The Goal of Sinusitis Treatment
- Reduce Inflammation
- Keep Sinuses Draining
- Correct the Underlying Cause
Conservative Treatments
Sinusitis is usually first treated through conservative methods, such as over-the-counter or prescription medications. Corticosteroids may be used to reduce inflammation and antibiotics are needed if the sinusitis was caused by a bacterial infection.
Nasal decongestants may be given to unblock the sinuses, mucolytics may be given to loosen up the mucus, and saline spray may be given to flush out the nose.
Should symptoms persist beyond 3 months, a more detailed screening should be done to determine what the root cause may be (e.g. anatomical problems narrowing the natural openings of the sinuses). In these more serious cases, surgery may be needed.
Surgical Treatments
Rather than make large incisions on the facial skin and bones (traditional sinus surgery), the Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (ESS) of today uses an endoscope inserted through the nasal passages to operate on a wide range of nasal passages and sinuses.
- No surface incision or scarring
- Reduced blood loss
- Reduced risk of complications
ESS can effectively remove blockages in the sinuses by:
- Correcting a deviated nasal septum
- Reducing nasal turbinates
- Expanding and creating sinus drainage tracts
AS TREATMENT VARIES ACCORDING TO EACH INDIVIDUAL’S CONDITION, GET ASSESSED BY AN ENT DOCTOR TO FIND OUT WHAT TREATMENT IS MOST EFFECTIVE FOR YOU.
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Image-Guided Surgery (IGS)
Image-Guided Surgery (IGS) can be used along with or without the Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (ESS).
The IGS gathers data from CT scans and MRI scans (taken prior to the surgery), and uses the data to create a 3D “map” of the patient’s sinuses and surrounding structures. The IGS can be used in real-time during surgery, which means that it can match exactly where the surgical instrument is to the exact part of the patient’s face.
Its accuracy and detail mean that it has the ability to precisely identify facial structures even when manual visualisation is compromised (due to the presence of blood or swelling); ensuring better safety outcomes for patients.
Meet Dr Lau Chee Chong
Medical Director & Senior Consultant
MBBS (S’pore), FRCS (ENT) (Edinburgh, UK), FAMS (ENT) (S’pore)
Dr Lau is an experienced ENT Specialist with a special interest in the diagnosis and treatment of sinus and nasal disorders, such as sinusitis, rhinitis and deviated septum.
Dr Lau formerly practiced at renowned hospitals in the United Kingdom and Singapore General Hospital; and has served on the panels of various embassies, legal bodies, associations and societies.
