Surge in winter situation mistaken for a cold — 6 symptoms to look for

Health specialists have warned of a surge in instances of sinusitis, a situation involving swelling of the sinuses often triggered by an an infection. Superdrug pharmacy superintendent Niamh McMillan said the situation is typically mistaken for a lingering cold but can go away people struggling with symptoms that lengthen far beyond a stuffy nostril.

She added: “Sinusitis tends to worsen in the colder months due to dry air, infections, and inflammation caused by the weather.” Sinusitis often clears up on its own within a month, but medicines can help if symptoms persist. Symptoms that are comparable to a cold embody a blocked or runny nostril, a high temperature and headache. Ms McMillan highlighted six lesser-known symptoms people should be conscious of.

1. Persistent facial ache or strain

Pain or strain around the face, significantly close to the eyes, cheeks and brow, is a main symptom of sinusitis, Ms McMillan defined.

She added: “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.”

2. Bad breath

Sinusistis can cause mucus to drain down the throat, proving food for odour-causing micro organism. Ms McMillan said: “Chronic sinusitis can lead to unpleasant breath that doesn’t improve with oral hygiene.”

3. Reduced or altered sense of scent and style

Mucus can also block nasal passages, stopping odour molecules from reaching scent receptors. This in flip dulls style because scent is essential for flavour notion.

Ms McMillan added: “Sinus infections can impact your ability to smell or taste, often making foods less enjoyable.

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

4. Fatigue and mind fog

Sinusitis does not just have an effect on the nostril, it can also go away you feeling drained.

Ms McMillan defined: “Fatigue and difficulty concentrating are common when the body is battling a persistent infection, making it harder to carry out daily tasks.” 

5. A ‘wet’ cough that won’t stop

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

“This happens when mucus drips down the back of the throat, irritating the airway.” 

6. Mild listening to loss

Inflammation triggered by sinusitis can also block the Eustachian tubes, which join your ears to your throat. This can lead to “a feeling of fullness in the ears or even temporary hearing loss,” Ms McMillan said.

If symptoms last for more than 10 days of worsen after initially bettering, it may be time to search therapy. 

Pharmacists at high avenue shops including Superdrug are skilled to present knowledgeable advice under the Pharmacy First scheme, and can offer steerage on the best drugs for sinusitis.

The seven common health circumstances that pharmacists are ready to help with are sinusitis, sore throat, earache, contaminated insect bites, impetigo, shingles, and minor urinary tract infections in girls.