A chronic sinus infection is the inflammation of the sinus cavity that lasts for three months or longer, according to MedlinePlus. The sinuses are a large cavity located behind the eyes and cheekbones that are lined with mucus membranes. If the sinuses become irritated, blood flow increases to the tissue and mucus membranes produce more mucus, which leads to inflammation and congestion. Different remedies are used to treat chronic sinusitis. A doctor recommends the appropriate approach to a chronic sinus infection.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are used to treat chronic sinus infections and are available only by a doctor's prescription. FamilyDoctor.org states that most antibiotics used to treat a sinus infection are prescribed for 10 to 14 days but will improve symptoms in most people after two days of use. Antibiotics are only used for bacterial sinus infections and are not effective on other types of chronic sinus infections such as viral or fungal.
Other Medications
Chronic sinus infections can be remedied using over-the-counter medications and prescribed corticosteroids. Decongestants, pain relievers and antihistamines are used to treat chronic sinus infections, according to MedlinePlus. Decongestants reduce nasal inflammation, pain relievers alleviate sinus pain and antihistamines prevent and treat allergy symptoms that can cause nasal congestion. Prescribed corticosteroids are a steroid nasal spray that prevents inflammation.
Sinus Surgery
Sinus surgery is required in severe cases of chronic sinusitis caused by nasal deformities or nasal growths. A deviated septum, facial injuries and nasal polyps can cause continual sinus infections that are only remedied with surgical procedures. A deviated septum is a condition where the center bone of the nose is off-centered, restricting a person's ability to breathe properly through the nose and is only corrected through reconstructive surgery. Facial injuries can lead to structural deformities that need to be corrected with surgery. Nasal polyps are growths throughout the sinuses that can cause obstruction and perpetual congestion.
Immunotherapy
According to the Mayo Clinic, immunotherapy, or allergy shots, are used to treat chronic sinus infections resulting from chronic allergy conditions such as hayfever. Immunotherapy is administered by an allergist over a few years by injecting small amounts of the allergen into the person's body to desensitize the immune system to the allergen. Immunotherapy is not for everyone and could lead to severe allergic reactions. Talk with an allergist before considering this treatment.
