Sinusitis? (Possible tmi)

[imwithspud]

Had a bad cold last week, been seeing some improvement this week and it's mainly been a snotty nose with thick green phlegm (sorry tmi). Annoying but tolerable. I expected the symptoms to be gone after a few more days. I noticed a small amount of blood when blowing my nose but it's happened before and I thought it was down to me blowing my nose too hard or something.

Today I had a pain/irritating feeling in my gum/cheek/eye area on one side, right where I'd imagine my sinus to be. I'm sure the area also felt warm to touch compared to the other side but I can't be 100% sure that part wasn't in my head.

Took some ibuprofen which has taken the pain away thankfully, but my nose is still blocked on that side and is showing no signs of budging. There seems to be a bit more blood mixed in with the snot than there was previously when I blow my nose so I'm avoiding doing that for now.

I checked the NHS website and my symptoms do match up except that there doesn't seem to be any mention of bloody snot. My theory is that my sinuses are probably a bit inflamed which is causing the blood streaks. I've avoided using nasal sprays for fear it will irritate them further.

It does sound like sinusitis though, right? I mean chances are it's nothing serious? Never had sinus issues before apart from one occasion a few months ago when I experienced a bit of pain after a cold but it cleared up quite quickly. It's the blood that's concerning me the most although I'm sure it's not a big deal.

Any help appreciated.

[Haudyerwheesht]

Blood wouldn't concern me - most likely a ruptured vessel.

I get sinusitis a lot, the pain is indescribable - moving my head is agony in fact even blinking hurts!

Try steaming and some sinus massage.

[Summerdiamond]

Same as pp, the blood isn't a concern but the pain is awful, I find sinutab good, non drowsy & allow you to move your head without pain! I every condo get results in sinus infection, if spray/ sunutab don't work you may need to see gp for pescription

[mineofuselessinformation]

You've probably burst a small blood vessel blowing your nose, but, do see your doctor. You probably need antibiotics.
Don't leave it. I did, and ended up with glue ear, 50% hearing loss in one ear, and finally grommits. It's all sorted out now, but it was a horrible time.
Sympathies.

[imwithspud]

Thanks for the replies. My nose/sinus is still blocked and my nose is running, also got a bit of pain so will have some more ibuprofen soon. Frustrating as I want to blow my nose but can't as one side is so blocked that I get lightheaded. I used some nasal spray earlier and it's not made a difference, so tissue up my nose it is (whilst I'm in the house anyway). I'm going to the doctors for something else next Tuesday so if there's no improvement by then I'll make another appointment.

So annoying as I was starting to feel better and now I feel rubbish again.

[Pleasemrstweedie]

Boil your head!

Get a bowl of boiling water, put a towel over it, put your head under the towel, stay there as long as you can, breathing steadily.

If you can put something like rosemary or Friars Balsam in the water, even better.

Do that three times a day, preferably while there's no-one there to laugh at you.

Aromatherapy also works well. A mixture of lavender, tea tree and eucalyptus oils.