Main purpose of the sinusitis treatment is to get rid of symptom of sinus infection. The treatment drains off the sinuses, removes infection and reduces swelling, keeping sinuses unclogged. Although home remedies can be helpful, consult the doctor for reliable and quick treatment.
Acute Sinusitis Treatment
If symptom of sinus infection ranges from mild to moderate, expectorants, antihistamines and decongestants can be taken for seven to ten days. These patients should not take antibiotics, especially during the first week.
Chronic Sinusitis Treatment
Chronic sinusitis is an offshoot of acute sinus infection that was not treated in timely manner. The anaerobic and aerobic bacteria present in acute and chronic conditions are different. The objective of chronic sinusitis treatment is to enhance quality of life of the patient, if it is not curable.
Patients suffering from chronic sinusitis may need therapy for longer period. Antibiotics may be helpful for these patients. If the condition improves within two months, antibiotics can be discontinued. However, saline nasal solutions and steroids should be continued. If the condition does not improve even after two months, surgery is required.
Doctors may prescribe oral corticosteroids for patients with nasal polyps or patients not responding to nasal corticosteroids. Oral corticosteroids are also administered to patients suffering from allergic fungal sinusitis.
Generally, regular saline nasal irrigation is required.
To identify main trigger of chronic symptoms of sinus infection, a thorough diagnosis is necessary. Diagnostic check up should rule out any associated conditions, such as structural problems in any of the nasal passages, gastro esophageal reflux disorder, ailments related to immune system, asthma and allergies. If the trigger is found, it should be controlled or treated at the earliest.
Some of chronic sinusitis patients, especially the patients with associated medical disorders that can worsen the symptoms, may require intravenous antibiotic therapy. The therapy is generally given two weeks prior to surgery and one month after the surgery.
Mild symptoms other than acute infection signs can be treated with home remedies. For instance, hydration keeps the sinuses open. Drink lot of water to lubricate the mucus membranes. Alternatively, hot beverages like chicken soup, hot tea with lemon and honey, and ginger tea may relieve aches and congestion. Steam inhalation for two to four times a day will be very useful. A nasal wash helps in draining of the mucus. Regular nasal passage irrigation with hypertonic saline solution reduces symptoms and minimizes use of antibiotics.
Treatment for Sinus Infection Spread Beyond the Sinuses
If the infection has spread beyond the sinuses and entered into parts of the skull such as brain and bone, emergency treatment is required. Emergency surgery may also be required. Antibiotics may be given intravenously.