How should sinusitis be treated?

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on March 27, 2025
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Sinusitis is caused by acute inflammatory infections, mainly hemolytic streptococcus or Staphylococcus aureus. Pathogens enter the sinuses through the sinus openings due to the patient catching a cold or having a flu, leading to congestion, swelling, hyperplasia, and exudation in the sinus mucosa. Symptoms include persistent nasal congestion, discharge of yellow secretions from the nasal cavity accompanied by a foul smell, and severe cases may also experience facial swelling, pain, and headaches. In terms of treatment, during the acute phase, patients need to first undergo symptomatic anti-inflammatory treatment, taking oral antibiotics such as cephalosporins, which are very effective. Additionally, physiological saline is used for nasal and sinus irrigation. If conservative treatment is ineffective, patients may require endoscopic sinus surgery and sinus mucosa clearance for recovery. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Treatment of Chronic Rhinitis and Sinusitis

Chronic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis are due to persistent inflammation following acute inflammatory stimuli or recurrent attacks, leading to nasal and systemic symptoms. Patients may experience facial swelling and pain, headaches, and nasal congestion, generally bilateral and progressively worsening. Additionally, there may be yellow purulent discharge from the nasal cavity, sometimes accompanied by an odor. The examination can reveal congested and edematous bilateral nasal turbinates and abnormal secretions in the nasal cavity. For treatment, patients initially need a sinus CT scan; if sinusitis is confirmed, symptomatic anti-inflammatory treatment is necessary, including oral antibiotics, such as cephalosporins, which are relatively effective. Saline nasal irrigation is also required. If conservative treatment fails, the patient may need endoscopic sinus surgery and partial resection of the bilateral inferior turbinates to recover.

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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 Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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Symptoms of sinusitis in babies

Baby sinusitis is divided into acute sinusitis and chronic sinusitis. Acute sinusitis often occurs during the course of acute rhinitis, with worsened symptoms on the affected side, which can include chills, fever, general malaise, lack of energy, nasal obstruction, purulent nasal discharge, localized pain, headache, reduced sense of smell, and decreased appetite. The symptoms of chronic sinusitis are relatively mild or not obvious, generally including dizziness, easy fatigue, listlessness, poor appetite, reduced memory, and lack of concentration.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Can sinusitis be cured completely?

Sinusitis can be completely cured. Sinusitis, also known as rhinosinusitis, is a condition caused by bacterial infection due to weakened immunity and resistance. Typically, patients may experience sudden high fever with a body temperature above 38°C, dryness and pain in the nasal cavity, and yellow discharge might be present in the nose. Examination can reveal congestion and significant edema of the bilateral middle and inferior turbinates, and abnormal secretions may be found in the middle meatus or common nasal passage. In terms of treatment, since it is a bacterial infection, patients can orally take cephalosporin or penicillin antibiotics, which are effective. Additionally, nasal irrigation with saline solution is necessary. If conservative treatment fails, patients may need to undergo endoscopic sinus surgery and sinus mucosa cleaning to achieve complete recovery. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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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.