Ear/Nose/Throat

Sinusitis

Acute sinusitis, Sinus infection, Rhinosinusitis

Sinusitis, also called a sinus infection, is the inflammation of the sinuses—air-filled spaces in the skull around the nose and eyes. It often develops after a cold or allergies cause swelling that blocks normal mucus drainage, leading to congestion, facial pressure, headache, and nasal discharge. Most cases are viral and improve within 7–10 days without antibiotics, though bacterial sinusitis can cause more severe or persistent symptoms. Chronic sinusitis lasts for 12 weeks or longer and may involve ongoing inflammation, often linked to allergies, nasal polyps, or structural issues. Treatment may include nasal saline rinses, decongestants, corticosteroid sprays, and, in some cases, antibiotics or surgery.

The treatment landscape for sinusitis includes both symptomatic relief and targeted therapies. Pain, rhinorrhea, and fever are commonly managed with supportive care. Antibiotics like amoxicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanate, doxycycline, and levofloxacin are used to treat bacterial sinusitis, with the choice depending on factors such as severity, resistance patterns, and patient characteristics. Intranasal corticosteroids like fluticasone and decongestants such as pseudoephedrine and oxymetazoline provide symptomatic relief, while saline rinses help clear mucus and enhance the delivery of topical medications. The selection of treatment depends on the underlying cause, symptom severity, and individual patient factors.

Sinusitis

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8 Treatments for Sinusitis

Lifestyle
Nasal Saline Rinse

Nasal irrigation, nasal wash, Neti-pot

5.0 (2)
Over the Counter Medication
5.0 (1)
Prescription Medication
5.0 (1)
Over the Counter Medication
5.0 (1)
Prescription Medication
Levofloxacin

Levaquin

4.0 (1)
Prescription Medication
4.0 (1)
Prescription Medication
4.0 (1)
Over the Counter Medication
Pseudoephedrine

Sudafed

4.0 (1)

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