Treatment for Chronic Sinus Infection
- Ronald L. Brown, M.D.
Question
For 15 years I've gotten sinus infections in spring and fall. Symptoms include sore throat, fever, nasal drainage, respiratory infection, and rash. I've been tested for allergies (negative). Do you have any idea what this is and how I can treat it?
Answer
Your symptoms sound consistent with upper respiratory infection rather than allergy. The negative allergy test confirms this.
These infections are treated according to symptoms. Medications can include Tylenol for sore throat and fever, and Sudafed as tolerated for nasal drainage or congestion. If the symptoms aren't getting better over 10 days, then you should be seen by your physician.
There is no great treatment for chronic sinusitis other than nasal/sinus saline rinse and treating the symptoms as they appear. Ear, nose and throat physicians can sometimes help in more severe cases.
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