To help reduce coughing and stop the crackling sound when you exhale, you can try taking over-the-counter medications like a cough syrup with ivy extract, such as Helixia Prospan, and pain relievers like Advil/Motrin or acetaminophen. If you also have sinus and ear pain, a decongestant containing pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine may help. It's important to address your symptoms promptly, as persistent sinusitis for more than three weeks could indicate a more resistant infection or a bacterial infection. If over-the-counter treatments aren't effective, it's advisable to consult a doctor for further evaluation.