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By Dr. Christiane Laberge

A stuffy nose, a sore face, and a nasty wet cough… It might be sinusitis. This common health issue can also become chronic. Here are some tips to help you breathe a little easier.

Sinuses are cavities located around the nose, lined with tissue that produces mucus. Normally, this mucus drains into the nasal passages and down the back of the throat. When inflammation affects these tissues, the mucus—produced in greater amounts than usual—can’t drain properly, leading to sinusitis. Symptoms can include nasal congestion, headaches, a feeling of pressure in the face, greenish or yellowish nasal discharge, a wet cough, and fever.

Prevention before treatment

Since the most common cause of sinusitis is viral infections (such as colds, the flu, or even COVID-19), simple preventive measures are essential: ventilate your environment, rinse your sinuses with saline solution as soon as you feel slightly congested or come into contact with someone who has a virus, wash your hands frequently, and get vaccinated according to the recommended schedule. Wearing a mask and maintaining some distance from others are also advised.

Seasonal allergies can also cause sinusitis; in this case, the discharge remains clear and fluid. If congestion worsens, avoid exposure to allergens. You can also rinse your nose and take second-generation antihistamines, which have a long-lasting effect and cause less drowsiness. If the mucus thickens and changes colour, be extra careful.

Nasal hygiene is essential

If you have a lot of nasal discharge, you need to blow your nose effectively. When you notice signs of congestion, regardless of the cause, rinsing your sinuses with saline solution is essential to relieve congestion and keep the mucus fluid. In cases of severe congestion, you can use a decongestant (for no more than five days) but be sure to consult your pharmacist to check for any contraindications.

Most cases usually resolve within 10 to 14 days. However, the issue may persist for several months or occur frequently. In such cases, a nasal corticosteroid (in spray form) may be recommended.

And antibiotics?

A small percentage of sinusitis cases may develop into a bacterial superinfection, meaning that bacteria take advantage of the initial viral infection to spread. This usually happens 10 to 15 days after the onset of viral or allergic congestion. Antibiotic treatment is generally unnecessary unless more severe symptoms develop, such as persistent fever or intense pain that isn’t relieved by acetaminophen or anti-inflammatories.

Even in these cases, it’s important to maintain nasal hygiene. Steam baths can also be beneficial to thin the mucus and help it drain. Some people even go swimming during these periods to humidify and mobilize both the upper and lower sinuses.

As always, if antibiotics are prescribed, it’s essential to complete the full course. If the sinusitis recurs or persists, a consultation with a family physician is necessary. In some cases, a referral to an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) may be required.

*This article was first published in our magazine Virage