The initial treatment for sphenoid sinusitis is usually a course of antibiotics. Painkillers and decongestants are also sometimes prescribed becuse these can reduce the discomfort associated with the condition. Alternative treatments, such as steam inhalation, may also provide relief from congestion. If medical treatment fails to resolve the condition in a reasonable time frame, surgery is often required. The goal of surgery for sinusitis is to increase drainage by making a small hole in the sinus.
Early diagnosis and treatment of sphenoid sinusitis is important because the acute form of condition can rapidly get worse. The symptoms, at least initially, are relatively minor, which is why the problem is difficult to diagnose in the early stages. Once a doctor has identified the condition, treatment is conservative, with surgery only required if other treatments fail to make a difference in an adequate time frame.
The first treatment for this type of sinusitis is often a course of antibiotics. A doctor usually prescribes antibiotics that affect a range of bacteria because this increases the chance of successful treatment. As the acute form of condition can quickly become worse, antibiotics may only be given a short time to take effect before other treatments are needed. Chronic sinusitis is often treated with a longer drug regimen because this provides more time for the bacteria in the sinus to be addressed.
Other medical treatments for sphenoid sinusitis include decongestants and inhalation of steam. These treatments can provide relief from congestion, which is a common symptom of the condition. Painkillers are sometimes taken to reduce discomfort while other treatments are ongoing. Antihistamines may also be prescribed in some cases.
If antibiotics have not resulted in adequate improvement after a short period of time, surgery for acute sinusitis may be required. Patients who show signs of deterioration or complications might need urgent surgical intervention. There is always some risk associated with an operation of any sort, which is why less invasive treatment is often attempted first.
Surgery for sphenoid sinusitis involves increasing drainage in the sinus. This is achieved though making a small hole. The type of surgery performed depends on a variety of factors, but a ethmoidectomy is common. This is usually performed as a outpatient procedure, which means the patient doesn’t have to stay overnight in the hospital. The surgery is usually performed under a general anesthetic, and involves passing a small tube, with a camera, into the nose.