_edited.png)
Chronic Sinusitis Treatment
Having chronic sinusitis can cause several different issues that can severely impact your quality of life. When you make sure you have an effective treatment for chronic sinusitis, treatment may help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.
​
There are two different types of sinusitis: acute viral sinusitis and acute bacterial sinusitis. Each type of sinusitis needs to be treated differently. Chronic sinusitis can be an ongoing or recurring condition. However, there are several ways it can be treated.
Your sinuses are four sets of hollow cavities which are located in the front area of your skull. They are lined with mucosa and keep your nose clear of germs, pollen, dust, pollutants, and mold. When they become blocked or inflamed, you can suffer from facial pain, migraines, fatigue, and even bad breath. You may be diagnosed by one of our ENT specialists with chronic sinusitis if your sinuses are inflamed for three months or longer. With this condition, the mucus doesn’t drain properly from your sinuses, and your nose becomes stuffy. You may have difficulty breathing, and your eyes may be swollen and sore.
Examination of the Sinuses
Dr. Kim may examine your sinuses with a fiber-optic light on the end of a flexible tube to see if you are suffering from polyps, tumors, or a deviated septum.
In-Office CT Scan
An in-office CT scan will provide us with a detailed look at your sinus and nasal area. Using this kind of imaging allows the ear, nose and throat specialist to see if there is any blockage or inflammation in your sinuses such as tumors, fungi, or polyps.
Sample of Nasal Discharge
Dr. Kim may also take a sample of any nasal or sinus discharge and run a culture. This is not always necessary, but if your condition is particularly advanced, the lab results may show the presence of bacteria or fungi.
Allergy Test
It is possible that allergies are causing chronic sinusitis. Dr. Kim may conduct a skin test or the RAST (radioallergosorbent test) which is a blood test that can detect whether specific IgE antibodies are present, thereby indicating a true allergic reaction to a substance.
Oral or injected corticosteroids can relieve inflammation from chronic sinusitis, particularly if you have nasal polyps. However, you should be mindful that oral corticosteroids can cause serious side effects when used long-term. They are only used to treat severe symptoms.
Nasal corticosteroid nasal sprays are used to treat inflammation. Among those available are fluticasone, budesonide, mometasone, triamcinolone, and beclomethasone. Dr. Kim may suggest a rinsing solution like saline mixed with drops of budesonide.
Using saline nasal irrigation with your nasal spray or solution can reduce drainage and rinse allergies and other irritants.
Allergy medications may provide some relief if you find that your chronic sinusitis is caused by allergies. Many people do not wish to use allergy medications long-term.
Aspirin desensitization treatment can help if you have a reaction to aspirin. Sometimes it can cause sinusitis and nasal polyps. Dr. Kim will supervise increasing your dose, so you build up a tolerance.
Antibiotics can be used if your infection is bacterial. They can also be used with other medications.
Allergy shots (immunotherapy) can help reduce your reaction to specific allergens and may improve your condition. Often allergies can contribute to your sinusitis. Contact us today to find out more about an effective treatment for sinusitis and book a consultation.
Steroid injections can help if you aren’t responding to any other treatments or have had issues with your sinusitis for more than 12 weeks. Injections can help reduce inflammation and swelling. However, they are usually used as a last resort.
Dr. Kim may decide you need an injection of dupilumab or omalizumab if you suffer from nasal polyps and chronic sinusitis. It can help reduce the nasal polyps’ size and reduce congestion.
You should schedule an appointment with us for:
-
Repeated sinusitis, and if the condition doesn't get better with treatment.
-
Sinusitis symptoms that last more than 10 days.
-
-
Protect your health - Try to stay away from people who have colds or other infections. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially before meals.
-
Manage allergies - Work with your health care provider to keep symptoms under control - Stay away from things you're allergic to when possible.
-
Avoid cigarette smoke and polluted air - Tobacco smoke and other pollutants can irritate the lungs and inside the nose, called the nasal passages.
-
Use a humidifier - If the air in your home is dry, adding moisture to the air with a humidifier may help prevent sinusitis. Be sure the humidifier stays clean and free of mold with regular, complete cleaning.
-