Sinus Health: Patient Information Sheet

Please note that the following is a general guideline only. For a full assessment, exclusion of any other underlying cause for your symptoms and an individualised treatment approach, you will need to be seen by a qualified specialist.

In order to maintain sinus health you have several options. 

NASAL IRRIGATION

Irrigation is done using a bottle filled with warm water. A sinus rinse bottle, (best is Neil Med Rinse bottle) may be purchased over the counter. A sachet is mixed in 200 mls of warm water to give a salt-water solution. Best is to purchase a low ionic sachets such as CRS sachet made by FLOW. You also have an option of mixing a flat teaspoon of sea salt with a pinch of bicarb soda, though may not as effective in polyp patients. Irrigate with half a bottle (100 mls) to each side twice a day.  This helps remove mucous build up and need to be used prior medicated sprays or washes outlined below. Doing so improve the absorption of the medications. 

STEROID NASAL SPARYS

After irrigation or FESS saline spray put steroid spray as prescribed. This may rarely cause nasal irritation and bleeding, which is minimised by correct application. Steroid sprays can be used for 2 months if no complications then use FESS-saline spray for 4 weeks and recommence steroid spray if symptoms recur. You need to see the doctor for further scripts and assessment.

PULMICORT RESPULES

These may be given instead of sprays to those with severe polyps and asthma. The respule contains steroids in a 2ml solution. This need to be mixed to the solution made as above. Firmly rinse 100 mls on to each side.  This is also an important part of your post operative care. 

SURGICAL OPTIONS 

Failing the above, surgical options are available. This will be either nasal surgery (septoplasty/ turbinoplasty) or nasal surgery and sinus surgery. This extent of surgery will depend on you symptoms and a CT scan of the sinuses.



IMMUNOTHERAPY
This involves skin allergy testing. If one is significantly allergic to an environmental substance you may be treated with sublingual immunotherapy. This is usually a prolonged course of treatment over several years with regular clinic visit to receive treatment. This will unlikely to cure sinus infections. If you wish to proceed with this option you should undergo immune testing during first clinic and should notify the ENT surgeon.