Sinus Infection Treatment
Sinus infection, more commonly referred to as sinusitis, is an inflammation of the sinuses caused by the infection of the sinuses by viral, bacterial, fungal, allergic, or autoimmune responses. These infections are usually classified as acute, with the infection occurring for less than four weeks, subacute with the infection occurring for 4 to 12 weeks and chronic, with the infection going on for 12 weeks or more. The symptoms of sinusitis are similar for each type and thus it is hard to distinguish which type of sinusitis is present. Sinus infection treatment depends on the cause of the infection and the severity of the symptoms
Sinus infection can result in extreme pain and pressure in and around the different sinuses that are connected to the nasal cavity. This can include pain and inflammation in and around the eyes, cheeks, headache and pain in the frontal nasal cavities. Viral sinusitis is usually more acute and can last for seven to ten days, where bacterial sinusitis can usually be considered more chronic and persistent. People with allergies, structural problems, nasal polyps, and smokers are generally predisposed to sinus infections.
Sinus infection treatment can range from conservative treatment with over the counter medications to more invasive procedures such as surgery for the most chronic and serious sinus infections. For acute sinus infections, conservative treatment with acetaminophen or ibuprofen can relieve the symptoms of inflammation and the pain caused by headache, pressure and fatigue. Nasal irrigation with saline solutions can also provide relief in acute cases where there is not a bacterial cause present. Over-the-counter nasal sprays can also be of benefit.
Where there is a bacterial cause determined for sinusitis, the use of antibiotics is generally necessary for the infection to clear up. Sinus infection treatment with antibiotics is fairly common in the U.S. The goal is to eliminate the buildup of bacteria in the sinus cavities. While acute sinusitis may be precipitated by a viral respiratory infection, it may be further aggravated by a bacterial infection. Chronic sinusitis is usually always treated with antibiotics due to the presence of bacteria. For acute, uncomplicated cases, amoxicillin is most commonly prescribed. This antibiotic is usually effective against the microorganisms responsible for the infection. People who are allergic to penicillin make take a sulfur-containing antibiotic called TMP/SMX.
For more chronic cases, patients may have to take stronger antibiotics because they have developed a resistance to amoxicillin and TMP/SMX due to previous treatment for recurring acute episodes. In these cases, sinus infection treatment can include treatment with broader spectrum antibiotics including newer synthetic penicillins and cephalosporins including augmentin, cefuroxomine and loracarbef. Nasal corticosteroids are also used in conjunction with antibiotics.
In cases where there are nasal polyps involved or other anomalies of the sinus cavity, surgery may be indicated as the sinus infection treatment of choice, but this is usually done after all medical avenues have been exhausted. Surgery is only considered once it has been determined that sufficient relief cannot be achieved by optimal medical treatment.
