title: Sinusitis--inspecting the causes and treatment.
abstract: In summary, sinusitis is a common disease caused by viruses, bacteria and the accumulation of excessive secretions and inflammatory mediators that impair the function of the mucociliary transport. Combination treatment is usually necessary to treat the cause and relieve the symptoms of sinusitis. Therapy aims at eliminating causative bacteria with antibiotics, decongesting edematous membranes, and thinning mucus with use of a mucolytic-expectorant. Improving the rheology of mucus by thinning abnormally thickened secretions may improve mucociliary transport and enhance penetration of antibiotics. Acute sinusitis usually responds to treatment within 2 weeks. However, if treatment is unsuccessful or a severe complication occurs, intravenous antibiotics may be necessary along with antral puncture and lavage. In resistant cases, an appropriate surgical procedure may enhance the drainage.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha 68198-1225.
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Yonkers
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000150:complications; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005100:Expectorants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012852:Sinusitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D005100:Expectorants