Alternatives to Sinus Surgery

Sinus surgery is often used as a last resort for chronic and acute sinusitis, a persistent infection of the sinuses that causes mucus drainage, facial pain, swelling and congestion. Although the surgery is minimally invasive, your doctor will attempt to treat your sinusitis by first prescribing decongestants, antihistamines and saline nasal sprays. For severe cases antibiotics may also be given for treatment.

Saline Nasal Sprays

• Saline nasal sprays are available over-the-counter as well as by prescription from your physician. A nasal spray is a medication that is helpful for temporary sinus relief because it irrigates the sinuses and reduces inflammation. Over-the-counter nasal sprays often contain the ingredient benzalkonium chloride, which kills cells in your nose that fight off bacteria, according to William E. Berger, M.D., author of "Allergies and Asthma for Dummies." A lack of neutrophils leaves you susceptible to infections such as chronic sinusitis. Do not use over-the-counter nasal sprays for longer than 3 days, as this medication can worsen symptoms of stuffiness or cause a chemical dependency.

  Vancenase AQ, Flonase and Nasacort AQ are prescription steroidal nasal sprays that are frequently prescribed to sinus sufferers. These sprays should be taken only as directed by your doctor because of their minor side effects. Side effects of prescription steroidal nasal sprays include headaches, allergic reactions, facial pain and skin rashes. According to Drugs.com, prolonged use of steroids can cause skin thinning, acne and bruising. Discontinue use and contact your doctor immediately if any of these symptoms occur.

Decongestants and Antihistamines

• Chronic sinusitis can be caused by prolonged exposure to allergens. Thoroughly cleaning your home every week to two weeks can reduce symptoms. Most antihistamines and decongestants can be purchased at a pharmacy or health food store. Over-the-counter medication usually comes in pill, tablet or liquid form and should be used according to the directions. Decongestants work by constricting blood vessels to shrink swollen mucus membranes, according to Berger. This relieves the common symptoms of congestion and facial pain. Antihistamines block histamines, also known as allergens, from interacting with histamine receptor sites in your body. Antihistamines can cause drowsiness, and you should avoid operating heavy machinery while taking the medication.

Antibiotics

• A chronic sinus infection requires antibiotics and usually takes seven to 10 days to relieve your sinusitis. Common antibiotics include penicillin, cephalosporins, macrolides and fluoroquinolones. These range from mild to severe treatment, with penicillin being the most common antibiotic. Penicillin and Cephalosporins prevent bacteria in the sinuses from building cell walls that protect the infection and allow it to grow. When the bacteria grows larger and the cell wall is not built up enough the bacteria will break through the wall and die. Macrolides and fluoroquinolones prevent bacteria from forming protein, which is needed to grow.

  Follow your antibiotic prescription carefully, and observe side effects during use. According to Drugs.com, side effects of cephalosporins include mild stomach irritation, nausea, fatigue and vaginal discharge. Macrolides' side effects include headache, diarrhea, loss of sense of taste and temporary hearing loss. Fluoroquinolones can cause irregular heart beat, nausea, blurred vision, swelling and weight gain. Rare side effects of fluoroquinolones include hallucinations, fruit-like breath odor, tremors, inflammation, fatigue and shortness of breath.