Acute Sinusitis Treatment

Sinusitis is more commonly called rhinosinusitis, due to the involvement and inflammation of the nasal cavity in addition to the sinuses. There are several different forms of sinusitis: acute, subacute and chronic sinusitis. Sinusitis refers to inflammation of the sinuses. When an obstruction is present, mucus and pressure can build up, allowing for bacterial growth. 

Acute sinusitis normally lasts from one day to four weeks. Acute rhinosinusitis most frequently results from a viral infection, but may occur from bacterial infection as well. Subacute rhinosinusitis is a sinus infection that ranges in duration from four weeks to three months. It is often treated in the same method as acute sinusitis. Chronic rhinosinusitis is defined by symptoms that last longer than three months.

The main method in treating acute sinusitis is antibiotics, since many of the infections are bacterial. To relieve the symptoms, the physician may prescribe nasal saline rinses or nasal corticosteroids to reduce the inflammation. Decongestants may also be helpful to control symptoms. In chronic sinusitis, the mainstays of therapy include saline rinses and topical steroids, with some benefit being gained from antibiotics and oral steroids.