08 Mar How can chronic sinusitis be treated?

Many patients with chronic sinusitis suffer for years from annoying symptoms that restrict their quality of life. These include a constantly blocked or runny nose, an unpleasant feeling of pressure, sometimes also a restricted sense of smell and headaches. Most sufferers are also affected by frequently recurring infections. Even if sinusitis is chronic, this does not mean that it cannot be treated. In this blog post, we show you various treatment methods.

Causes of chronic sinusitis

Various factors can contribute to the development of chronic sinusitis. The most common triggers include changes that prevent adequate ventilation of the nose. These can be allergic swelling or inflammation, but also anatomical changes such as a curved nasal septum, narrowing of the sinus openings, nasal polyps or cysts.

Other causes can be diseases such as Cystic fibrosisdiseases of the immune system or benign or malignant tumours. What most patients don't even think about is that dental inflammation can also cause chronic sinusitis. This is the case, for example, if there is inflammation of the root of the tooth. You ("this" would mean the root of the tooth. Always refers to the latter noun) can ascend into the maxillary sinus (dentogenic sinusitis) and manifest itself there.

Conventional measures to treat chronic sinusitis

Whilst a short cold is annoying but not very troublesome, it is unpleasant to be unable to breathe properly through the nose in the long term. Chronic sinusitis can be treated conventionally. These include, for example

• Nasal sprays containing cortisone
  The medication cortisone reduces the swelling of the mucous membranes in the sinuses. The full effect of cortisone sprays usually sets in after a few days. To achieve lasting relief from the symptoms, it is often necessary to take the medication for several months. Cortisone sprays are often used for nasal polyps or to avoid surgery. The disadvantage is that the sprays can irritate or dry out the nasal mucosa, especially if used over a long period of time. This can lead to increased nosebleeds.
• Antibiotics
  Sinusitis is usually caused by viruses. Antibiotics that are primarily effective against bacteria are therefore only useful in rare or specific cases: in the case of extremely severe symptoms, fever above 38.5 degrees and worsening symptoms, as well as in patients with chronic inflammatory lung disease or other serious underlying illnesses.
• Antihistamines
  If the sinusitis is the result of Allergy treatment with antihistamines can be useful.
• Conventional decongestant nasal drops/nasal sprays
  Nasal drops and nasal sprays with active ingredients such as xylometazoline soothe the mucous membrane and reduce swelling. As a result, nasal breathing improves temporarily. This can help you sleep better at night, for example. The disadvantage of these medications is that the decongestants can also quickly have the opposite effect. This means that the nasal mucosa swells up again after just a few hours. The more often you use the medication, the stronger this effect can be (keyword: Nasal spray addiction). Nasal drops and nasal sprays should therefore not be used continuously for more than a few days. For this reason, they are not suitable for the long-term treatment of chronic sinusitis.
• Painkillers
  Well-known painkillers from the pharmacy can relieve pain, but do not speed up the healing process in the case of chronic sinusitis. They should only be taken for a few days as they can cause stomach problems, for example.
• Inhalation and nasal rinsing
  Many patients can achieve good results in the treatment of sinusitis symptoms by inhaling or rinsing with saline solutions. The swelling of the mucous membrane can be reduced and secretions can be loosened. It is also possible to heat water and inhale the pure vapour. If desired, essential oils (e.g. peppermint oil) can be added.
• Biologics
  These are anti-inflammatory agents that are also used in the treatment of rheumatism. Since October 2019, biologics have also been approved as a form of treatment for severe chronic sinusitis.
• Home remedies and alternative healing methods
  Patients can support the treatment of sinusitis with simple measures: These include an increased fluid intake to liquefy the nasal secretions. Many patients also find exposure to red light particularly beneficial. Another tip is to put your head in a higher position when sleeping. This makes it easier to breathe through the nose. Some patients swear by taking zinc. Alternative approaches such as acupuncture or osteopathy can alleviate accompanying symptoms.

Paranasal sinus surgery

In our ENT clinic in Frankfurt we offer paranasal sinus surgery. We perform microscopic and endoscopic minimally invasive surgery on the paranasal sinuses or maxillary sinuses, ethmoid cells, frontal sinuses or sphenoid sinuses. We remove pathologically altered mucous membranes or polyps, for example, while carefully protecting the surrounding important structures, and use special instruments to widen structures that are too narrow.

Click here for more information: Sinus surgery Frankfurt

Nasal septum surgery

Chronic sinusitis can also be caused by a deviated nasal septum. If this is straightened surgically, breathing can be made significantly easier. The susceptibility to infections can also be reduced. Positive side effect: If the nose looked crooked due to the curvature of the nasal septum, the operation also has an effect on the appearance.

Further information: Nasal septum surgery Frankfurt

Laser conchotomy

Enlarged turbinates can also cause chronic inflammation. Laser conchotomy is a modern, tissue-sparing laser treatment that causes the turbinates to shrink. They can no longer swell as much, which means that nasal breathing remains unobstructed. The treatment has a similar effect to that of nasal sprays and nasal drops - but without the side effects.

Find out more here: Laser conchotomy Frankfurt

ENT doctor Frankfurt: Treating chronic sinusitis

We know how annoying a permanent inflammation of the sensitive mucous membranes in the sinuses can be - so we understand you well if you suffer from this condition and the associated symptoms. Dr Thomas Fischer is your Nose specialist in Frankfurt. He will examine you carefully and suggest the treatment options that are right for you.

ENT Frankfurt: Dr Thomas Fischer & Dr Albrecht Linke

Your specialists for ear, nose and throat medicine, who will provide you with professional and individualised advice, examinations and treatment in all matters relating to ENT medicine, functional plastic surgery and the aesthetic treatment of changes to the facial skin.

Our news articles are prepared for you to the best of our knowledge and belief and are intended for general education. They are in no way a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis and treatment and are not intended to encourage self-diagnosis or self-treatment. Please always contact your ENT specialist in Frankfurt directly if you have any health complaints!

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