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Those who regularly suffer from sinusitis are often told to immediately begin treatment, usually with antibiotics. Recent research suggests that this may not be the best course of action. An inflamed sinus, otolaryngologists say, could heal itself over time.
Medical research has found that most cases of sinusitis are caused by a viral infection, which is usually resistant to antibiotics. These medications should only be used after a two-week period as the sinusitis could be indicative of another more serious condition. One study claimed that that 80 percent of people suffering from sinusitis were able to improve their condition within two weeks without any form of antibiotic.
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The first step in treating sinusitis is soothing the symptoms. Typically, sinusitis is an allergic reaction to a stimulus. Symptoms are similar to that of a cold. Most sinusitis sufferers report an impaired sense of smell, pressure in the ears, headaches, or fatigue. Treating specific symptoms usually alleviates the sinusitis. Thus, patients should consider using nasal rinses, decongestants, or even pain relievers.
It is only considered serious when the condition lasts for more than two weeks with progressively worsening symptoms. Again, it could be an indication of another condition of which sinusitis is the symptom and not the cause. For these cases, an antibiotic may be prescribed.
It must be noted though that current evidence suggests that antibiotics share the same efficacy rate as a placebo pill for treating bacterial sinusitis.
Robert R Beltran, M.D., is a recognized otolaryngologist in Irvine, California. For more information about his practice, visit this Facebook page.
