A constant sinus infection, also known as chronic sinusitis, can be extremely difficult to deal with; not to mention the extremely painful symptoms that often accompany it. They often last up to 12 weeks (or longer) and can be very difficult to treat. Many people end up undergoing surgical procedures in the pursuit of relief from their symptoms.

CHRONIC VS ACUTE

Sinus infections normally fall into one of two classifications. An acute sinus infection is normally triggered by a cold or flu. While the symptoms can be quite aggravating, acute sinusitis can normally be treated in the comfort of your own home though the use of OTC (over the counter) medications, getting plenty of bed rest and drinking plenty of fluids. Symptoms will usually fade in 7 to 10 days.

Chronic sinusitis is a bit of a different story. While the symptoms are similar to acute, they are much more aggressive and painful and can be much more difficult to treat. A heavy dose of medication is required, and in some instances surgery is as well. Chronic sinusitis sufferers will experience several bouts of chronic sinusitis throughout the year, and they often last upwards towards 12 weeks each time.

TREATING CHRONIC SINUSITIS

Chronic sinusitis is normally treated with a combination of the following medications:

• Antibiotics: normally used for an infection bacterial in nature
• Antifungal meds: used for an infection that is fungal in nature
• Antihistamines: used in instances of allergic reactions and allergic rhinitis
• Anti-inflammatory: to reduce the swelling of the nasal passageways and allow for draining

Oral medications are always the first bet when it comes to treating sinusitis. However, antibiotics deliver medication through the blood stream. Due to the lack of blood flow to the sinuses, this makes them less effective than other methods. There is also a risk of developing resistance to the antibiotics, thus making them ineffective to treat the infection.

SURGERY

If antibiotics are ineffective in treating the sinus infection, sinus surgery is normally the next option. Right now there are 2 minimally invasive procedures that are commonly used to treat sinusitis:

• FESS (functional endoscopic sinus surgery): using an endoscope, the doctor will shave bits of bone and tissue, opening the ostia to allow for drainage.
• Balloon sinuplasty – a small balloon is fed into the nasal passageway using a thin wire. It is then inflated to open the nasal passageway without the risk of bone or tissue damage.

Both of these methods are immediately effective, however they do not treat the infection so many patients must undergo several procedures in their lifetime.

TOPICAL TREATMENTS

Due to antibiotic resistance and the short term relief provided by surgery, many people have begun turning to topical treatments to treat their constant sinus infections. There are three types of topical treatments available:

• Aerosolized therapy: with the use of a nebulizer, medication is nebulized to a 1.0 to 3.2 micron sized particle, enabling the medication to squeeze through the tightest of spots and settle within the deep pits of the sinus cavities.
• Atomized therapy: solution is atomized to a 6.0 to 10.0 micron size. While it may not be as small as aerosolized therapy, the solution is propelled to the farthest reaching spots of the sinuses, coating the nasal passages as well.
• Nasal irrigation: using a neti-pot or other nasal irrigation kit, a saline solution is rinsed through the nasal and sinus passages, flushing all bacteria and irritants.

These methods eliminate any risk offered by surgery or oral medications, and they have been proven to keep people sinus infection free much longer than surgery.

SINUS DYNAMICS

Sinus Dynamics specializes in these treatments to help patients find long lasting relief from their chronic sinus infections. If you have been unable to find the help you need, call us now, and we can help you get a head start on easier breathing, and let you finally get back to enjoying life.

You can reach us at 1.877.447.4276, and one of our friendly staff members will be happy to assist you with any questions or concerns that you may have. Breathing freely shouldn’t be a luxury in life, don’t let your chronic sinusitis keep you down any longer than it already has! Call today!

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