ear, nose, and throat disorders
Sinusitis
Treatment of Sinusitis
Treatment to improve sinus drainage Medicated nasal sprays Sometimes antibiotics When antibiotics are not effective, surgery Treatment of acute sinusitis is aimed at improving sinus drainage and curing the infection. Steam inhalation; hot, wet towels over the affected sinuses; and hot beverages may help relieve the swollen membranes and promote drainage. Flushing a saltwater solution through the nose (nasal irrigation) or using a salt-water spray also can help symptoms. Nasal sprays, such asphenylephrineoroxymetazoline, which cause swollen membranes to shrink, can be used for a limited time. Similar medications, such aspseudoephedrine, taken by mouth are not as effective. Corticosteroid nasal sprays also can help relieve symptoms but take at least 10 days to work. For acute sinusitis that is severe (3 or more days of symptoms such as fever of 102.2º F [39º C] or higher and severe pain) or persistent (for 10 or more days), antibiotics such asamoxicillin/clavulanate ordoxycyclineare given. People who have chronic sinusitis take the same antibiotics but for a longer period of time, typically 4 to 6 weeks. When antibiotics are not effective, surgery may be performed either to wash out the sinus and obtain material for culture or to improve sinus drainage, which allows the inflammation to resolve. Nasal obstruction that interferes with drainage may also require surgery. 