Cystic Fibrosis Sinusitis: Causes, Treatments, and What Works

When you have cystic fibrosis sinusitis, a chronic inflammation of the sinuses caused by thick mucus buildup in people with cystic fibrosis. Also known as CF sinusitis, it’s not just a stuffy nose—it’s a constant battle for breathing, sleeping, and feeling normal. About 90% of people with cystic fibrosis deal with it at some point, and for many, it’s worse than their lung symptoms. The mucus doesn’t thin out like it should, so it traps bacteria, leads to infections, and often grows nasal polyps that block airflow entirely.

This isn’t just about sneezing or headaches. nasal polyps, noncancerous growths in the nasal passages that develop from long-term inflammation. Also known as sinus polyps, they can shrink your airways so much you need surgery just to breathe through your nose. And because the mucus is so thick, antibiotics often don’t reach deep enough to kill the bugs. That’s why standard cold treatments fail—nasal sprays, decongestants, even steam inhalers give temporary relief at best. What works? Daily saline rinses, inhaled hypertonic saline, and targeted antibiotics like tobramycin or aztreonam delivered straight to the sinuses. Some patients also benefit from long-term macrolide therapy, not for its antibiotic power, but because it reduces inflammation.

And then there’s the mucous clearance, the process of removing thick, sticky mucus from the airways and sinuses. Also known as airway clearance, it’s the backbone of managing CF sinusitis. Techniques like nasal irrigation with a neti pot, using a PEP device, or even just lying with your head tilted back while rinsing can make a huge difference. Many people don’t realize how much their sinuses improve when they combine this with humidifiers, staying hydrated, and avoiding dry, dusty environments.

What you’ll find in the posts below aren’t generic tips. These are real comparisons—what works for one person with CF sinusitis might not work for another. You’ll see how different treatments stack up, what side effects actually matter, and which approaches give lasting relief instead of just a quick fix. No fluff. No theory. Just what people with cystic fibrosis have tried, tested, and lived with—and what finally helped them breathe easier again.