Still got a blocked nose after a cold? Here’s what your sinuses might be telling you

If you buy something through a link in this article, we may earn commission. Pricing and availability are subject to change.

Still got a blocked nose after a cold? Here’s what your sinuses might be telling you

The lingering cold symptoms you shouldn't ignore.

Jennifer McShane

Senior Lifestyle Writer

Fri, January 30, 2026 at 1:50 PM UTC

Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.

Sinusitis is often mistaken for a cold that just won't clear.(Getty Images )

A lingering cold can be frustrating. You expect the blocked nose, pressure and fatigue to ease after a few days. Yet, weeks later, you’re still congested, tired and not quite yourself.

For many people, these symptoms are brushed off as a stubborn virus or the tail end of a winter bug. But in some cases, ongoing congestion can signal something else entirely – particularly during colder months.

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, many people don’t realise they’re dealing with the condition rather than a slow recovery.

Here are some lesser-known signs to look out for and when it might be time to seek advice.

Why sinus symptoms often linger in winter

Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses – the air-filled spaces behind the cheeks, eyes and forehead – usually caused by an infection, which leads to blocked sinuses and trapped mucus.

“Sinusitis tends to worsen in the colder months due to dry air, infections, and inflammation caused by the weather,” Niamh McMillan, superintendent pharmacist at Superdrug tells Yahoo UK.

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?

6 symptoms of sinusitis to watch for

1. Persistent facial pain or pressure

This is one of the most common and misunderstood signs of sinusitis.

“One of the major symptoms of sinusitis is pain or pressure around the face, particularly near the eyes, cheeks, and forehead,” McMillan explains.

What often causes confusion is where that pain shows up.

It can also affect:

the upper teeth
the ears

“Many people don’t 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,” McMillan notes.

Facial pressure around the eyes and cheeks is a common symptom. — Facial pressure around the eyes and cheeks is a common symptom of sinusitis.(Getty Images)

2. Bad breath

Bad breath isn’t usually the first thing people associate with sinus problems, but it can be a key clue.

“Chronic sinusitis can lead to unpleasant breath that doesn’t improve with oral hygiene,” McMillan says.

The reason is internal rather than dental. She explains this is often due to “mucus build-up and bacterial growth in the sinuses, which can produce an unpleasant smell”.

If brushing, flossing and mouthwash make no difference, sinus inflammation may be playing a role.

3. Changes to smell or taste

Sinus infections can interfere with the senses in ways people don’t always connect to congestion.

“Sinus infections can impact your ability to smell or taste, often making foods less enjoyable,” McMillan says.

“Many people mistake this for a lingering cold symptom, but it can indicate inflammation or blockage in the nasal passages caused by sinusitis.”

Fatigue and brain fog are common with ongoing sinus inflammation.(Getty Images)

4. Fatigue and brain fog

Sinusitis can affect far more than the nose and sinuses.

“Sinusitis doesn’t just affect the nose; it can leave you feeling drained,” McMillan explains.

When the body is dealing with ongoing infection and inflammation, everyday tasks can feel harder than usual. “Fatigue and difficulty concentrating are common when the body is battling a persistent infection, making it harder to carry out daily tasks.”

This kind of tiredness often lingers even when congestion starts to ease.

5. A ‘wet’ cough that won’t go away

Not all coughs are caused by the chest or lungs.

“While dry coughs are often associated with viral infections, sinusitis can cause a wet or mucus-filled cough, especially at night,” says McMillan.

This happens because mucus drains from the sinuses down the throat – a process known as post-nasal drip – which “irritates the airway” and triggers coughing, particularly when lying down.

She advises a cough syrup can be the first point of call to help relieve the cough.

Benylin Chesty Coughs Non-Drowsy

£8 See at Amazon

Tixylix Children's Blackcurrant Dry and Tickly Cough Syrup

£4£4Save £0 See at Amazon

6. Mild hearing loss or ear fullness

Sinus inflammation doesn’t stop at the nose.

“The inflammation from sinusitis can block the Eustachian tubes, which connect your ears to your throat,” McMillan explains, “leading to a feeling of fullness in the ears or even temporary hearing loss.”

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. If ear fullness lasts more than a couple of weeks or affects hearing, seek advice from a pharmacist or GP.

When to seek help

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.

Untreated sinusitis can lead to complications, including chronic infections or even more serious conditions like orbital cellulitis (an infection around the eyes).

About Our Ads

Source