Chronic sinus infection is the inflammation of the sinuses and the nasal passages that lasts for more than eight weeks or occurs more than four times in an year. The symptoms, which include headache, pressure in the eyes, nose, cheeks and one side of the head, can last for more than 20 days. The infections can be caused by both bacteria and viruses, and treatment plans should aim to provide relief from the symptoms and cure the infection.
Home Remedies
Applying a warm, moist washcloth to your face several times a day and drinking plenty of fluids can provide relief from nasal congestion that is caused by blocked nasal passages. MedlinePlus also recommends steam inhalation two to four times a day along with the use of a nasal saline spray and humidifier to relieve the blockage and pressure in the sinuses. Other recommendations include avoiding extreme temperatures and air travel.
Analgesics
Analgesics, like acetaminophen, aspirin and ibuprofen, can help relieve pain and are usually available in the drugstore without a prescription. However, it is important to note that the use of aspirin can lead to a potentially fatal disease called Reye's syndrome, which can affect the liver and the brain. Mayo Clinic, therefore, warns against the use of aspirin in children under 18 years of age.
Corticosteroids
The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends nasal corticosteroids like beclomethasone, fluticasone, mometasone and triacinolone to reduce inflammation of the nose and to relieve the symptoms of sneezing, itching and runny nose. Oral corticosteroids like prednisone and methylprednisolone can cause serious side effects when used for a long time, and hence, should be used only in severe cases.
Decongestants
Oral and nasal decongestants can provide relief from nasal congestion. However, the University of Maryland Medical Center cautions that certain decongestants containing pseudoephedrine may raise blood pressure and hence, should not be used by people with high blood pressure or an enlarged prostate. Nasal decongestants can also cause "rebound congestion," which leads to swelling of nasal passages. They should not be used for more than three consecutive days, unless instructed by a doctor.
Antibiotics
Broad-spectrum antibiotics, like amxocillin, cefuroxime, cefataxime, chloramphenicol or trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, are effective against many types of bacteria. For chronic sinus infections, they may be prescribed to be taken for up to three to four weeks.
It is important to note that antibiotics cannot treat chronic sinus infections caused by viruses. However, according to a study conducted by Dr. Hadley Sharp, of the University of Nebraska Medical Center, doctors in the U.S. prescribe antibiotics for nearly 70 percent of chronic sinus infections, despite viruses, not bacteria, being the most frequent cause of these conditions. As a result, an estimated 20 percent of adults and 10 percent of children currently on antibiotics take them for sinus infections.
Surgery
For chronic sinusitis that doesn' t respond to medication, endoscopic sinus surgery may be done to remove the inflamed tissue. Mayo Clinic also recommends enlarging the sinus opening and balloon rhinoplasty, which involves inserting a balloon inside the sinus cavity and then inflating it.
