Sinusitis - Treatment

In general, home care for the reduction of symptoms of acute sinusitis and restoring normal sinus drainage.More serious cases require medical treatment or even surgery.
Outpatient treatment
Outpatient treatment aims at facilitating the evacuation of nasal secretions through basic measures: increased consumption of liquid, vapor inhalation, instilatii with saline, or use Expectorants.Steam Bath - By moistening the nasal passages, it favors thinning nasal secretions, allowing release and reducing sinus pressure.The patient should inhale the fumes from a bowl of hot water with his head covered with a towel to keep warm and moisture. It also recommends the hot and humid air inhalation during a shower or a warm bath. In the water you can add essential oils of eucalyptus or peppermint.Saline solutions - very useful for clearing the sinuses, are found in pharmacies or can be prepared at home (by dissolving ¼ teaspoon of salt in 250 ml water).Tips:"Rest in the acute phase of sinusitis"Consumption of water and other hydrating liquid (eight or 10 glasses a day). Additional fluid intake contributes to thinning mucous secretions, which facilitates the draining sinuses.»Avoiding exposure to high temperature changes, as well as cold, dry air.»Maintain a humidity level of 40% - 50%, especially in the bedroom.»Avoiding swimming or air travel during the acute phase.

Medications
AntibioticsAntibiotic is the primary treatment for bacterial sinusitis, although it is not always necessary. In 75% of cases, sinusitis in the absence of any treatment to cure, within a month. Taking antibiotics can shorten this period and reduce symptoms. Treatment usually lasts 7 to 10 days. Taking antibiotics with adequate spectrum is preferable because it reduces the risk of bacteria becoming resistant to antibiotics. In case of chronic sinusitis, we propose a longer duration of treatment (up to 21 days). In severe cases of bacterial sinusitis, antibiotics will be administered intravenously in hospital.Antibiotics are not indicated when nasal secretions are clear. In this case, it is more like a runny nose or allergy.
AnalgesicsAnalgesic drugs (aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen) are prescribed to reduce the headache and facial pain.
AntihistaminesAntihistamines are indicated only for reducing symptoms caused by allergies. In other cases must be avoided as they dry and thicken secretions in the nose.
DecongestantsTopical decongestants in the form of sprays should not be used more than three days. Prolonged use may irritate the nasal mucosa and lead to a rebound - the reappearance at the end of the treatment of symptoms that must be eliminated. Rebound phenomenon is less severe with oral decongestants. Instilatiile saline solutions can be used as a nasal decongestant.
CorticosteroidsFor people who suffer from allergies, your doctor will prescribe first inhaled nasal corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. If the result is not satisfactory, are prescribed oral steroids (prednisone).

Surgery
If chronic sinusitis does not respond to conventional treatments, surgery is sometimes used to open and drain the sinuses. Surgery can also correct some structural abnormalities of nasal and nasal polyps can be removed.The purpose of surgery is to remove obstructions, opening the nasal passages to allow drainage of the sinuses. During surgery, nasal polyps can be removed and deviated septum can be corrected to improve the air passage. Administered nasal steroids and antibiotics may be needed.Recurrent sinus infections require further investigation. A culture obtained during a medical examination or endoscopic surgery may reveal the presence of anaerobic bacteria, which require a broad-spectrum antibiotics, or some fungi, requiring treatment with antifungal medications.