Our sinuses consist of hollow cavities found in the bones of the skull close to the cheeks and the forehead. Sinuses play an important role in aiding our immunity to diseases. They help to filter and humidify the air we breathe. The very function of sinuses, however, renders them extremely vulnerable to microscopic and other irritants in the air and exposes them to allergens and infections. Hence, people should always seek medical attention for sinusitis treatment when they experience the common symptoms including clogged nose, facial pain, headache, and yellow- or green-colored mucus.

Sinusitis treatment for mild cases may constitute of home remedies such as hot compress near the location of the sinuses, use of paracetamol or acetaminophen for the relief of pain, and steam inhalation for drainage. If symptoms persist, prompt medical care must be sought. Use of decongestants and nasal sprays for sinusitis treatment, especially for children, should only be considered with proper medical advice. Decongestants sometimes cause more blockage than drainage. Nasal sprays oftentimes do more harm than good when used for more than three days.

It should also be borne in mind that antibiotics work only on specific types of bacteria. In this regard, use of antibiotics without medical advice is dangerous. Antibiotics should only be taken as prescribed by a physician after a medical check-up. On the other hand, if preference is given to homeopathic medication for adults, make sure that the proper dosage is taken and a professional knowledgeable in the field is consulted. Newer approaches for the relief of pain are now available using acupressure; osteopathic pressure techniques, such as application of pressure over the maxillary sinuses, relieve both pain and obstruction.

For severe cases, sinusitis treatment is undertaken in a medical facility where patients with a diagnosis of acute sinusitis are admitted and placed on intravenous antibiotics which are capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier. Results of the mucus culture facilitate the choice of antibiotic therapy. Doctors usually prescribe a combination of anti-microbial agents including penicillinase-resistant penicillin and chloramphenicol sodium succinate. There are also the so-called third generation cephalosporins which are gaining popularity in the management of acute sinusitis. Prescription of steroids has emerged as a controversial issue, but is considered if the brain is threatened with severe edema.

Aside from antibiotics, consultation with the neurosurgical department is advised, particularly if symptoms of intracranial complication have been diagnosed, to determine if a neurosurgical procedure is required. When intracranial complication is present, anticonvulsant drugs are applied prophylactically because the condition causes 80 per cent probability of seizures. Surgical therapy of intracranial complication also presents an effective sinusitis treatment for infection. It is rather unfortunate that despite the advances made in scientific procedures for diagnosis and therapy, sinusitis complications still pose a health hazard. If it is any consolation, however, being aware of the possible complications of sinusitis can be instrumental in minimizing the morbidity and mortality associated with the complications, through early detection and treatment. The often troublesome sinuses significantly promote our immunity to diseases. Let us make sure that we care for our sinuses well.  Read more sinus congestion remedies on our next post, you will sure to get some insights on this post.