Causes

• Sinusitis may be the result of an infection, but it can also be caused by nasal polyps in the sinuses or a deviated nasal septum. While most people have fairly brief bouts of sinusitis (acute sinusitis), chronic sinusitis or CRS can persist for at least 12 weeks and recurrence is not uncommon.
  
  

Debate over Antibiotic Treatment

• There are no specific treatment guidelines for CRS in large part because of disagreement over the causes of the disease.
  
  While CRS is often treated with antibiotics, the NIH says their use is questionable except in cases where the patient is suffering from CRS with a superimposed acute bacterial inflammation (when this tissue inflammation and damage is persistent and prolonged).
  
  The NIH points out that unwarranted use of antibiotics in CRS may also contribute to the problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
  
  

Treating Sinusitis

• One of the main objectives in treating chronic sinusitis is eliminating the fundamental cause of the condition.
  
  Even though CRS is a very common illness, the Food and Drug Administration has not approved any medications to control and cure the condition. The NIH attributes the absence of medication to sparse research into safe and effective remedies.
  
  

Corticosteroids

• According to the Mayo Clinic, oral or injected corticosteroids (including prednisone and methylprednisolone) may be used to reduce inflammation that may occur in severe cases of sinusitis.
  
  Since the majority of cases of acute sinusitis are caused by cold viruses no specific treatment is prescribed.
  
  

Surgery

• Surgery can be a viable treatment option for chronic CRS. Most surgeries are minimally invasive due to the relatively recent arrival of endoscopy.
  
  The goal of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is to clear blockage of the common drainage site of the sinuses (the osteomeatal complex).
  
  According to the NIH, studies have shown surgery to be successful 70 to 98 percent of the time. However, surgery is a treatment and not necessarily a cure. Your doctor may also prescribe postoperative medication.
  
  

Treatments to Relieve Symptoms of Acute and Chronic Sinusitis

• Saline nasal spray can be used several times per day to help clear your nasal passages. In addition, nasal corticosteroids (sprays) can help relieve inflammation. They include fluticasone (Flonase) and triamcinolone (Nasacort AQ).
  
  Both over-the-counter and prescription decongestants (Sudafed, Actifed and Drixoral) should be used for only a few days because they can trigger the return of more acute congestion.
  
  

Home Remedies

• In cases of both acute and chronic sinusitis it's important to drink lots of fluids and get plenty of rest. Be sure to sleep with your head elevated. This allows your sinuses to drain and lessen congestion. Applying a warm compress to your face, especially over your nose and cheeks will ease sinus discomfort.