Treatments For Sinus Disease

Sinus disease, or sinusitis, affects millions of people worldwide every year. Although the cause of symptoms may vary, the outcome is often the same: congestion, sinus pressure, sore throat and dry nose. If not treated promptly, sinusitis may develop into a nasty infection.

Causes

• Allergies: Outdoor triggers include ragweed, grass, hay, flowers and mold. Indoor allergy triggers include mold, pet dander, dust and certain houseplants.

  Dry nose: The winter months are especially dry, and indoor heaters exacerbate the dryness and increase the chance of extra mucus buildup.

  Narrow nasal cavity: Those born with a narrow nasal passage are more likely to develop recurring sinusitis.

Time Frame

• Outdoor allergies affect some people in the spring and others in the fall, subsiding after the first frost; still others cause symptoms all year. As long as the allergen is present, sufferers of indoor allergies can have sinus issues year-round.

Medicinal Treatments

• Over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription treatments include:
  • Nasal saline spray
  • Decongestant
  • Expectorant
  • Corticosteroid (nasal, oral or injectable)
  • Acetaminophen or ibuprofen

Alternative Treatments

• Home remedies that have shown effective include:
  • Nasal irrigation (e.g., neti pot)
  • Humidifier
  • Steam bath
  • Hydration (i.e., drink plenty of fluids)
  • Head elevation at night

Other Treatments

• If OTC, prescription and alternative treatments fail to deliver relief, more drastic measures can be taken to correct severe or recurring sinusitis:
  • Antibiotics (only for bacterial infections)
  • Immunotherapy (i.e., allergy shots)
  • Surgery