Why Malaysians shouldn’t normalise sinus congestion

 

WAKING up with a blocked nose, keeping nasal spray within arm’s reach, or brushing off constant sinus pressure as “just allergies” has become a daily reality for many Malaysians.

In a country where air-conditioning, pollution, and unpredictable weather are part of everyday life, nasal congestion is often treated as a minor nuisance rather than a signal of a deeper issue.

In Malaysia, sinusitis affects an estimated 12.8% of the population, close to 3 million people living with ongoing sinus problems, underscoring how widespread this issue really is.

Ear, Nose, Throat, Head and Neck Specialists at Sunway Medical Centre Damansara (SMCD), Dr Natasha Ayla Ahmad Zulkiflee and Dr Noor Liza Ishak warn that what feels routine may point to more serious underlying ENT conditions.

Early assessment can both relieve discomfort and also prevent symptoms from quietly progressing into chronic conditions.

The everyday reality of sinus congestion

Sinusitis, or a sinus infection, occurs when the nasal cavities become inflamed and blocked with mucus, often caused by viruses, bacteria, or allergies.

But when do symptoms require medical attention? According to Dr Natasha, if your nose feels constantly blocked or congested for more than 2‒3 weeks despite taking over-the-counter remedies, it is time to see a specialist.

“A short cold or viral infection usually clears within 7‒10 days but anything lasting longer could signal sinus inflammation, allergies, or structural issues like a deviated septum,” she elaborated.

Warning signs of a more serious condition include persistent nasal blockage or mouth breathing, thick discoloured mucus, facial pressure, or a reduced sense of smell.

“If these come with frequent headaches, post-nasal drip, bad breath, or snoring, it is definitely worth getting checked,” added Dr Natasha.

In children, chronic mouth breathing can affect jaw growth, dentition, and sleep, making early attention especially important.

For many Malaysians, sinus symptoms quietly blend into daily life. Long hours in air-conditioned offices, traffic-filled commutes, and exposure to everyday irritants make it easy to dismiss ongoing nasal discomfort.

Many adapt with quick fixes like decongestants or antihistamines, rarely questioning whether persistent congestion is normal or something more serious. In fact, these lifestyle and environmental factors can aggravate sinus symptoms.

“Constant exposure to air-conditioning, dust, haze, or cigarette smoke can inflame the nasal passages,” Dr Natasha noted, adding that poor hydration and irregular sleep can further aggravate symptoms.

Chronic sinus inflammation can extend beyond the nose, causing fatigue, and even contributing to brain fog due to poor oxygen flow and disturbed rest.

In rare cases, untreated sinus infections may spread to nearby structures, such as the eyes – leading to swelling or reduced vision—or, very rarely, the brain.

“While this is uncommon, the bigger concern is how long-term congestion can quietly affect our quality of life, from being constantly tired to having reduced productivity,” Dr Natasha explained.

The hidden dangers of quick fixes

While over-the-counter nasal sprays and antihistamines can provide quick relief, frequent use may mask underlying problems or worsen symptoms over time.

According to Dr Noor Liza, long-term use of decongestant nasal sprays can cause rebound congestion, where the nose becomes more blocked once the spray wears off.

“Prolonged use may further irritate the nasal lining and cause chronic inflammation. Similarly, depending heavily on antihistamines can mask symptoms without treating the underlying cause, delaying diagnosis of conditions such as chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, or structural blockages,” she cautioned.

Chronic overuse of decongestant sprays may also lead to rhinitis medicamentosa, a condition where the nasal lining becomes swollen and overly sensitive.

“Over time, the tissues may thicken, become dry, or develop small areas of crusting, reducing the natural function of the nasal lining. In severe cases, ongoing swelling can even narrow the nasal passages, causing long-term blockage,” she added.

To avoid these risks, safe use becomes key. Dr Noor Liza advised that use of decongestant sprays should be limited to 3–5 days, noting that someone who needs the spray more often may indicate rebound congestion.

With antihistamines, dependency is less common, but prolonged use can still mask symptoms. Persistent congestion beyond two to three weeks is a clear sign to seek professional evaluation.

Taking control of sinus health

Consulting an ENT specialist early can prevent complications and significantly improve quality of life.

Once the underlying cause is identified, treatment can be tailored—through medication, minimally invasive procedures, or lifestyle adjustments—helping patients breathe easier, sleep better, and reduce long-term health risks.

Dr Natasha explained that early intervention allows clinicians to address the root cause before complications develop.

“When treated early, inflammation is easier to reverse, sleep improves, and patients often find their energy and focus return. It’s about moving beyond just breathing easier, and properly restoring daily comfort and overall wellbeing,” she remarked.

Echoing this, Dr Noor Liza added that early treatment can break the cycle of recurring sinus issues or congestion, and long-term damage to the nasal lining.

“Identifying problems such as allergies, sinus inflammation, or structural blockages early allows us to restore normal nasal function and reduce the reliance on repeated medications,” she explained. ‒  Focus Malaysia