Treatment of Sinusitis
The sinuses are air-filled spaces in the bones around your nose, cheeks, eyes and forehead. Healthy sinuses drain properly and are free of germs and irritants, such as tobacco smoke or dust mites. But sometimes the lining of a sinus becomes inflamed, and bacteria or viruses can enter and multiply inside the body, causing an infection. If sinus infections recur, you may need to take antibiotics to prevent future symptoms.축농증한의원
Treatment options for sinusitis usually include self-care, such as resting, drinking plenty of fluids, using warm compresses and inhaling steam, and keeping the nasal passages moist with saline irrigation solutions. Antibiotics are rarely prescribed for sinus infections caused by a virus, but they may be needed to treat bacterial infections.
To determine whether your sinuses are infected, a healthcare provider will ask you about your symptoms and examine your nose and mouth for signs of swelling and drainage. They might use a nasal endoscope (a thin, lighted tube with a camera on the tip) or order a CT scan of your nose and sinuses to look for blockages and other problems. They might also swab the inside of your nose to get a sample of fluid for laboratory testing. If the results show that you have a bacterial infection, they might prescribe an antibiotic, such as amoxicillin, which can help to clear up the bacteria. You might need to continue taking the medication until your symptoms are completely gone and the tests suggest that the infection is not present.
In addition to antibiotics, some people are helped by over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or aspirin. Nasal decongestants, such as phenylethylamine or pseudoephedrine, can also reduce nasal congestion and pain. Some patients find relief from steroid sprays, which can reduce inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages.
Some people with chronic sinusitis can avoid antibiotics by reducing the underlying cause, such as allergies. Antihistamines can be helpful in doing this because they reduce the release of histamines that cause tissues to swell. These medicines come in tablet, liquid and spray form and are available over-the-counter and by prescription.
Sinusitis is a common condition that can be uncomfortable and interfere with normal activities. It can recur frequently and lead to complications, such as a cyst or tumor. However, many patients with sinusitis can manage their symptoms and prevent recurrence by following a few simple steps, including:
The most important thing is to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for the medication. A missed dose or stopping the medication too soon can allow the bacteria to grow back and cause an infection that is more difficult to treat. Your doctor can tell you how to keep your sinuses healthy by avoiding things that can make them inflamed, such as cigarette smoke and environmental allergens. They can also recommend ways to increase the moisture in your body, such as by drinking lots of fluids and using a humidifier. In some cases, surgery to remove the clogged sinuses might be necessary.라경찬한의원