Panadol Regular
Panadol Rapid
Panadol Extra
Panadol Osteo
What is going on when I have sinus pain?
Will my cold become sinusitis?
It’s important to know the difference between a simple stuffy nose and sinusitis because a sinus infection can linger—and in some cases be chronic .
If you have a cold, some sinus pain can feel like just part of the misery, but there are signs you should monitor. The top three symptoms of sinusitis include2:
It’s important to know the difference between a simple stuffy nose and sinusitis because a sinus infection can linger—and in some cases be chronic.
If you have a cold, some sinus pain can feel like just part of the misery, but there are signs you should monitor. The top three symptoms of sinusitis include2:
1. Facial pressure: Pain and pressure in the forehead, behind the eyes, in the nose, and the cheekbones are a hallmark of sinusitis. Headaches—and in particular headaches behind the eyes—often point to infection of the sinuses. The pain from inflamed sinuses feels dull. You may also feel aching in your jaw and teeth. Usually sinus headaches tend to be worse in the morning because of mucus build-up overnight.
2. Green or yellow thick nasal discharge and nasal congestion: Pus-like mucus that’s green or yellow may be caused by a bacterial infection. If you find that you’re blowing your nose more often and notice the discharge running down the back of your throat, it could point to an inflammation of the sinuses. This mucus trickle could also cause a ticklish or sore throat. Postnasal drip, as it’s called, is usually more noticeable when you’re lying down or right after you get up in the morning. A raspy or hoarse voice could be another sign of mucus draining down the back of your throat.
3. Symptoms that last longer than two weeks: The common cold usually goes away within a week or two. So if your symptoms persist, it may be time to visit your doctor. An infection of the nasal passage that’s caused by viruses should go away within 10 days, but if the cause of the sinusitis is bacterial the condition could last up to four weeks.
Sinus infections are incredibly common and affect millions of people worldwide every year6 . Most go away without treatment but if symptoms don’t improve after 10 days, it’s important to see a doctor to get checked for bacterial sinusitis or other issues.
What are sinuses anyway?
Your sinuses are small, hollow air pockets that sit behind your nose, forehead, and cheekbones. Humans have four pairs of them5. The sinuses produce the mucus that helps keep your nose free from germs
When sinuses become inflamed, the mucus that helps flush out germs can back up. Over time too much mucus could lead to more bacteria and germs building up inside the sinus cavity. This can cause a sinus infection.
Can I get sinusitis without having a cold or flu?
A cold is the most common reason for sinusitis and sinusitis symptoms often feel similar to those of a flu or a cold. You may notice a stuffy or runny nose and your sense of smell may be weaker.
But other causes of sinus inflammation include:
1. Nasal polyps: These are noncancerous small growths inside your nasal passage8. They’re more common in people with asthma and allergies. Polyps are usually harmless and some people may not even notice them. But polyps can block your nasal passage and sinuses. When this happens, mucus builds up, the nasal passage becomes inflamed and this can cause the sensation of pressure.
2. Deviated septum: The nasal septum is the wall between your right and left nostrils. In some people, the septum can be uneven. A crooked septum could prevent proper drainage of the sinuses9. The nostrils become obstructed and you may also find it difficult to breathe. Some of us are born with a slightly wonky septum but it can also be caused by a blow to the nose.
3. Allergies: An allergic reaction could result in obstruction the sinuses, facial pressure, and sinus headaches.
4. Irritants: Things that could irritate and inflame your sinuses include tobacco smoke, mold, and exposure to germs in the air because of air conditioners. Whether symptoms are more flu-like or not can depend on the type of sinus infection you’ve got.
Two types of sinusitis pain:
| Acute sinusitis | Chronic sinusitis |
| • Often associated with the flu or a viral infection from a cold. | • Can be due to allergic reactions4. |
| • Sometimes due to a weakened immune system or infections | • Frequently linked to certain allergens or irritants |
| • Sometimes caused by a bacterial infection in which case it may require antibiotics. | • Typical cold symptoms such as body or muscle aches aren’t present |
| • Can be caused by exposure to mold | • Lasts more than three months |
| • Tends to happen multiple times a year | |
| • May be due to deviated septum or nasal polyps |
So, is it sinusitis or a cold?
What differentiates sinusitis and a sinus infection from a common cold is that feeling of pressure in your forehead, your cheekbones or behind the eyes. The pressure can also cause a sinus headache. Sometimes the pain can extend to the ear and the jaw. Pain around the face will often feel more severe when you bend forward. Some people say the pressure feels like it’s throbbing. You may feel more tired than usual and often an infection is accompanied by a fever. So if your fever doesn’t go away within a few days, it could indicate a sinus infection, especially if you have that thick yellow or green mucus discharge.
What’s the treatment for sinusitis?
Sinus infections feel uncomfortable but they can be treated, and most people recover within a few days or weeks without a visit to their doctor. In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to relieve your discomfort.
Decongestants
A decongestant comes in the form of pills or a nasal spray. These are easy to use and act to reduce the swelling of the blood vessels in the nose. This makes it easier to breathe again. If your sinusitis is due to a cold or flu, caplets like Panadol Cold & Flu Plus Decongestant can give you quick relief from a stuffy nose, sort throat, fever, and body aches . Although generally safe, some decongestants can raise blood pressure in patients10.
Painkillers
Sinus headache pain can feel very unpleasant. Over-the-counter medications like Panadol (paracetamol) give you quick and effective pain relief . Panadol is also suitable for reducing fever, body aches, and other symptoms that cause you discomfort . When you need quick relief from physical aches, try Panadol Rapid Soluble which is absorbed twice as fast as regular Panadol.
Antibiotics
If your sinusitis is caused by a bacterial infection, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic. But remember, overuse of antibiotics could cause resistance and other side effects so make sure you speak to your doctor and only use them if painkillers like Panadol and other treatments do not work.
Antihistamines
If an allergic reaction is the source of your sinusitis, you can try an antihistamine. These are available in pill form or as nasal sprays and can be used alongside painkillers to provide lasting relief.
Nasal irrigation
Flushing the nasal passages with a simple salt-water mix is useful to dislodge some of the mucus. If you’re using tap water, make sure to boil the water first, let it cool, and then add half a teaspoon of baking soda and half a teaspoon of salt to the mix.
Avoiding sinus infections
Avoidance is the best medicine. Here are a few tips to avoid sinus infection in the first place:
1. Stay healthy, eat healthy, and exercise to keep a strong immune system.
2. Wash your hands and practice good hygiene.
3. Limit exposure to allergens.
4. Take antihistamines if you suffer from allergies.
5. Limit exposure to other irritants.
Rarely do sinus infections cause more serious conditions and with the right sinusitis treatment you can recover quickly, but if you do not feel better—even after taking antibiotics—it’s important to see a doctor immediately.
Related articles
Panadol & pain relief
Panadol for Adults
Panadol & pain relief
Always read the label. Use only as directed. Incorrect use could be harmful. Consult your healthcare professional if symptoms persist.
Trademarks are owned by or licensed to the Haleon Group of companies. @2023 Haleon. All rights reserved.
This website is operated by Haleon New Zealand ULC NZBN 9429041530474, with its registered office at 12 Madden St, Auckland, 1010
The content of this site is intended for New Zealand audiences only.
Panadol and Optizorb are trademarks of the Haleon group of companies.
TAPS BG2705
PM-AU-PAN-22-00147
