What causes a stuffy nose and sinus pressure?
When a cold virus inflames the lining of your nose and sinuses, they swell and fill with mucus. That’s what causes the blocked nose, pressure around your eyes and cheeks, and the post-nasal drip.
Most viral sinus congestion improves within 7 to 10 days. Only a small number of sinus infections are bacterial and need antibiotics, which a doctor assesses.
Listed in Ontario’s minor ailments program as: Viral rhinitis and rhinosinusitis (nasal congestion).
Common symptoms
- Blocked or runny nose
- Pressure or fullness around the cheeks, eyes or forehead
- Mucus dripping down the back of the throat
- Reduced sense of smell
- Often with a sore throat, cough or mild fever early on
How a Kennedy pharmacist can help
Your pharmacist will ask how long you’ve been sick, how bad the symptoms are, and about your health and medications. Some decongestants aren’t safe with high blood pressure or certain medicines, so this matters.
They may suggest saline rinses, and prescribe a steroid nasal spray or a short course of a decongestant, then show you how to use them properly. We’ll be honest if antibiotics wouldn’t help.
If we think you’d be better served by a doctor, we’ll tell you, and help you figure out where to go.
Medicines a pharmacist may consider
- Mometasone nasal spray (Nasonex)a steroid spray that calms swelling in the nose and sinuses
- Xylometazoline (Otrivin) or oxymetazoline (Dristan Long Lasting) nasal sprayfast decongestant sprays; no more than 3 to 5 days in a row
- Pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine tabletsdecongestant tablets; not for everyone
- Ipratropium nasal spraydries up a very runny nose
Your pharmacist chooses based on your symptoms, age, pregnancy, allergies and other medications, so not every option is right for everyone. Brand names are examples. We often use the generic version, which works the same and usually costs less.
What it costs
The assessment is free with a valid Ontario health card. It’s paid for by the province, just like a visit to your doctor.
If you’re prescribed something, the medicine is paid for like any other prescription: through your drug plan, the Ontario Drug Benefit (65+ and other eligible people), OHIP+ (under 25 without a private plan), or out of pocket.
Good to know: Some plans cover nasal sprays when a pharmacist prescribes them. We’ll check yours before you pay.
No Ontario health card? Text or call us first and we’ll tell you the fee before we start.
When to see a doctor instead
See your family doctor, a walk-in clinic or a nurse practitioner if:
- Symptoms last more than 10 days without improving
- You start getting better, then suddenly get worse again
- High fever, or severe pain in your face or teeth
- You get sinus infections several times a year
- You have a weakened immune system
Call 911 or go to the ER if:
- Swelling or redness around the eye, double vision or trouble moving the eye
- Severe headache with a stiff neck, confusion or high fever
Not sure? Call Health811 (dial 811) any time to speak with a registered nurse, free.