Treatments for chronic sinusitis include: Nasal corticosteroids. These nasal sprays help prevent and treat inflammation. Examples include fluticasone, triamcinolone, budesonide, mometasone and beclomethasone.
Full Answer
What is the treatment for an acute sinus infection?
An acute sinus infection, also called sinusitis, is usually caused by a virus. Most cases of sinusitis clear up within 10 days. Antibiotics are not needed for acute viral sinusitis. If a secondary bacterial infection should develop, one treatment of choice is amoxicillin-clavulanate ( Augmentin ).
Is doxycycline good for sinus infection?
Antibiotics are not needed for acute viral sinusitis. If a secondary bacterial infection should develop, one treatment of choice is amoxicillin-clavulanate ( Augmentin ). In patients who have severe allergy to penicillin-type drugs, doxycycline is a reasonable alternative.
What are nasal steroid decongestants used to treat?
Topical nasal steroid decongestants are used for the treatment of allergic rhinitis and to relieve inflammation after the removal of nasal polyps. First- and second-generation antihistamines are not ordered for sinusitis. The nurse is caring for a patient who needs education on his medication therapy for allergic rhinitis.
How long does it take for sinusitis to clear up?
Most cases of sinusitis clear up within 10 days. Antibiotics are not needed for acute viral sinusitis. If a secondary bacterial infection should develop, one treatment of choice is amoxicillin-clavulanate ( Augmentin ). In patients who have severe allergy to penicillin-type drugs, doxycycline is a reasonable alternative.
What does decongestant do to the mucous membranes?
Feedback: Decongestants cause local vasoconstriction that decreases blood flow to irritated and dilated capillaries of the mucous membranes lining the nasal passages and sinus cavities. This vasoconstriction leads to a shrinking of swollen membranes and opens clogged nasal passages promoting drainage ...
Which antihistamines cause drowsiness?
The first-generation antihistamines, including diphenhydramine, dexchlorpheniramine, and hydroxyzine, are associated with drowsiness. Loratadine is one of the second-generation antihistamines, which have fewer anticholinergic effects and are less likely to cause drowsiness.
Why should nasal decongestants be discontinued?
If the sensation does not resolve, the drug should be discontinued, because it may indicate lesions or erosion of the mucous membranes. Nasal decongestants do not cause asthma or increased risk of infection. These medications do not decrease drainage from the nose as they shrink the nasal mucosa.
Why do you need steroids for nasal polyps?
The most common reason they are prescribed is for the treatment of allergic rhinitis or to relieve inflammation after the removal of nasal polyps. Nasal steroids are not used for a sinus infection, an infection in the adenoids, or any other acute upper respiratory infection.
How do expectorants help cough?
Expectorants liquefy lower respiratory tract secretions, reducing the viscosity of the secretions and so making it easier to cough them up. Mucolytics break down mucus to aid a person in coughing up thick tenacious secretions by separating cells that hold mucous material together. Click again to see term 👆.
How long does it take for a nasal steroid to work?
Ans: A. Feedback: Nasal steroids require about 2 weeks to reach their full clinical effect so the patient should be encouraged to use the drug for that length of time before changing drugs or giving up. The other responses could be appropriate if after 2 weeks the patient is still not getting relief.
Where do antitussives work?
Antitussives either work directly on the medullary cough center of the brain or act as a local anesthetic on the respiratory passages blocking the effectiveness of the stretch receptors that stimulate a cough reflex.