Your sinuses are air-filled spaces located within the bones of your face and skull. They play an important role in protecting your head, lightening the weight of your skull, and helping shape your voice. When your sinuses are healthy, you rarely think about them—but when something goes wrong, sinus problems can significantly affect your comfort and quality of life. Sinus issues can range from short-term infections that resolve on their own to chronic conditions that linger for months or even years. Knowing the warning signs of a sinus problem can help you seek timely

 care and avoid ongoing discomfort.

Common Symptoms of Sinus Problems

Sinus issues often cause a combination of symptoms, including:

• Nasal congestion or blockage
• Persistent postnasal drip
• Feeling of pressure in the face, around the cheeks, teeth, and nose
• Headaches
• Reduced ability to taste and smell
• Fatigue
• Runny nose with thick mucus

While many of these symptoms overlap with colds or allergies, certain signs suggest a more serious sinus issue that should not be ignored.

Sinus Symptoms You Should Not Ignore

Some sinus symptoms are indications you need help from a sinus specialist. Here's what to watch for:

1. Persistent Problems

Schedule an appointment with an ENT doctor if your symptoms last longer than 4 weeks or if symptoms recur multiple times throughout the year. Some patients feel like they always have a sinus infection, with symptoms never fully clearing up. If this describes you, talk to an ENT specialist.

2. Facial Pain That's Getting Worse

Facial pain is a common problem associated with sinus problems. If you experience increasing pain or pain that worsens when you lean forward, this is a sign of a sinus infection and may indicate you need a doctor.

3. Thick Nasal Drainage, Odd Colors

Colds produce a clear discharge (mucus), while sinus infections produce thick nasal drainage that's usually yellow or green. Discharge from a sinus infection can be smelly and may come predominantly from one side or the other. Note the discharge coming out of your nose, and if you're seeing signs that you have a sinus infection, contact the doctor if the symptoms don't go away on their own.

4. Loss of Taste or Smell

Some sinus problems can cause sudden loss of taste or smell or loss over a long period. Either way, loss of taste and smell can impact your safety and quality of life. If the loss of taste and smell comes from nasal polyps, an ENT doctor can help.

5. Headaches

Sinus infections can cause headaches that differ from migraines because they're linked to pressure in the face. These headaches worsen as congestion increases and can interfere with your normal daily activities.

When Should You See a Rhinologist or ENT Specialist?

You should consider seeing an ENT rhinologist like Dr. Greg Davis if:

• Your over-the-counter treatments aren't working
• Symptoms won't go away or keep coming back, with only short stretches of time between
• Your life is being impacted by how you feel

Early evaluation can prevent complications and lead to more effective treatment.

What to Expect During a Sinus Evaluation

If you experience regular sinus problems, an ENT doctor can help. Your ENT doctor will gather a detailed symptom history and may perform a simple nasal endoscopy procedure to more thoroughly examine your nose.

In some cases, the ENT doctor may order an allergy evaluation to determine if allergies are a potential cause. They may also order a sinus CT scan to look deeper for a root cause of your symptoms. Once the doctor has determined where the trouble is coming from, they can recommend treatment. Potential treatments include nasal sprays, allergy treatment, and sometimes surgery.

Get Expert Sinus Care in Puyallup, Tacoma, and Seattle, Washington

If you’re struggling with ongoing sinus problems, expert care can make a difference. Dr. Greg Davis, recognized by Seattle Magazine, Seattle Met Magazine, and Castle Connolly as a Top Doctor, provides comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment for sinus conditions.

Call 253-770-9000 today or request an appointment online to take the first step toward lasting sinus relief.