Treatment of rhinosinusitis: other medical options

Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol. 2010 Jan-Mar;23(1 Suppl):70-3.

Abstract

Medical options other than antibiotics or corticosteroids for treating rhinosinusitis include non-specific treatments such as nasal decongestants, naso-sinusal washings, antihistamines, antileukotrienes, mucolytic agents, immunomodulators and immunostimulants, as well as specific agents such as antimycotics in fungal sinusitis or antireflux agents in sinusitis associated to gastroesophageal reflux. In subjects with chronic sinusitis and/or nasal polyposis related to aspirin hypersensitivity protocols of desensitization are available. The available scientific evidence is good for naso-sinus washings with saline solutions, antihistamines in acute allergic rhinosinusitis, antileukotrienes in chronic sinusitis, bacterial lysates for prevention of recurrent sinusitis, and aspirin desensitisation in subjects with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease with chronic sinusitis and nasal polyposis. The other treatment options are still in search of scientific demonstration.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Expectorants / therapeutic use
  • Histamine Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Leukotriene Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Nasal Decongestants / therapeutic use
  • Rhinitis / drug therapy*
  • Sinusitis / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Expectorants
  • Histamine Antagonists
  • Leukotriene Antagonists
  • Nasal Decongestants