How is sinusitis treated?
The treatment plan for sinusitis uses a multipronged approach aimed at relieving nasal congestion, clearing the infection, improving breathing, and reducing pain and pressure.
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General treatment of sinusitis includes:
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Drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and keep nasal discharge loose
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Getting plenty of rest
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Keeping the head elevated while sleeping to reduce pressure
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Using a cool-mist vaporizer to moisten and loosen nasal discharge
For some people with sinusitis, medication may be recommended or prescribed. Medications may include the following:
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Antibiotics are prescribed if the sinusitis is caused by a bacterial infection. Antibiotics will not treat sinusitis caused by a viral or fungal infection.
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Antifungal drugs are prescribed if the sinusitis is caused by a fungal infection. Antifungal drugs will not treat sinusitis caused by a viral or bacterial infection.
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Corticosteroid nasal spray to reduce the inflammation and pain of sinusitis
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Decongestants to shrink inflamed and swollen sinuses. These medications, such as Sudafed, can have serious side effects that can affect the heart in some people. They should be used only as directed by your health care provider.
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Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and aspirin to control the pain, pressure and inflammation of sinusitis
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Surgery may be an option in some cases to expand the opening of infected sinuses.
People with viral sinusitis should not use aspirin or products that contain aspirin because of the risk of developing a rare but life-threatening condition called Reye syndrome. Reye syndrome has been linked to taking aspirin during a viral illness, such as a viral sinusitis or the flu.
What are the possible complications of sinusitis?
In some people, sinusitis can break down the body’s defenses and lead to more serious infections. You can help minimize your risk of serious complications by following the treatment plan you and your health care professional design specifically for you. Complications of sinusitis are life threatening and include:
INTRODUCTION
What is sinusitis?
Sinusitis, commonly called a sinus infection, is an inflammation and infection of the air-filled spaces that are located within the bones in and around the nose (paranasal sinuses). This results in swelling of the mucus membranes that line the sinuses, pain and pressure in and around the eyes and cheekbones, and a thick green discharge from the nose....
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SYMPTOMS
What are the symptoms of sinusitis?
How sinusitis affects people can vary. It is often easy to confuse sinusitis with migraine headache, since they have similar symptoms. Common symptoms of sinusitis include:...
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CAUSES
What causes sinusitis?
Sinusitis is caused by a viral infection, bacterial infection, or rarely, a fungal infection. Infections that cause sinusitis can be spread from person to person when someone with a respiratory tract infection or cold talks, coughs or sneezes. This shoots droplets contaminated with bacteria, viruses or fungi into the air, where they can be breathed into the nose and sinuses by others....
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