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Sinusitis - chronic

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Chronic sinus infection; Chronic sinusitis

Treatment:

The goal of treatment is to cure the infection and make symptoms go away.

Antibiotics may be given if the infection is caused by bacteria. Antibiotic treatment usually takes 3 to 4 weeks.

Oral decongestants, pills taken by mouth that help relieve a stuffy nose, are sometimes used. Nasal sprays (topical steroids) may help relieve symptoms of chronic sinusitis that are due to allergies.

Over-the-counter analgesics (pain killers) may be used to control pain.

Surgery to clean and drain the sinuses may be needed. Surgical repair of a deviated septum or nasal obstruction may prevent chronic sinusitis from returning.

Expectations (prognosis):

Chronic sinus infections can usually be cured, but may require extended treatment.

Chronic sinusitis tends to come back, particularly if underlying conditions such as nasal blockages are not corrected.

Complications:

• Chronic sinusitis comes back
• Infection spreads to the bones of the face ( osteomyelitis )
• Infection spreads to the brain ( meningitis )
• Abscess forms, including (rarely) brain abscess

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of chronic sinusitis develop. Also call if acute sinusitis symptoms do not improve with treatment.

• Review Date: 8/8/2006
• Reviewed By: D. Scott Smith, M.D., MSc, DTM&H, Chief of Infectious Disease & Geographic Medicine, Kaiser Redwood City, CA & Adjunct Assistant Professor, Stanford University. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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