Painful sinusitis often accompanies a blocked nose (whether caused by allergies or colds - or both).
Sinusitis is the congestion of your sinus passages which normally produce mucous for your nasal cavity.
Mucous has a natural defence role to play by preventing bacteria entering your body.
Unfortunately allergies or viruses can trigger excess production of mucous leading to blockage and build up of pressure which can cause pain, especially headaches.
A sinus medicine containing decongestant is one of the most effective ways of tackling the excess mucous.
Some will also contain pain relievers (to ease sinus pain) and antihistamines (to reduce the body's mucous-producing reaction to the allergen).
Although such medicines can't affect viruses such as cold or flu, they will reduce the symptoms of congestion and make life more comfortable.
Keeping up a healthy immune system - eating good foods, exercising and dealing with stress - can also help to prevent the cold or flu in the first place.
Common Causes of Sinusitis

• Infections - bacteria, viruses.
  
• Allergies - pollen, dust, food, chemicals etc.
  
• Atmospheric irritants - smoke, gasses.
  
• Other factors - serious illness, inadequate drainage of the nasal passages, extremes of humidity or temperature, emotional upsets, dental abscesses.
  

Symptoms of Sinusitis Headaches, pain and congestion can be accompanies by the following:

• Blocked nose.
  
• HIghly irritated, runny nose.
  
• Sneezing.
  
• Itchy eyes, nose.
  

How to reduce the risk of exposure toallergy causes

• Keep windows in cars and building shut, consider a pollen filter.
  
• Wear glasses or sunglasses, preferably wrap aroun
• Avoid open grassy places, particularly in the evening and at night when pollen counts are highest so no picnics, grass-cutting or camping.
  
• If you have been exposed, shower and wash your hair when you return.
  
• Check pollen counts in the media.
  
• If you are allergic to animals such as cats, avoid spending prolonged periods in their homes even if they've been put outside for your visit.
  The allergens - contained in the dried particles of cat saliva - will be whenever they have been ie sofas, carpets, owner's clothing.
  
• Is your home dust-mite friendly? If you suffer perennial rhinitis, this could be a problem.