Your Guide to Common Treatment Methods for Sinusitis

Sinuses are hollow spaces within the bones of your face. They are between your eyes, behind your cheekbones, and on your forehead. They help produce mucus, and healthy sinuses are usually filled with air. However, in some cases, sinuses can become blocked and filled with fluid. This fluid buildup can sometimes cause your sinuses to become infected, requiring sinus treatment in Singapore. 

Acute sinusitis is a common condition that everyone is likely to have encountered at some point in their lives. The common cold, allergies, or nasal polyps can cause it. Generally, acute sinusitis lasts anywhere from a few days to about 4 weeks. 

If your symptoms do not improve after 12 weeks, then you might have chronic sinusitis, and different medical interventions might be necessary.

Common Treatment Methods for Acute and Chronic Sinusitis

Acute sinusitis will generally improve on its own, and treatments are focused more on symptom relief. However, for chronic sinusitis, there might be other underlying issues that could require more advanced treatments to get to the root of the problem.

Saline Nasal Spray or Aromatherapy

At-home remedies like saline nasal sprays/rinse or aromatherapy are used to relieve congestion during a bout of sinusitis. Saline nasal sprays work by thinning and loosening thick mucus inside the nasal passageway to relieve symptoms of congestion and reduce discomfort. They also add moisture to nasal passageways to prevent them from becoming even more inflamed.

Essential oils like eucalyptus and peppermint oils can help to open airways and are often used in aromatherapy for sinusitis treatment. Both essential oils and nasal sprays can be purchased over the counter and do not require prescriptions.

Decongestants and Allergy Medications

Decongestants work by narrowing blood vessels to allow mucus to drain and make it easier to breather. They come in both nasal sprays and oral forms and can be effective in relieving symptoms. 

Allergy medications are best used to treat sinusitis caused by allergy symptoms. They can include steroid nasal sprays and antihistamines. Both decongestants and allergy medication are available over the counter although some forms might need a prescription

Nasal Sprays

There are generally three kinds of nasal sprays used for treating sinusitis. They include saline nasal sprays and steroid nasal sprays, which have been covered above. The third type of nasal spray is menthol nasal sprays, which act on menthol receptors in the nasal cavity and create a cooling sensation that increases comfort.

Immunotherapy

Also known as allergy shots, immunotherapy can be used for recurring bouts of acute sinusitis or for patients who have chronic sinusitis which has not responded to other forms of sinusitis treatment. Rather than treating the symptom, immunotherapy works to eliminate future allergic reactions by exposing the body to small doses of an allergen.

Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS), is a surgical option for recurring or chronic sinusitis conditions. It is a minimally invasive procedure that uses an endoscope to operate on the sinuses through the nostril. 

Performed under general anesthesia, this form of sinus surgery in Singapore is effective at eliminating blockages that cause sinus issues. These blockages can include bony partitions, polyps, or trapped mucus, or pus.

Sinus infections are a common occurrence and usually not a cause for concern. By following the common treatment methods listed above, you can relieve the symptoms and let the infection clear up naturally. If your symptoms persist for longer periods of time, then it might be advisable to visit an ENT specialist in Singapore to review your medical options.

Dr Gan Eng Cern is a Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) surgeon with over 15 years of experience in sinusitis treatment in Singapore. Contact us today with your queries and our team will be glad to answer any questions and set up an appointment for you.

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