How to treat sinusitis?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on December 13, 2024
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The treatment of sinusitis is mainly divided into three categories. The first category is observation and follow-up; the second category is medication treatment; the third is surgical treatment. If the sinusitis is very mild and does not have obvious clinical symptoms, and the nasal cavity is relatively clean, most of these cases can be considered for observation without particular treatment. If the inflammation is more pronounced, accompanied by nasal congestion, a runny nose, headache, and dizziness, most of these cases should consider medication treatment, which usually involves oral medications and nasal sprays. Additionally, rinsing the nasal cavity with saline can be considered. If the inflammatory response is particularly severe and symptoms are pronounced, and if standard medication treatment is ineffective, surgery may need to be considered. Currently, the main surgical option is endoscopic sinus surgery. Generally, this approach is quite effective, causes less damage, and allows for a relatively quick recovery.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How to treat sinusitis?

The treatment for sinusitis primarily involves conservative medication, as well as surgical procedures. Generally, conservative medical treatment is the standard first-line method. In terms of treatment methods, antibacterial therapy is mainly used, along with the oral administration of traditional Chinese medicine preparations, and mucolytic agents, which help alleviate sinus inflammation and facilitate the discharge of secretions from the nasal and sinus cavities. Additionally, nasal irrigation with saline solution can be considered to further improve the condition. If standardized medical treatment is ineffective, or in cases of fungal sinusitis, we may consider conducting minimally invasive sinus surgery using nasal endoscopy. Overall, the outcomes of surgical treatment are usually quite good, but regular follow-up examinations are needed to check for any recurrence of the condition.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What should be paid attention to with sinusitis?

The precautions for sinusitis mainly include the following aspects: First, it is important to determine the degree and type of sinusitis. Currently, sinusitis is primarily classified into two main types: fungal sinusitis and bacterial sinusitis. It is recommended to assess the severity of the inflammation. For mild inflammation, conservative treatment is generally considered. For severe inflammation or fungal sinusitis, surgery may be necessary. Second, it is important to take precautions in daily life to avoid exacerbating sinusitis, especially by avoiding colds and opting for a lighter diet. Third, monitor the recovery of sinusitis in daily life and check for any possible complications. Therefore, it is necessary to visit an otolaryngology (ENT) clinic regularly for follow-up.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Does sinusitis cause coughing?

Sinusitis may cause coughing since the condition presents with various symptoms. Common symptoms include nasal congestion, purulent nasal discharge, headaches, dizziness, reduced sense of smell, and postnasal drip. Some patients may experience coughing, often due to the postnasal drip where secretions from the nasal cavity and nasopharynx flow into the throat, leading to an irritating cough, typically a dry cough. This secretion irritates the throat, causing itchiness and resulting in a cough. Additionally, sinusitis can induce pharyngitis as the ear, nose, and throat are interconnected. Sinusitis may lead to conditions such as otitis media (middle ear infection) and pharyngitis, which can directly cause coughing. Hence, it is necessary to seek timely medical treatment at a hospital upon the onset of symptoms.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What are the symptoms of acute sinusitis?

The symptoms of acute sinusitis are quite varied, with the most common ones being nasal congestion, purulent nasal discharge, headache, and dizziness. In severe cases, it may also cause facial swelling and numbness, but individual differences exist. Some patients may exhibit one or two of these symptoms, while others may have various additional symptoms, considering them comprehensively. Generally, it is primarily due to acute bacterial infection, and the main treatment is antibiotics to fight the infection. In addition, consideration can be given to combining traditional Chinese medicine and mucolytic agents for adjunctive treatment. Persistently rinsing the nasal cavity with saline solution can also help in the recovery of the condition. Generally, the treatment period requires about one to two weeks and needs regular follow-up to monitor for any recurrence. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Li Rui
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Should sinusitis use hot compress or cold compress?

Generally speaking, neither cold nor hot compresses are necessary for sinusitis, because sinusitis is mainly an acute or chronic bacterial infection of the sinuses. Common symptoms include nasal congestion, purulent nasal discharge, and reduced sense of smell. Some people may also experience headaches and dizziness. The main treatment is still medication, and it is also possible to consider rinsing the nasal cavity with saline solution, regular follow-ups, and if the inflammation is severe, sinus opening surgery may need to be considered, which currently mainly involves endoscopic sinus surgery. Overall, neither hot nor cold compresses have a therapeutic effect on sinusitis, so they are not recommended.