Monsoon Sinusitis or Cold? ENT Expert Explains the Signs

Is it just a seasonal cold or something more serious? ENT expert Dr Shilpi Budhiraja explains the biggest differences, warning signs and ways to avoid monsoon sinusitis and how to prevent monsoon sinusitis.

Monsoon brings relief from the heat, but the rainy season can also cause a number of health problems. This is the time of year when a blocked nose, sneezing, runny nose and headache are common. But it is hard to tell if these symptoms are a seasonal cold or monsoon sinusitis.

ENT expert Dr. Shilpi Budhiraja says that while both conditions may seem similar initially, their symptoms, duration and causes can be dramatically different.

Monsoon Sinusitis vs Seasonal Cold: The main difference. What is Monsoon Sinusitis?

According to Dr Budhiraja, monsoon sinusitis is caused by prolonged inflammation of the lining of the paranasal sinuses. It can happen due to trapped mucus, allergic reactions or secondary bacterial infections.

Sinusitis usually lasts longer than 10 to 14 days; one major sign is that sinusitis usually lasts longer than 10 to 14 days.

Common symptoms include:

According to Dr Budhiraja, monsoon sinusitis is caused by prolonged inflammation of the lining of the paranasal sinuses. It can occur due to trapped mucus, allergic reactions or secondary bacterial infections.

One major sign is that sinusitis usually lasts longer than 10 to 14 days.

Common symptoms include:

• Thick yellow or green nasal discharge
• Facial pain or pressure
• Pain around the eyes, forehead or cheeks
• Post-nasal drip
• Reduced sense of smell
• Persistent tiredness or fatigue
• Long-lasting nasal congestion

Facial pressure and persistent congestion can be important signs that the problem may be more than a regular cold.

What is Seasonal Cold?

A seasonal cold is just a viral infection that affects the upper respiratory system. It is usually caused by viruses such as rhinovirus and is generally self-limiting.

Symptoms may include:

Watery nasal discharge. Sneezing. Mild sore throat. Mild cough. Low-grade fever.

As a seasonal cold is usually at its peak in the first few days, it usually gets better in 7 to 10 days and is in a natural state.

What are Monsoon Sinusitis causes?

More humidity, especially in the rainy season, can be favourable for allergens such as mould and dust mites as well as other allergens that can develop under the weather.

Dr Budhiraja explains that if indoor humidity remains high, damp areas, carpets and even air-conditioning units can become environments where some mould spores and dust mites multiply.

People sensitive to these allergens may experience increased nasal congestion and sinus-related problems.

In some individuals, exposure to airborne mould may trigger allergic fungal rhinosinusitis. Symptoms can include chronic congestion, thick or rubbery nasal secretions and, in some cases, nasal polyps.

Monsoon can also trigger Fungal Ear Problems

Even the nose and sinuses are affected during the rainy season. Excess moisture trapped inside the ear canal can also create conditions for fungal ear infections, also known as otomycosis.

Possible symptoms include:

Intense itching in the ear. Severe ear pain. A feeling of fullness. Greyish-white or dark ear discharge.

Keeping the ears dry after rain exposure or bathing is important.

Red Flags You Should Never Ignore

Dr Budhiraja advises seeking urgent medical or ENT evaluation if you experience serious symptoms such as:

• Swelling around the eyes
• Double vision or other visual changes
• Severe headache that does not improve
• Stiff neck
• High fever
• Confusion or extreme weakness
• Severe ear pain with facial weakness
• Bloody discharge from the ear

These symptoms may require prompt medical attention and should not be ignored.

How to prevent monsoon sinusitis?

There are a few simple habits that may limit moisture, allergens and trapped mucus during the monsoon season.

Keep Your Nasal Passages Clean.

Saline nasal irrigation is effective at getting rid of excess mucus and irritants; however, it should be done carefully and in accordance with medical advice if there is a nasal or sinus problem.

Keep Your Ears Dry

Cotton swabs or other objects should not be inserted into the ear canal. After bathing or getting wet in the rain, dry the outer ear with a clean towel.

Control Indoor Humidity

Keeping indoor spaces dry and well-maintained may help reduce the growth of mould and dust mites. Dehumidifiers or air conditioners in dry mode may help manage excess moisture.

Avoid Self-Medicating

Do not take antibiotics without a doctor's prescription. The diagnosis is based on the cause of the symptoms. An ENT specialist can recommend the right medication, including antihistamines, nasal sprays or other treatments when needed.

The Bottom Line

Seasonal colds usually improve in 7 to 10 days and usually cause watery nasal discharge, sneezing and a mild sore throat. Monsoon sinusitis, however, may last longer and is more likely to result in persistent congestion, thick nasal discharge, facial pressure and reduced sense of smell.

If your symptoms last more than 2 weeks, become severe or are accompanied by warning signs, you should go to the ENT specialist.