Sinusitis

Antibiotics are generally only prescribed if symptoms persist for more than 10 days and indicate a bacterial infection. For viral sinusitis, antibiotics are not effective, and other supportive treatments are preferred. Your doctor will assess the need for antibiotics according to the evolution of your symptoms.

The duration of treatment varies according to the severity of the sinusitis and its cause. Acute, uncomplicated viral sinusitis usually resolves in 7-10 days with appropriate treatment. Bacterial sinusitis may require 5-10 days of antibiotics. In the case of chronic sinusitis, longer-term follow-up is required.

Various over-the-counter treatments can relieve sinusitis symptoms, such as nasal decongestants, painkillers, nasal corticosteroids and saline solutions for nasal irrigation. However, it's best to consult a physician for an accurate diagnosis and recommendations tailored to your specific case.

Nasal irrigation with a saline solution is often recommended to relieve congestion and facilitate sinus drainage during sinusitis. Use sterile or boiled and cooled water, and follow the instructions carefully to perform the irrigation correctly and safely.

Consultation with an ear, nose and throat specialist may be recommended if sinusitis is recurrent or chronic, and does not respond to the usual treatments. In some cases, surgery may be considered to improve sinus drainage and prevent recurrence.

Yes, sinusitis can become chronic if inflammation persists beyond 12 weeks. Possible causes include allergies, a mechanical problem such as polyps, sinus dysfunction or certain medical conditions. Regular follow-up with adapted treatments such as corticosteroids, antibiotics or surgery is then necessary to manage chronic sinusitis.

Side effects vary depending on the medication used. Nasal decongestants can cause dryness, headaches or insomnia if taken for too long, leading to a rebound effect. Antibiotics can cause digestive problems. Nasal corticosteroids are generally well tolerated, but can irritate the nose. Your doctor will inform you of the precautions to be taken.

Certain measures can help prevent recurrences, such as treating underlying allergies, using a dehumidifier, avoiding second-hand smoke and rinsing the nose regularly with saline solution. Medical follow-up is recommended in cases of recurrent sinusitis to identify and treat the cause.

You should reconsult a physician if your sinusitis symptoms do not improve after 10 days of treatment, or if they suddenly worsen. Signs such as high fever, severe headache or facial swelling also require urgent reassessment by a healthcare professional.

To book an appointment at one of our private clinics in Longueuil or Laval, you can call directly or use our online appointment system. Don't hesitate to contact us, our doctors will be happy to provide you with the best care to effectively treat your sinusitis.