Suggest Treatment For Chronic Sinusitis

Posted on Mon, 27 Apr 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 27 Apr 2015 Answered on

Mon, 18 May 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I have been diagnosed through a CAT scan as having a partial opacification of the lateral right sphenoid sinus recess and opacification of the upper basal passages bilaterally-which could either be mucosal thickening or small polyps. '
My question is can this be remedied through medication versus surgical procedures?
XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Satvinder Bakshi (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You can try medications

Detailed Answer:
Hello

From your endoscopy report and ct scan report it looks like you are having chronic sinusitis.

This can be due to persistent infection or an allergy , both of which need further blood tests and culture of the nasal secretions for confirmation.

In my patients , i would start on a course of nasal steroid sprays and antibiotics for a period of 2-3 weeks and re assess the patient with a repeat endoscopy.

If the patient responds , that is , the polyps and edema decrease in size and the patient is symptomatically better , i continue the sprays for another 4 weeks and then slowly taper them. If the condition does not improve then i advice them for surgical removal of the polyps and the diseased mucosa.

In my opinion , you can also try a course of medications and if you are not better , then opt for surgery.

Please discuss this with your doctor.

Take care!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Satvinder Bakshi (7 hours later)

Thanks for your response Dr. Bakshi......

Also, I have a white patch on the inside of my left nostril....seemingly left over from my bout with Bronchitis a couple of months ago. I must admit that I frequently picked at this in order to remove the crust to breathe better. Any idea what this is....fungus, bacteria, etc.?
XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Satvinder Bakshi (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
it can be a fungus

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Although without a culture from the white patch it is difficult to tell whether it is fungus or bacteria , but generally a white patch is due to a fungal growth.

This is however rare and needs to be investigated thoroughly , Please avoid nose picking and forceful nose blowing, it will spread the infection and make things worse.

The best thing would be to use normal saline nasal drops , they will loosen the crusts and help you breathe properly.

Take care!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj