To treat sinusitis effectively, the approach depends on whether it is acute or chronic and the severity of symptoms. Here are the main treatment strategies:
Home and Lifestyle Remedies
- Rest and hydration: Get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids to help thin mucus and support recovery
- Warm compress: Applying a warm compress to the nose and forehead can reduce sinus pressure and pain
- Steam inhalation: Breathing in steam from a hot shower or a bowl of hot water can help keep sinuses moist and promote mucus drainage
- Nasal irrigation: Using a neti pot or saline nasal sprays to rinse the nasal passages can clear mucus and relieve congestion. Use distilled or sterile water and clean the device after each use
- Humidifier: Using a humidifier adds moisture to the air, which can ease nasal congestion, especially during sleep
Over-the-Counter Medications
- Pain relievers: Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin can reduce pain and inflammation
- Decongestants: Oral or nasal decongestants (e.g., pseudoephedrine) may reduce nasal swelling and improve drainage but should be used cautiously and not for more than a few days
- Nasal corticosteroids: Sprays like fluticasone or beclomethasone reduce inflammation and are especially useful in chronic sinusitis or cases related to allergies
Medical Treatments
- Antibiotics: Usually not needed for viral sinusitis, but may be prescribed if symptoms are severe, worsening, or last more than 10 days, indicating a bacterial infection
- Allergy treatment: Allergy shots (immunotherapy) may help if allergies contribute to sinusitis
- Chronic sinusitis management: May involve longer courses of nasal steroids, antibiotics, or treatment of underlying conditions like asthma or nasal polyps
Surgical Options
- Surgery is generally reserved for chronic sinusitis not responding to medical treatment. Procedures include:
- Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS): To open blocked sinuses and improve drainage
* **Balloon sinuplasty:** A less invasive option to dilate sinus openings
* Removal of nasal polyps if they cause obstruction
In summary, most sinusitis cases improve with home care such as rest, hydration, nasal irrigation, and symptom relief with OTC medications. Antibiotics and more advanced treatments are reserved for persistent, severe, or chronic cases under medical guidance
