Acute Sinusitis Treatment
Decongestants
Nasal decongestants are over the counter medications. They are available as tablets, liquids, and nasal sprays. One should use them. However, for not more than seven consecutive days. Otherwise, it might cause a more serve congestion, known as rebound congestion.
Saline nasal sprays
Doctors prescribe these only to clean the nasal passage. They have no adverse side effects and can be used several times a day.
Painkiller
Painkillers such as ibuprofen and paracetamol are necessary to relieve facial pain and fever. Stronger painkillers like codeine are sometimes used for severe headaches but only for a short period. Adults can use aspirin as well. However, doctors recommend careful use of aspirin in children and teenagers. Studies show that it may cause Reye syndrome in children recovering from flu-like symptoms and chicken pox.
Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Doctors resort to surgery to treat recurrent acute sinusitis. FESS is the conventional surgical procedure that involves the removal of tissues and bones from the nose to open the nasal passage. Besides the uncomfortable nasal packing, FESS causes scarring and post-surgery pains.
Balloon Sinuplasty
It is a breakthrough technology that is minimally invasive. Qualified ENT doctors can perform it in their office. The doctor first inserts a small balloon catheter into the nasal passage until it reaches the inflamed sinus. The doctor then inflates the balloon slowly to restructure the passage.
The main advantage of balloon sinuplasty is that it maintains the normal sinus anatomy as it does not involve the removal of a bone or tissue. The patient often returns to their regular activity the same day after the procedure.
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