【Common Diseases】Sinusitis
[Editor's In-Depth Analysis] A Complete Guide to Sinusitis Treatment and Care in Hong Kong
What is sinusitis?
Sinusitis (also known as sinusitis) is an inflammation of the sinus lining , often caused by infection, allergies, or structural problems. The sinuses are cavities within the skull that connect to the nasal cavity. Normally, they are filled with air and secrete mucus to protect the respiratory tract. However, when sinus drainage is blocked and mucus accumulates, it can harbor bacteria or viruses, leading to inflammation.
In Hong Kong, sinusitis is a common ENT disease that can be seen throughout the year, but it is more common in winter and early spring , during peak flu season or on days with severe air pollution.
Common types of sinusitis in Hong Kong
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Acute sinusitis
- The illness lasts less than 4 weeks and is usually caused by a virus or bacteria.
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Subacute sinusitis
- The course of the disease is 4-12 weeks.
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Chronic sinusitis
- The disease lasts for more than 12 weeks and may recur, often associated with allergic rhinitis and nasal polyps.
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Acute exacerbation of chronic sinusitis
- Chronic sinusitis worsens over a short period of time.
Common causes
- Viral infections (most common, such as cold viruses)
- Bacterial infections (eg, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae)
- Allergic rhinitis
- Deviated nasal septum, nasal polyps
- Air pollution, smog
- Changes in air pressure while diving or flying
Editor's reminder:
In Hong Kong, the air is humid, the temperature difference is large, and the air-conditioning environment is prevalent, which can easily cause swelling of the mucous membrane and increase the risk of sinusitis.
Common symptoms
- nasal congestion
- Yellow-green nasal discharge
- Tenderness in the face or forehead (worse when bending over)
- Headache
- Loss of smell
- Postnasal drip (mucus draining down the throat)
- Cough (especially at night)
- Fever (more common with bacterial infections)
Treatment principles
Treatment goals:
- Eliminate infection and inflammation
- Restoring sinus ventilation and drainage
- Reduce symptoms and prevent complications
- Prevent recurrence
1. Treatment of acute sinusitis
(1) Symptomatic treatment
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saline nasal rinse
- Using saline solution or a commercial nasal spray can help clear mucus and relieve nasal congestion.
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Nasal steroid sprays (such as Fluticasone, Mometasone)
- Reduces inflammation and swelling, and improves nasal congestion and drainage.
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Oral decongestants (Pseudoephedrine) or nasal decongestant sprays (Oxymetazoline)
- Temporarily relieve nasal congestion, but nasal decongestants should not be used continuously for more than 3 days to avoid rebound nasal congestion.
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Pain relievers and fever reducers (Paracetamol, Ibuprofen)
- Relieve headache and fever.
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Drink plenty of water and rest
- Helps thin mucus and promote healing.
(2) Use of antibiotics
- Most cases of acute sinusitis are caused by viruses and do not require antibiotics .
- If symptoms persist for 10 or more days without improvement or worsen suddenly after an initial improvement (a bimodal course), doctors may suspect a bacterial infection and prescribe antibiotics:
- Amoxicillin
- Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (Augmentin)
- Macrolides (eg, clarithromycin, azithromycin)
⚠️ Editor's reminder:
Doctors in Hong Kong prescribe antibiotics based on clinical judgment and medical history. Indiscriminate use will only increase drug resistance.
2. Treatment of chronic sinusitis
- Long-term nasal steroid spray : reduces inflammation and controls symptoms.
- Oral antibiotics (long course, usually 3-6 weeks): for bacterial infections.
- Anti-allergic treatment : control allergic rhinitis and reduce attacks.
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Surgical treatment :
- Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS): removes diseased tissue and improves drainage. It is suitable for severe cases that are not responsive to drug treatment.
Home care and self-management
- Rinse your nasal cavity with saline solution daily to keep it clean.
- Maintain moderate humidity indoors (40-60%).
- Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke.
- Reduce exposure to allergens (dust mites, pollen, pet hair).
- Reduce going out or wear a mask on days with poor air quality.
- Proper exercise and a balanced diet can enhance immunity.
When should I seek medical attention immediately?
- High fever (> 39°C)
- Blurred vision, eye swelling, or pain
- Severe headache, stiff neck
- confusion
- Symptoms persist for more than 3 weeks without improvement
These symptoms may indicate complications of sinusitis (such as orbital cellulitis, meningitis) that require urgent medical attention.
Medical resources in Hong Kong
- Otolaryngology outpatient clinic in a public hospital : for the treatment of moderate to severe or chronic sinusitis.
- General Outpatient Clinic/Private Clinic : Diagnosis and initial treatment.
- Community pharmacy : Buy saline rinse kits and nasal sprays (some require a prescription).
- Specialist clinic : Provides nasal endoscopy and surgical treatment.
Editor's Tips for Preventing Sinusitis
- Actively deal with nasal congestion in the early stages of a cold to avoid delaying the disease.
- Clean the air conditioner and filter regularly to reduce dust mites and allergens.
- Pay attention to personal hygiene and wash your hands frequently.
- A humidifier can be used in winter or in an air-conditioned room to prevent the mucous membrane from drying out.
- Control allergic rhinitis and reduce the chance of recurrence of sinusitis.
💡Editor 's Summary <br>While sinusitis is common, if not managed properly, it can become chronic or lead to serious complications. In Hong Kong, treatment options range from simple nasal irrigation to surgery. The key is to identify the cause, seek early treatment, and maintain ongoing management . Developing good nasal care habits can reduce flare-ups and improve your quality of life.
Disclaimer : This article is for reference only and does not constitute any medical advice. The source is referenced from major medical articles.
