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ENTConditions

Chronic sinusitis: when a blocked nose stops being a cold

Illustration of the ear and head
Medically reviewed by

Dr. Karthik Yellapragada, MS, DNBConsultant ENT & Head-Neck Surgeon

Last reviewed · 6 min read

Sinusitis is called chronic when symptoms persist beyond twelve weeks despite treatment. At that point it is an inflammatory problem rather than a lingering infection.

Dr. Karthik Yellapragada

Consultant ENT & Head-Neck Surgeon

MBBS, MS, DNB (ENT)

12 YrsAOI Member
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The defining symptoms

  • Persistent nasal blockage
  • Thick discharge, or drainage down the throat
  • Facial pressure or fullness
  • Reduced sense of smell

Important

Swelling around the eye, double vision or severe headache with sinusitis needs immediate assessment.

Speak to the ENT team

Daycare procedures, cashless insurance, and consultations seven days a week at Gachibowli.

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When should I see a doctor about sinus problems?
Book a consultation if symptoms persist, get worse, wake you at night, or come with bleeding, fever or unexplained weight loss. Anything that does not settle within a few weeks is worth having looked at.
Will I need surgery?
Often not. Many conditions settle with medication, physiotherapy or a change in daily habits. Surgery is discussed when simpler measures have been tried, or when the problem is structural.

Still unsure what is causing your symptoms?

A short consultation with a Lux ENT specialist can tell you what you are dealing with — and what, if anything, needs treating.

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Sources & references

Published · Last reviewed · Next review due March 2027

This article is published for general education. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an in-person consultation. If you are worried about a symptom, please speak to a qualified doctor.

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