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Patients & Consumers Conditions En Español Find an Allergist / Immunologist Just for Kids New Research Parent Resources Pollen Levels Publications Request a Speaker School Tools Seniors The Virtual Allergist™ Treatments Donate Now Search by Condition (A-Z) Search by Topic Allergy & Asthma Issues Educational Brochures Elements of Allergy and Asthma Order Public Education Materials Allergy Shots Drug Guide Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT)		Rhinosinusitis: What Type of Treatments Are Available? Sinus surgery is one way to relieve obstructions in the sinus drainage pathways. Surgery usually gives some immediate relief of symptoms. However, if the underlying causes of chronic rhinosinusitis are not controlled, thickening of sinus tissue often recurs after surgery and the sinus drainage pathways again become obstructed. Medical treatment can also help relieve sinus pathway obstructions. Oral steroids (such as prednisone) are often used to relieve tissue swelling that contributes to sinus blockage. Antibiotics are used to eradicate chronic infection. Once the infection is eradicated, the sinus swelling is reduced but may not completely resolve. Intranasal steroids are used to relieve tissue swelling. They are best used to prevent the sinus passages from becoming obstructed. Intranasal steroids are very useful to prevent the regrowth of nasal polyps after sinus surgery. Decongestants can be used to relieve nasal congestion and sinus fullness. They may also help to reduce runny nose and postnasal drainage. Expectorants and mucolytic agents (such as guaifenecin) are sometime helpful to thin the sinus mucus to promote drainage. Nasal washes are extremely useful to rinse mucus from the nasal cavity and sinuses. Which is better: surgical or medical treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis? There is no simple answer to this question. But there are some important considerations: Surgery should be viewed as a last resort in children. Before you agree to have sinus surgery performed on your child, consider obtaining a second opinion from a Board-certified Allergist/Immunologist who treats pediatric rhinosinusitis. Sinus surgery is not a quick fix. Most patients who undergo sinus surgery will still need medical treatment to prevent recurrence of chronic rhinosinusitis. Allergy treatment can help prevent recurrences of rhinosinusitis. Allergy skin testing is the best way to identify your allergies. Environmental control measures are extremely important for any patient with allergies to indoor allergens, such as dust mites, molds or animal dander. Medical treatment can help prevent the need for surgery or prevent recurrence of disease after surgery. <back>
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