World Sinusitis Health Awareness Month: Understanding Your Sinus Health
September 2026 · Salt Clinic MK
A blocked nose that just won’t clear. Pressure around your cheeks or forehead. That heavy, congested feeling that makes breathing comfortably through your nose difficult.
For many people, sinus problems are more than an occasional inconvenience. They can affect how comfortable you feel during the day, disturb your sleep and leave you feeling tired and frustrated.
September is World Sinusitis Health Awareness Month, making it a good opportunity to raise awareness of sinusitis, recognise some of the common symptoms and think a little more about our everyday sinus health.
What is sinusitis?
Your sinuses are small, air-filled spaces located behind your forehead, cheeks and nose.
Normally, mucus produced within the sinuses drains naturally into the nose. When the lining of the sinuses becomes inflamed or swollen, drainage can become more difficult.
Common symptoms associated with sinusitis can include:
a blocked or congested nose
facial pain, pressure or tenderness
mucus or nasal discharge
a reduced sense of smell
pressure around the forehead, eyes or cheeks
difficulty breathing comfortably through the nose
Some people experience sinus problems for a relatively short period, often alongside a cold or respiratory infection. For others, symptoms can persist or repeatedly return.
If your symptoms are persistent, severe, worsening or causing concern, it is important to seek appropriate medical advice.
Why sinus health matters
It can be easy to dismiss a blocked nose as something you simply have to put up with.
But when congestion and sinus pressure continue day after day, they can become surprisingly disruptive.
You may notice it when trying to sleep, exercising or simply going about your normal day. Even something we usually take for granted — breathing comfortably through our nose — can suddenly feel much more important when it becomes difficult.
Raising awareness of sinus health encourages us to pay attention to symptoms rather than simply accepting them as normal.
What can affect your sinuses?
Our nose and sinuses are exposed to the air around us every day, and several factors can influence how comfortable they feel.
Colds and other respiratory infections can contribute to sinus problems, while seasonal allergies may cause nasal inflammation and congestion for some people.
Environmental factors can matter too. Changes in temperature, central heating, air conditioning, dry indoor air and exposure to irritants can all affect how our nose and nasal passages feel.
It can be useful to notice patterns:
Are your symptoms worse at a particular time of year?
Do they appear after a cold?
Are certain environments more likely to leave you feeling congested?
Understanding your own patterns can be a useful part of looking after your sinus health.
Acute or chronic sinusitis – what’s the difference?
Not every episode of sinusitis lasts the same amount of time.
Acute sinusitis generally develops over a relatively short period, often following a cold or respiratory infection.
Chronic sinusitis refers to symptoms that continue for a longer period and may have a greater impact on everyday life.
If sinus symptoms keep returning or continue for an extended period, it is worth speaking to a healthcare professional rather than simply continuing to manage them yourself.
Everyday ways to support your sinus health
There are some simple things you can consider as part of your everyday routine.
Staying well hydrated is a good starting point. It can also help to be aware of environmental triggers and indoor air quality, particularly if you notice that heating, air conditioning or seasonal changes affect you.
Some people use saline nasal sprays or rinses as part of their sinus-care routine. A pharmacist or healthcare professional can advise you if you are unsure whether these are appropriate for you.
It can also be helpful to give yourself time to recover properly when you have a cold or respiratory infection and to pay attention to symptoms that continue to linger.
What about salt therapy?
At Salt Clinic MK, we often meet people who are interested in salt therapy for sinus and respiratory wellbeing.
Salt therapy, also known as halotherapy, involves relaxing in a specially designed room while very fine particles of dry pharmaceutical-grade salt are dispersed into the air and breathed naturally through the nose and mouth.
During a session, you can simply breathe normally, although we may also suggest taking some slow, deeper breaths or gently breathing through one nostril at a time, particularly when the focus is on nasal and sinus wellbeing.
Salt therapy is a complementary wellbeing experience. Individual experiences vary, and it should not replace medical advice, prescribed medication or appropriate medical care.
If you'd like to learn more about salt therapy and what happens during a session, visit our How It Works page.
When should you seek medical advice?
While sinus problems are common, symptoms shouldn’t always be ignored.
Consider speaking to a pharmacist, GP or other appropriate healthcare professional if your symptoms are severe, continue for an extended period, regularly return or are affecting your everyday life.
You should also seek appropriate medical advice if you are concerned about your symptoms or they suddenly become worse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sinusitis the same as having a blocked nose?
Not necessarily. A blocked nose can have many causes, including colds and allergies. Sinusitis involves inflammation of the lining of the sinuses and can be associated with other symptoms such as facial pressure, pain, nasal discharge and a reduced sense of smell.
Why do my sinuses sometimes feel worse at certain times of the year?
Seasonal allergies, respiratory infections, changes in temperature and changes to your indoor environment can all affect the nose and sinuses. Individual triggers vary from person to person.
Can sinus problems affect sleep?
Nasal congestion and discomfort can make it more difficult to feel comfortable at night and may interfere with sleep for some people.
What is the difference between acute and chronic sinusitis?
Acute sinusitis generally lasts for a shorter period and often occurs following a cold or respiratory infection.
Chronic sinusitis involves symptoms that persist for considerably longer. A healthcare professional can assess ongoing or recurring symptoms and advise you appropriately.
Where can I find out more about salt therapy?
You can learn more about salt therapy, how it works and what to expect during a session on our How It Works page.
A little more awareness can make a difference
Looking after your sinus health starts with noticing what your body is telling you.
This World Sinusitis Health Awareness Month, take a little more notice of your breathing, your environment and any symptoms that keep returning.
Salt therapy is a complementary wellbeing experience. Individual experiences vary, and it should not replace appropriate medical advice or care.