Sinusitis
Alternative names:
acute sinusitis; sinus infection; sinusitis - acute
Treatment:
The goals of treatment are twofold: the relief of the symptoms
and the cure of the infection. Symptoms can be relieved with
a saline spray, a lavage, or with a humidifier. While nasal
decongestants can also be helpful, the use of topical (spray)
nasal decongestants beyond 3 to 5 days can actually worsen
nasal congestion. Steroids may also be used to help decrease
the swelling, especially in patients with swollen structures,
such as nasal polyps, or allergies. Antibiotic treatment aims
at curing the disease. Common antibiotics include Ampicillin,
Amoxacillin, Bactrim (Trimethoprim with Sulfamethoxazole),
Augmentin, Cefuroxime, or Cefprozil. Other antibiotics may
be used depending on the type of bacteria. Acute sinusitis
should be treated for 10 to 14 days, while chronic sinusitis
should be treated for 3 to 4 weeks.
Surgery to clean and drain the sinus may also be necessary,
especially in patients with recurrent episodes of sinusitis
despite medical treatment. A specialist called an ENT (Ears,
Nose and Throat), also known as an otolaryngologist, can perform
this surgery. Most fungal sinus infections require surgical
intervention. Finally, surgical repair of a deviated septum
or nasal polyps may prevent the condition's recurrence.
Surgery to clean and drain the sinus may be necessary. Surgical
repair of deviated septum or nasal
obstruction may prevent a recurrence of sinusitis.
Expectations (prognosis):
Sinus infections are usually curable with medical treatment.
Those who have recurrent attacks should be evaluated for chronic
sinusitis and other possible causes.
Complications:
Calling your health care provider:
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if
symptoms indicate acute sinusitis.
Update Date: 04/01/00
Updated By: Luis A. Diaz, Jr. M.D., Johns Hopkins Medical Institute, VeriMed
Health Network
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