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Sinusitis

Alternative Names:

Acute sinusitis; Sinus infection; Sinusitis - acute

Treatment:

Try the following measures to help reduce congestion in your sinuses:

Be careful with over-the-counter spray nasal decongestants. They may help at first, but using them beyond 3 - 5 days can actually worsen nasal congestion.

Also, for sinus pain or pressure:

If self-care measures are not working, your doctor will consider prescription medications, antibiotics, further testing, or referral to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist.

Nasal corticosteroid sprays may be used to decrease swelling, especially if you have swollen structures (such as nasal polyps) or allergies.

Antibiotics are used to cure the particular infection causing sinus inflammation.

Other antibiotics may be used depending on the type of organism present. Acute sinusitis should be treated for 10 - 14 days, while chronic sinusitis should be treated for 3 - 4 weeks.

Surgery to clean and drain the sinuses may also be necessary, especially in patients with recurrent episodes of inflammation despite medical treatment. An ENT specialist, also known as an otolaryngologist, can perform this surgery.

Most fungal sinus infections require surgery. Finally, surgical repair of a deviated septum or nasal polyps may prevent recurrence.

Expectations (prognosis):

Sinus infections are usually curable with self-care measures and medical treatment. If you are having recurrent attacks, you should be checked for underlying causes such as nasal polyps or other problems.

Complications:

Although very rare, complications may include:

Calling your health care provider:

Call your doctor if:

A green or yellow discharge does not necessarily indicate a sinus infection or the need for antibiotics.

References:

Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. Evidence-based care guideline for management of acute bacterial sinusitis in children 1-18 years of age. Cincinnati (OH): Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; 2006 Jul 7. 17 p.

Slavin RG. The diagnosis and management of sinusitis. J Allergy Clin Immunol. Dec 2005; 116(6 Suppl): S13-47.

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