Self care
Treatment at home might relieve symptoms of pain associated with acute sinusitis, and prevent the need for antibiotics. In case the patient has chronic sinusitis, he/she has to continue home treatment probably for a long time to keep the sinuses clear.
Measures:
- Drinking plenty of fluids
- Applying a hot, damp towel or gel pack to the face for five to ten minutes, a few times per day
- Avoiding cold, dry air
- Using a humidifier to increase the moisture
- Using saltwater nasal washes in order to keep the nasal passages open and wash out mucus and bacteria
- Blowing the nose gently if needed
- Keeping both nostrils open when blowing the nose
- Avoiding alcohol because it could result in swelling of the tissue that lines the nose and sinuses
- Taking pain killers and following the instructions on the label
- If the symptoms don’t disappear after a week and the pain doesn’t go away, a doctor’s visit is needed
Medical Treatment
If the condition doesn’t improve, the patient must take medicines to:
- Treat the infection
- Relieve pain caused by poor sinus drainage
- Reduce inflammation of the sinuses and nose
The doctor might suggest a combination of different medications, such as:
- Antibiotics to kill bacteria
- Decongestants to reduce swelling of the mucous membranes in the nose
- Analgesics to relieve pain
- Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation in the nasal passages (mostly as nasal spray)
- Mucolytics to thin mucus
Preventive measures
The risk of getting chronic sinusitis may be reduced by:
- Avoiding upper respiratory infections:
- Minimizing contact with people with a cold
- Washing hands regularly with soap and water, particularly before eating
- Keeping allergy symptoms under control
- Avoiding tobacco smoke and polluted air
- Adding moisture to the air, e.g. with humidifier
