For patients with underlying inflammation of chronic sinusitis, however, the nose and sinuses may take longer to respond. In these patients, 3-4 weeks of antibiotics, or even longer, may be necessary to treat an acute exacerbation of their chronic sinusitis. Most patients with chronic sinusitis have previously been on many short courses of antibiotics, usually insufficient to stamp out the bacteria in a chronically inflamed sinus. In patients who do not respond well to antibiotics, a culture can be quite helpful. In this circumstance a sample of the bacteria is sent to the laboratory for identification and other testing. Because the openings of the sinuses cannot be seen without an endoscope, blind sampling of the nasal cavity using conventional equipment is nearly useless. Nevertheless, endoscopically directed cultures have proven quite useful and specific.

  • Nasal steroid sprays
  • Antibiotics
  • Saline irrigations
  • Antihistamines
  • Decongestants
  • Mucolytics
  • Oral Steroids