Sinusitis results from inflammation of the sinuses, causing symptoms such as runny and stuffy nose, headache and heaviness in the face.
To relieve these symptoms, your doctor may prescribe medications designed to reduce runny nose and inflammation, help decongest your nose and sinuses, and relieve headaches.
- Nasal wash solutions
Nasal wash solutions should be used frequently because in addition to helping to wash the nasal passages, they also help to reduce nasal congestion and eliminate irritating and allergic substances.
Some names of nasal wash solutions that can be used for sinusitis are Maresis, Maresis baby, Clinaris, Rinospray and Sinustrat, for example.
- Nasal decongestants
Nasal decongestants can be used in the form of a solution to apply to the nose or in tablets. Some of the solutions that can be used in spray or drops are:
- Oxymetazoline, known by the names Aturgyl, Afrin, or in generic;
- Naphazoline, found in medicines such as Neosoro , Naridrin , Pediatric Naridrin or Narinef;
- Phenylephrine, present in medicines such as Decongex or Decongex plus , for example.
- Xylometazoline, with the trade name Otrivina .
In addition to decongestants in drops and spray, there are also medicines in tablets with a decongestant action, associated with an analgesic, such as Tylenol Sinus and Sinutab, for example.
- Corticosteroids
In some cases, the doctor may also prescribe corticosteroids in the form of a nasal spray, such as:
- Fluticasone, such as Flixonase nasal spray or Avamys , for example;
- Budesonide, present in Budecort Aqua or Busonid nasal spray, for example;
- Mometasone, under the trade name Nasonex Nasal Spray .
In more severe cases of sinusitis, the doctor may prescribe oral or injectable corticosteroids.
- Antihistamines
If sinusitis is caused by allergies, the doctor may prescribe antihistamines, such as desloratadine , loratadine , or bilastine, for example.
- Pain relievers
In addition to nasal congestion, sinusitis can cause symptoms such as headache and facial pain. These symptoms can be relieved with painkillers such as paracetamol and anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, for example.
- Antibiotics
If sinusitis is caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics may need to be included in the treatment.
Any of these drugs should only be used if recommended by the doctor, especially in the case of children, as some of them may be contraindicated in this age group.
Pregnant or breast-feeding women should speak to their obstetrician so that he can weigh the benefits and risks of treatment.