How to treat sinusitis found on head CT scan
Feb 27, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Guo Xiheng
Introduction
Sinusitis usually refers to inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, indicating inflammatory changes in the sinus tissues. When paranasal sinusitis is detected via cranial CT, it can generally be managed through various approaches including conservative management, medication, surgical intervention, traditional Chinese medicine, and physical therapy. Patients are advised to promptly visit a hospital and choose an appropriate treatment method. During treatment, patients should strictly follow medical instructions regarding medication use and avoid stopping medications prematurely to prevent recurrence.
Paranasal sinusitis usually refers to inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, indicating chronic or acute inflammation of sinus tissues. When paranasal sinusitis is detected via cranial CT, treatment options generally include general management, medication, surgical intervention, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and physical therapy.
1. General Management
After the onset of paranasal sinusitis, nasal irrigation with saline solution or hypertonic physiological saline can generally be performed first to help clear secretions from the nasal cavity, improve the microenvironment of the nasal mucosa, and alleviate symptoms.
2. Medication
If the inflammatory response is significant, antibiotics may be used under medical guidance to eliminate and inhibit pathogen proliferation and reduce inflammation. Commonly used medications include amoxicillin capsules, cefuroxime axetil tablets, and cefixime capsules. For severe nasal congestion, decongestants may be used in combination to promote vasoconstriction and reduce congestion. Common examples include oxymetazoline nasal drops, ephedrine hydrochloride tablets, and naphazoline nasal drops. If symptoms such as nasal itching, sneezing, or rhinorrhea are severe, leukotriene receptor antagonists may be added to reduce the number of eosinophils in the nasal mucosa, alleviate inflammatory responses, and improve symptoms. Commonly used drugs include montelukast sodium chewable tablets and pranlukast capsules.
3. Surgical Treatment
If the condition is severe, conservative treatments are ineffective, or if nasal polyps or anatomical abnormalities of the nasal cavity are present, surgical intervention may be considered. For example, endoscopic sinus surgery can be performed to remove irreversible lesions, excise nasal polyps, correct deviated septum, and reconstruct ventilation and drainage pathways in the nasal cavity and sinuses.
4. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Under the guidance of a qualified TCM practitioner, appropriate herbal formulas may be selected based on specific syndromes. For instance, for lung wind-heat syndrome, Yin Qiao San may be prescribed to clear heat, detoxify, and relieve exterior symptoms, thereby improving headaches and nasal congestion. For gallbladder damp-heat syndrome, Long Dan Xie Gan Tang may be used to clear damp-heat from the liver meridian and purge excessive fire from the liver and gallbladder, helping to relieve symptoms such as dry mouth, bitter taste, thick nasal discharge, and nasal obstruction.
5. Physical Therapy
During an acute episode, shortwave diathermy may be used as adjunctive treatment to dilate blood vessels, enhance blood circulation, improve oxygen and nutrient supply to tissues, promote absorption of exudates, reduce inflammation, and shorten recovery time.
Patients are advised to seek timely medical care and, under professional guidance, choose appropriate treatment methods according to disease severity. During treatment, medications should be taken strictly as prescribed, and discontinuation without medical advice should be avoided to prevent incomplete treatment and potential recurrence.
