What is new in medical management of sinusitis?

Most often, acute single episodes of sinusitis are successfully treated with medication. Based on the symptoms and possible nasal culture, the appropriate antibiotic can be prescribed. This is enhanced with thoughtful selection of nasal decongestants, nasal steroid sprays, washes, and possible antihistamines. When this fails and the condition progresses to chronic sinusitis, prolonged courses of antibiotics may be attempted. When this fails, a CT scan should be obtained and surgical management should be considered. When is surgery necessary? Sinus surgery is considered based on the longevity and repeated nature of a patient's symptoms and how badly these are affecting the quality of life. The recurrent symptoms are debilitating, interfere with a normal living, and often require excessive use of antibiotic therapy. At this point surgery should strongly be considered. A CT scan is necessary to properly diagnose the location and underlying cause of the recurrent problem. What is new in ...  more