Acute sinusitis is a common condition that affects millions of people each year. It is characterized by inflammation of the lining of the sinuses which triggers a myriad of symptoms, including congestion, headache, facial pain, and a runny or stuffy nose. While acute sinusitis can be uncomfortable and disruptive, it can be effectively treated with a variety of different approaches. If you or a loved one live with acute sinusitis, it may be beneficial to familiarize yourself with the various treatment options and to determine which may be best for you.
Symptoms
Sinusitis is a condition in which the tissue lining the sinuses becomes inflamed, usually due to an infection. Symptoms of the condition can range from mild, such as nasal congestion and discharge, to severe, such as fever, chills and fatigue. Some of the more common symptoms of sinusitis are as follows:
- Pain and pressure in the face, especially around the eyes, forehead, and cheeks
- Nasal congestion and discharge, which may be thick and discoloured
- Postnasal drip, which can cause coughing and a sore throat
- Headache, especially over the affected sinuses
- Toothache or pain in the upper jaw
- Hindered sense of taste and smell
- General feelings of fatigue and malaise
- Fever and chills (less common)
For how long symptoms last depends on whether you have acute sinusitis or chronic sinusitis. Symptoms of the former typically last for four weeks or less, while symptoms of the latter can continue for 12 weeks or more. If you experience one or more of these symptoms for 12 weeks or more, consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Treatments
Treatment measures for acute sinusitis range from at-home remedies, such as rest and hydration, to more invasive procedures, such as surgery. Treatment may be a one-time deal, or it may require continuous and ongoing efforts. Below are the most common treatment measures for acute sinusitis:
- Rest and Hydration: One of the most important things you can do when you have acute sinusitis is to rest and stay hydrated, as both help to fight infection and promote healing. While resting, be sure to drink plenty of fluids, such as water and herbal tea, and get plenty of shut eye.
- Over-the-Counter Medications: Several over-the-counter medications are designed to relieve the symptoms of acute sinusitis. Among those include pain relievers, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, decongestants like pseudoephedrine, and saline nasal sprays. Before taking any OTC mediations, however, read the directions on the package carefully and consult with your doctor or pharmacist to address any questions or concerns ahead of time.
- Prescription Medications: If over-the-counter medications are ineffective at relieving your sinus pain, your provider may resort to prescription medications. This is particularly true if the infection is bacterial, as antibiotics help to combat these types of infections. If inflammation is present, your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids. If your symptoms are the result of allergies, your healthcare provider may recommend antihistamines, which help to reduce symptoms of sinus conditions.
- Nasal Irrigation: Nasal irrigation, also known as nasal lavage or nasal saline irrigation, entails using a saline solution and specific device to flush out the sinuses. Nasal irrigation does this by loosening the mucus so that it can more easily flow out of the nasal cavities and relieve digestion. There are several types of nasal irrigation devices available, including neti pots, squeeze bottles and nasal irrigators.
- Lifestyle changes: By making certain lifestyle changes, you may be able to reduce your risk of developing acute sinusitis or prevent recurrent episodes. Lifestyle changes may include quitting smoking, avoiding environmental irritants like cigarette smoke and pollution, and taking steps to manage any underlying allergies.
- Surgery: In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to treat acute sinusitis. This may be the case if you have a structural abnormality in your sinuses that is contributing to your symptoms, such as a deviated septum. Surgery may also be necessary if you have a severe or persistent infection that fails to respond to other, less invasive treatment measures.
- Complementary therapies: Some people find relief from acute sinusitis symptoms by using complementary therapies like acupuncture, herbal remedies or steam inhalation. While these therapies have not been extensively studied for their effectiveness in treating acute sinusitis, they may be worth exploring if you are looking for natural or alternative approaches.
