Understanding Montelukast: A Helpful Medicine for Sinus Problems, Nasal Polyps, Asthma-type Symptoms, MCAS and Post-Nasal Drip

Montelukast is a tablet that calms inflammation in the airways, sinuses and lungs. Many people are prescribed it for sinus congestion, allergies, nasal polyps, asthma-type symptoms and post-nasal drip. It is also widely used in people with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome because it blocks one of the inflammatory chemicals that mast cells release.

This document explains what it is, how it works and how to use it safely.

What Is Montelukast

Montelukast blocks a group of inflammatory chemicals called leukotrienes. When the immune system is irritated by allergens, foods, infections, temperature changes, dust or strong smells, it releases leukotrienes.

Leukotrienes cause swelling, mucus production, chest tightness and airway narrowing. In the sinuses they cause congestion, polyps, pressure and post-nasal drip. In the lungs they cause wheezing, coughing and breathlessness. In MCAS they contribute to widespread symptoms because mast cells release leukotrienes along with histamine.

By blocking leukotrienes, montelukast reduces inflammation across the upper and lower airways.

Why Montelukast Helps Sinus Problems

Many sinus symptoms come from swelling in the sinus lining. This swelling blocks normal drainage and leads to pressure, headaches and mucus build-up.

Leukotrienes are one of the main drivers of this swelling. By blocking them, montelukast reduces sinus pressure, mucus, congestion and post-nasal drip. It works well alongside nasal steroid sprays and saline rinses.

Montelukast and Nasal Polyps

Nasal polyps are small growths inside the nose caused by long-term inflammation. They block airflow and affect breathing, smell and taste.

Leukotrienes promote the tissue swelling that leads to polyp formation and regrowth. Montelukast helps by reducing inflammation, slowing further polyp growth, improving airflow and helping other treatments such as steroid sprays work more effectively. It is often used long term for chronic polyp disease.

Montelukast for Asthma-type Symptoms

Some people have asthma-type symptoms even with normal breathing tests. These include chest tightness, cough, wheezing, shortness of breath and difficulty taking a full breath.

Montelukast reduces airway irritation and smooth-muscle tightening in the lungs. It often helps with night-time cough, exercise-related breathlessness and sudden episodes of chest tightness.

The MCAS Element: Why Montelukast Helps Mast Cell Activation Syndrome

In MCAS, mast cells release a range of inflammatory chemicals. The two main ones are histamine and leukotrienes.

Antihistamines help block histamine.Montelukast helps block leukotrienes.

Leukotrienes are responsible for many MCAS-related symptoms, including:

• Throat clearing• Post-nasal drip• Sinus pressure• Asthma-like breathlessness• Tight chest• Dry cough• Sensitivity to cold air, exercise or strong scents• Thick mucus or constant swallowing• Night coughing

By blocking leukotrienes, montelukast provides a second layer of mast cell control. For many people with MCAS, the combination of a daily antihistamine plus montelukast provides good stability of the upper and lower airways.

Why Montelukast Helps Post-Nasal Drip

Post-nasal drip happens when mucus drips down the back of the throat. This is often due to swollen nasal passages, irritated sinus lining or overactive mast cells.

Montelukast reduces the swelling and irritation that cause mucus to be overproduced. This leads to less throat clearing, smoother breathing at night and fewer coughing episodes.

How To Take Montelukast

Montelukast is usually taken as a once-daily evening tablet of 10 mg.

Key points:

• Take at the same time each day• Night-time dosing is preferred• It may take 1 to 4 weeks to feel the full effect• Safe alongside nasal sprays, antihistamines and inhalers• Do not stop other medications unless advised

How Long To Use Montelukast

The duration depends on the condition.

• Chronic sinus disease or nasal polyps: usually long term• Asthma-type symptoms: often several months• MCAS: often an ongoing stabiliser• Seasonal allergies: used during allergy seasons

Safety and Side Effects

Most people tolerate montelukast well. Possible side effects include vivid dreams, light sleep, headache and dry mouth. Switching to morning dosing can help if sleep is affected.

A very small number of people may experience mood changes. If this occurs, the medication should be stopped.

Who Should Avoid Montelukast

• People with previous mood changes on montelukast• People who become very sensitive to dream-related sleep changes• Anyone feeling unwell on it should report this

When Montelukast Works Best

Montelukast works best when combined with supportive measures such as saline nasal rinses, a steroid nasal spray, antihistamines if needed, trigger avoidance, hydration and managing reflux if present.

Summary

Montelukast is a useful anti-inflammatory medication that blocks leukotrienes. It supports people with sinus disease, nasal polyps, asthma-type symptoms, MCAS-related airway irritation and post-nasal drip. It helps reduce swelling, mucus and airway narrowing. Taken once daily, it provides steady control of symptoms and is generally well tolerated.

Dr Purity Carr

10:10 Menopause and Lifestyle Metabolic Reset

Menopause Momentum Network

www.purity.health

www.menopausemomentumnetwork.com