How is sinusitis treated?
Jun 08, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Guo Xiheng
Introduction
For patients with prominent systemic symptoms, treatment typically involves administering a sufficient dose of a sensitive antibiotic for an adequate duration. Topical medications commonly include agents that improve nasal airflow, such as ephedrine nasal drops; currently, oxymetazoline nasal spray is more frequently used in clinical practice. Intranasal corticosteroids may also be employed, with common options including fluticasone propionate (Flonase®) and mometasone furoate (Nasonex®).
Sinusitis, a relatively common inflammatory condition of the nasal sinuses, often causes symptoms such as nasal congestion and respiratory distress, significantly impairing patients’ daily lives. Therefore, timely and effective treatment is essential. So, how is sinusitis treated?
How Is Sinusitis Treated?
For patients with prominent systemic symptoms, treatment typically involves administering an appropriate, sensitive antibiotic at an adequate dose and for a sufficient duration. Local therapies generally include medications to improve nasal airflow—such as ephedrine nasal drops—though oxymetazoline nasal spray is more commonly used in clinical practice today. Intranasal corticosteroids are also frequently prescribed; commonly used agents include fluticasone propionate (Flonase®) and mometasone furoate (Nasonex®). Additionally, mucolytic and mucokinetic agents may be employed to facilitate the clearance of purulent secretions; standardized myrtol (e.g., GeloMyrtol®) and carbocisteine (e.g., Bronchostop® or “Sino”) are widely utilized for this purpose.
Physical therapies include maxillary sinus irrigation. Patients may perform nasal irrigation at home using sterile saline solution or seawater-based nasal sprays. For chronic sinusitis patients who respond poorly to medical therapy, surgical intervention may be considered. Surgical options aim to correct anatomical abnormalities within the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, including septoplasty (nasal septum correction), lateralization of the inferior turbinate via fracture, plasma ablation of the inferior turbinate, maxillary sinusotomy, frontal sinusotomy, and sphenoid sinusotomy.
The above medications are provided for reference only; actual drug selection and usage must be guided by a qualified physician. Furthermore, individuals experiencing symptoms should seek prompt medical evaluation and follow their physician’s recommendations for appropriate management. We hope this information proves helpful!
