How is Chronic Sinusitis Treated?
The mainstay of initial therapy is the use of appropriate oral antibiotics to treat the underlying bacterial infection. In addition, many physicians will combine antibiotic therapy with topical anti-inflammatories (steroids sprayed into the nose and sinuses), anti-histamines to reduce the effects of allergies, decongestants to reduce mucous membrane swelling as well mild saline solutions to help loosen and clear out mucous secretions. Environmental allergens that may trigger the initial inflammatory response are eliminated or reduced to lessen the sufferer’s exposure. These include reduction in household dust mites, pet dander, as well as to smog, plant pollen, certain medications, etc. Chronic sinusitis can be a very difficult condition to treat. Patients may fail to adequately respond to standard therapy. Typically, a chronic sinusitis patient has been treated with many different antibiotics for extended periods often with little or no improvement in symptoms or quality of life.
