In the treatment of acute sinusitis, the priority is generally to remove the predisposing factors. Conditions that increase nasal congestion and impair sinus ventilation, such as cold and flu, should be treated first. Suitable nasal sprays, antihistamine and decongestant type medications for nasal congestion if necessary, humidifying the air in the environment, and increasing fluid intake are practices that support the treatment. Drinking plenty of fluids will also facilitate the softening and fluidity of the thick mucus that blocks the sinuses.
For people with edema detected in the mucosal tissue lining the nose or growths in the nasal concha, applying steroid spray to the nose may be useful. In cases of acute sinusitis caused by allergic reasons, medications classified as antihistamines can be used.
If the cause of acute sinusitis is determined to be a bacterial infection, appropriate antibiotics must be added to the treatment. Antibiotic treatment should last a minimum of 10 days, and if there is no response within 4-5 days after starting the treatment, the antibiotic should be changed if necessary.
How is Chronic Sinusitis Treated?
In the treatment of chronic sinusitis, appropriate antibiotics should first be used. Additionally, intranasal steroid sprays are used to reduce congestion in the nose and sinus ventilation channels. Antibiotic treatment duration should be at least 2-3 weeks in chronic sinus infections. Considering the increased resistance rate to antibiotics in these infections, the possibility of having more than one different bacteria or microorganisms growing in an oxygen-free environment at the same time, and the long treatment period, appropriate antibiotic selection should be made in appropriate individuals and, if possible, according to the results of intranasal cultures taken under endoscopy. In patients with immune system deficiency or who acquired an infection while hospitalized, antibiotics should be selected according to culture and antibiogram for all types of sinus infections.
In patients treated with a diagnosis of chronic sinusitis, appropriate doses of antibiotics and cortisone should be administered for 2-3 weeks before computed tomography. Nasal sprays should be used. In patients with no obvious complaints, even if sinusitis findings are found on tomography, consult the patient before deciding on surgery. Following up and checking the complaints would be the appropriate approach.
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