Sinus Infection? Why Your Face Is Thumping + Medically Approved Next Steps

If your face feels like it's pulsing, aching, or thumping from the inside, a sinus infection may be the reason. That heavy, pressure-filled pain in your cheeks, forehead, or behind your eyes is often a sign that your sinuses are inflamed and blocked.

While sinus infections are common — and often mild — they can be painful and disruptive. The good news? Most cases improve with simple, evidence-based treatments. Here's what's happening in your body, what to do next, and when to speak to a doctor.

---

What Is a Sinus Infection?

A sinus infection, also called sinusitis, happens when the air-filled spaces in your skull (your sinuses) become inflamed and swollen. This inflammation blocks normal drainage, allowing mucus to build up. That trapped pressure is often what causes the "thumping" feeling in your face.

Sinus infections are usually caused by:

• Viruses (most common — like a cold)
• Bacteria (less common)
• Allergies
• Nasal polyps or structural blockages
• Smoking or air pollution exposure

Most sinus infections are viral and clear up on their own within 7–10 days.

---

Why Does Your Face Feel Like It's Thumping?

The "thumping" or pulsing sensation comes from pressure and inflammation inside the sinus cavities.

When sinuses are blocked:

• Mucus can't drain properly
• Pressure builds up in the cheeks, forehead, and around the eyes
• Blood flow increases in inflamed tissues
• Nerve endings in the face become irritated

This can cause:

• Facial pain or pressure
• Headache that worsens when bending forward
• Tenderness when touching your face
• Upper tooth pain
• Ear pressure

The discomfort may feel dull and constant or sharp and throbbing.

---

Common Symptoms of a Sinus Infection

A sinus infection often includes more than facial pressure. You may also notice:

• Stuffy or blocked nose
• Thick yellow or green nasal discharge
• Postnasal drip (mucus dripping down your throat)
• Cough, especially at night
• Reduced sense of smell or taste
• Fatigue
• Mild fever
• Bad breath

Acute vs. Chronic Sinus Infection

• Acute sinus infection: Lasts less than 4 weeks
• Subacute: 4–12 weeks
• Chronic sinus infection: Symptoms last more than 12 weeks
• Recurrent: Several infections per year

If your symptoms linger beyond 10 days without improvement — or worsen after initially getting better — a bacterial infection may be involved.

---

Is It a Sinus Infection or Just a Cold?

Colds and sinus infections overlap. The difference often comes down to duration and severity.

It may be a cold if:

• Symptoms improve within 7–10 days
• Facial pain is mild
• Discharge is clear or slightly cloudy

It may be a sinus infection if:

• Symptoms last longer than 10 days
• Pain is moderate to severe
• You develop facial tenderness
• You have a persistent fever (over 100.4°F / 38°C)

If you're unsure what's causing your symptoms, try Ubie's free AI-powered Sinusitis symptom checker to get personalized insights in just a few minutes and help guide your next steps.

---

Medically Approved Next Steps

Most sinus infections improve with supportive care. Here's what doctors commonly recommend:

1. Nasal Saline Irrigation

Rinsing your nose with sterile saline solution can:

• Flush out mucus
• Reduce swelling
• Improve drainage
• Relieve pressure

Use distilled or sterile water only. This is one of the safest and most effective first-line treatments.

---

2. Nasal Corticosteroid Sprays

Over-the-counter steroid nasal sprays can:

• Reduce inflammation
• Shrink swollen sinus tissue
• Improve airflow

They are especially helpful if allergies contribute to your sinus infection.

---

3. Pain Relief

For facial pain and headache:

• Acetaminophen
• Ibuprofen (if safe for you)

These reduce inflammation and ease discomfort.

---

4. Hydration

Drinking fluids helps thin mucus so it drains more easily.

Aim for:

• Water
• Herbal tea
• Clear broths

Avoid excess alcohol, which can worsen inflammation.

---

5. Humidified Air

Moist air can soothe irritated sinus passages. A clean humidifier or a warm shower may help relieve congestion.

---

6. Rest

Your immune system works best when you're well-rested. Avoid overexertion while recovering.

---

When Are Antibiotics Needed?

Antibiotics are not helpful for viral sinus infections.

A doctor may prescribe antibiotics if:

• Symptoms last more than 10 days without improvement
• Symptoms worsen after initial improvement
• You have high fever and severe facial pain
• Thick nasal discharge persists

Even then, antibiotics are used carefully to avoid resistance.

---

Warning Signs: When to Seek Immediate Care

Most sinus infections are mild. However, sinus infections can rarely spread beyond the sinuses and become serious.

Seek urgent medical care if you develop:

• Swelling around the eyes
• Vision changes (double vision, blurred vision)
• Severe headache unlike usual
• Neck stiffness
• Confusion
• High fever
• Persistent vomiting

These symptoms are uncommon but require immediate evaluation.

If you experience anything that feels severe, worsening, or life-threatening, speak to a doctor right away.

---

Why Some People Keep Getting Sinus Infections

Recurring sinus infections may be linked to:

• Untreated allergies
• Nasal polyps
• Deviated septum
• Smoking
• Asthma
• Immune system problems

If sinus infections happen frequently, an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist may evaluate for structural causes.

Chronic sinus infection sometimes requires:

• Prescription steroid sprays
• Long-term medication
• Allergy management
• Imaging tests
• Rarely, minor surgical procedures to improve drainage

---

How to Help Prevent Future Sinus Infections

While not all sinus infections are preventable, you can lower your risk by:

• Washing hands regularly
• Managing allergies
• Using saline nasal rinses during cold season
• Avoiding smoking and secondhand smoke
• Staying up to date on vaccinations (like flu shots)
• Using a humidifier in dry climates

If you tend to develop sinus pressure during colds, starting saline rinses early may reduce severity.

---

The Bottom Line

If your face feels like it's thumping, full, or aching — especially with congestion — a sinus infection is a common and likely cause.

Most sinus infections:

• Are viral
• Improve within 7–10 days
• Respond well to supportive treatment

Focus on reducing inflammation, improving drainage, and supporting your immune system.

If symptoms last longer than 10 days, worsen, or include severe pain or fever, speak to a doctor. And if you're still not sure whether your symptoms point to sinusitis, Ubie's free AI symptom checker can provide clarity and help you understand whether medical care is needed.

Above all, listen to your body. Sinus infections are common and usually manageable — but if something feels severe, unusual, or potentially life-threatening, seek medical care promptly.