How to treat sinusitis?

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on November 23, 2024
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In clinical practice, the treatment for sinusitis depends on the patient's symptoms, whether it is acute or chronic sinusitis, and whether there are any complications associated with acute sinusitis. Generally, for sinusitis, the main treatment involves the local use of nasal corticosteroids sprays such as mometasone furoate.

Additionally, oral anti-inflammatory drugs are used, mainly macrolide antibiotics such as erythromycin and clarithromycin. Some Chinese patent medicines that open orifices aromatically can also be used, such as Bi Tong Jing Granules and Dan Xiang Bi Yan Tablets, to provide auxiliary treatment. Of course, a CT scan of the sinuses can also be performed to assess the extent of the lesion and determine if the problem can be resolved through surgery.

(Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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What is sinusitis?

Sinusitis is a nonspecific inflammation of the sinus mucosa, a common and frequently occurring illness. Its onset is often due to diseases of the nasal cavity such as nasal polyps, allergic rhinitis, deviated nasal septum, hypertrophy of the nasal turbinates, or nasal cavity tumors that block the sinus ostia, all of which can lead to sinusitis. Patients with sinusitis typically experience symptoms such as nasal congestion, purulent nasal discharge, and headaches. Usually, a diagnosis requires sinus CT scans, either plain or enhanced, to confirm the occurrence of sinusitis. Once diagnosed, most cases of sinusitis can be alleviated with oral medication. However, a small number of patients who are difficult to cure may need surgery to open the sinus ostia and maintain drainage, thus curing the sinusitis.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can sinusitis cause a fever?

Sinusitis may cause fever, but this is mainly seen in acute sinusitis or during the acute flare-ups of chronic sinusitis, which relatively tends to provoke a fever. If it is just a mild case of sinusitis or plain chronic sinusitis, most patients do not experience significant fever changes, but they might have symptoms like nasal congestion, runny nose, headaches, dizziness, and a decrease in the sense of smell. When experiencing a fever, it is important to visit an otolaryngology department as soon as possible where you might consider undergoing a routine blood test to check the extent of the inflammatory response. Most patients will need to consider antibiotic treatment for the infection. If the body temperature exceeds 38.5 degrees Celsius, there may be a need to consider antipyretic medications. If the fever is below 38.5 degrees, physical cooling measures are generally recommended, but it is necessary to regularly reassess and monitor the temperature, selecting targeted treatments based on the fluctuations of the condition. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How to treat hypertrophic turbinates and sinusitis?

Nasal hypertrophy and sinusitis are relatively common diseases. In terms of treatment, it is first necessary to visit the Otolaryngology department, where an endoscopic nasal examination, sinus CT scan, and routine blood test should be conducted to assess the severity of the condition. If the inflammatory response is relatively localized, it is generally considered treatable with medication. If the inflammatory response is particularly severe, accompanied by related clinical symptoms such as nasal congestion, thick nasal discharge, headache, dizziness, and reduced sense of smell, and if the effect of standardized conservative medical treatment is not satisfactory, surgical treatment may also be considered. However, whether it is medical treatment or surgical treatment, regular follow-up checks are necessary to observe if there is any recurrence of the condition. (Please take medication under the guidance of a professional physician.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can sinusitis cause a fever?

Sinusitis can potentially cause fever, primarily seen in cases of acute sinusitis or acute exacerbation of chronic sinusitis. Additionally, some cases are due to a systemic or localized inflammatory response caused by fungal sinusitis, leading to related changes in the condition. For fever, it is first necessary to check the body temperature. If the temperature is below 38.5 degrees Celsius, physical cooling methods are generally recommended. If the temperature exceeds 38.5 degrees Celsius, antipyretic medications should be considered. In cases of acute bacterial infections, timely antibiotic treatment for infection should be considered, along with using saline solution to wash the nasal cavity. If inflammation occurs repeatedly and conservative medication treatment is not effective, surgery may need to be considered.

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Written by Li Rui
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Can you smoke with sinusitis?

Patients with sinusitis are advised not to smoke, as cigarettes have a relatively strong irritation and may affect the treatment of sinusitis, as well as increase the degree of inflammatory response. Some patients may also suffer from acute upper respiratory tract infections. Therefore, patients with sinusitis should visit an ENT specialist as soon as they experience symptoms, undergo a nasal endoscopy and sinus CT scan to assess the severity of the condition. Most patients can consider conservative treatment. Common treatments include nasal spray medications, oral medications, and rinsing the nasal cavity with saline. Regular follow-ups during the treatment process are needed to observe the treatment effects.