Therapy
Acute viral sinusitis usually heals completely within a few days to weeks. Therapeutically, the use of decongestant medication is advisable, further interventions are usually not necessary. Painkillers and antipyretic drugs are also recommended.
The same applies to acute bacterial infections occurring for the first time. In many cases, the administration of antibiotics is not necessary. However, the sphenoid sinus is an excellent retreat for pathogens, so that bacteria can settle there for a long time.
In some cases, this can lead to long-lasting diseases, which sometimes become chronic and then break out again and again (recurrent chronic sinusitis). Unfortunately, the level of antibiotics that can be achieved by medication in the sphenoid sinus always remains lower than in the rest of the body. Nevertheless, antibiotic therapy is the first choice in cases of suspected bacterial infection.
In addition, nasal sprays containing cortisone act locally against the inflammation. In the event of unsuccessful therapy attempts or infections that occur with above-average frequency, a further step in the therapy concept is surgical repair of the paranasal sinuses. This is usually done endoscopically through the nose (transnasal access), so that no large incisions are necessary.
In the course of the operation, pus and excess secretion are removed, the sphenoid sinus is rinsed together with the remaining paranasal sinuses and any anatomical peculiarities that may promote inflammation are eliminated. These include, for example, benign mucous membrane proliferations (polyps) or a curved nasal septum. Part of the frequently inflamed mucous membrane can be removed, thus reducing the future risk of infection.Due to its anatomical location, this type of therapy, even if it is only a minor intervention, is not entirely without danger.
Complications can arise, for example, if the eyes or the orbit or the pituitary gland is damaged. Bleeding and subsequent infections are also among the surgical risks. All in all, due to its location, infection and inflammation of the sphenoid sinus is significantly less common than that of other sinuses.
