What are the treatment methods for sinusitis?

Nov 27, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Cheng
Introduction
Treatment for sinusitis primarily includes medication, etiological treatment, physical therapy, surgical intervention, and traditional Chinese medicine regulation, with targeted approaches based on disease severity and patient constitution. If symptoms persist for more than two weeks or are accompanied by high fever, headache, or reduced sense of smell, prompt medical attention is recommended. In cases of bacterial infection, adequate antibiotics should be taken as prescribed to control inflammation.

  Treatment for sinusitis mainly includes medication, etiological treatment, physical therapy, surgical intervention, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) regulation, which should be individually tailored based on the severity of the condition and the patient's physical constitution. If symptoms persist for more than two weeks, or are accompanied by high fever, headache, or reduced sense of smell, prompt medical attention is recommended.

  1. Medication: In cases of bacterial infection, antibiotics should be taken as prescribed in sufficient dosage to control inflammation. Nasal decongestants can rapidly relieve nasal congestion, while intranasal corticosteroids help reduce mucosal swelling. Mucolytics and secretory agents facilitate the clearance of nasal secretions. Medications should be used properly to avoid drug resistance.

  2. Etiological Treatment: A comprehensive evaluation should be conducted to identify underlying conditions such as allergic rhinitis, nasal polyps, or deviated nasal septum, which should be treated first. Patients should avoid allergens like pollen, dust, and mites in daily life, quit smoking, and stay away from irritating gases to minimize triggers of sinusitis at the root cause.

  3. Physical Therapy: Daily nasal irrigation with normal saline or seawater helps clear secretions and allergens, reducing mucosal irritation. Applying warm compresses with a heated towel to the nasal bridge and forehead promotes blood circulation in the sinuses and facilitates drainage of purulent secretions.

  4. Surgical Treatment: For chronic sinusitis unresponsive to medication after three months, or cases associated with nasal polyps or structural abnormalities of the sinuses, endoscopic minimally invasive surgery may be performed to open obstructed sinuses and restore normal ventilation and drainage. This approach involves minimal trauma and allows for rapid recovery.

  5. TCM Regulation: Based on syndrome differentiation, herbal formulas or proprietary Chinese medicines that clear heat, detoxify, and open nasal passages may be used. These can be combined with acupuncture at points such as Yingxiang (LI20) and Yintang (EX-HN3), moxibustion near the nasal area, or acupoint massage to regulate organ function, strengthen constitution, alleviate inflammation, and reduce recurrence.

  In daily life, maintain indoor ventilation and appropriate humidity, engage in regular moderate aerobic exercise to boost immunity, follow a light diet rich in fruits and vegetables for adequate vitamin intake, avoid spicy and greasy foods, and protect the nasal area from cold exposure to support recovery and reduce the risk of relapse.

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