains this is often due to \u201cmucus build-up and bacterial growth in the sinuses, which can produce an unpleasant smell\u201d.<\/p>\n If brushing, flossing and mouthwash make no difference, sinus inflammation may be playing a role.<\/p>\n 3. Changes to smell or taste<\/p>\n Sinus infections can interfere with the senses in ways people don\u2019t always connect to congestion.<\/p>\n \u201cSinus infections can impact your ability to smell or taste, often making foods less enjoyable,\u201d McMillan says.<\/p>\n \u201cMany people mistake this for a lingering cold symptom, but it can indicate inflammation or blockage in the nasal passages caused by sinusitis.\u201d<\/p>\n Fatigue and brain fog are common with ongoing sinus inflammation.<\/p>\n (Getty Images)4. Fatigue and brain fog<\/p>\n Sinusitis can affect far more than the nose and sinuses.<\/p>\n \u201cSinusitis doesn\u2019t just affect the nose; it can leave you feeling drained,\u201d McMillan explains.<\/p>\n When the body is dealing with ongoing infection and inflammation, everyday tasks can feel harder than usual. \u201cFatigue and difficulty concentrating are common when the body is battling a persistent infection, making it harder to carry out daily tasks.\u201d<\/p>\n This kind of tiredness often lingers even when congestion starts to ease.<\/p>\n 5. A \u2018wet\u2019 cough that won\u2019t go away<\/p>\n Not all coughs are caused by the chest or lungs.<\/p>\n \u201cWhile dry coughs are often associated with viral infections, sinusitis can cause a wet or mucus-filled cough, especially at night,\u201d says McMillan.<\/p>\n This happens because mucus drains from the sinuses down the throat \u2013 a process known as post-nasal drip \u2013 which \u201cirritates the airway\u201d and triggers coughing, particularly when lying down.<\/p>\n She advises a cough syrup can be the first point of call to help relieve the cough.<\/p>\n 6. Mild hearing loss or ear fullness<\/p>\n Sinus inflammation doesn\u2019t stop at the nose.<\/p>\n \u201cThe inflammation from sinusitis can block the Eustachian tubes<\/a>, which connect your ears to your throat,\u201d McMillan explains, \u201cleading to a feeling of fullness in the ears or even temporary hearing loss.\u201d<\/p>\n Blocked ears linked to congestion can ease as swelling settles. Swallowing, yawning or using a saline spray can help, while decongestant sprays should only be used short term<\/a>. If ear fullness lasts more than a couple of weeks or affects hearing, seek advice from a pharmacist or GP.<\/p>\n When to seek help<\/p>\n If you experience any of these six symptoms for more than 10 days or find they worsen after initially improving, it may be time to seek guidance from your GP.<\/p>\n![\"Facial](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/c7036feeb05392d1872bee6972350742.jpeg\"\/)
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