Sinusitis - chronic

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Chronic sinusitis

Sinuses

Sinusitis

Chronic sinus infection; Chronic sinusitis

The goal of treatment is to cure the infection and make symptoms go away.

Antibiotics may be given if the infection is caused by bacteria. Antibiotic treatment usually takes 3 to 4 weeks.

Oral decongestants, pills taken by mouth that help relieve a stuffy nose, are sometimes used. Nasal sprays (topical steroids) may help relieve symptoms of chronic sinusitis that are due to allergies.

Over-the-counter analgesics (pain killers) may be used to control pain.

Surgery to clean and drain the sinuses may be needed. Surgical repair of a deviated septum or nasal obstruction may prevent chronic sinusitis from returning.

Chronic sinus infections can usually be cured, but may require extended treatment.

Chronic sinusitis tends to come back, particularly if underlying conditions such as nasal blockages are not corrected.

• Chronic sinusitis comes back
• Infection spreads to the bones of the face (osteomyelitis)
• Infection spreads to the brain (meningitis)
• Abscess forms, including (rarely) brain abscess

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of chronic sinusitis develop. Also call if acute sinusitis symptoms do not improve with treatment.

Review Date: 08/08/2006
Reviewed By: D. Scott Smith, M.D., MSc, DTM&H, Chief of Infectious Disease & Geographic Medicine, Kaiser Redwood City, CA & Adjunct Assistant Professor, Stanford University. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.