Chronic Sinusitis Treatment in Singapore

This is a common form, characterised by sinus inflammation without tissue growths. Patients may experience symptoms such as facial pressure, nasal discharge, and a reduced sense of smell. The sinus lining remains inflamed but doesn’t develop polyps.

This type involves soft, painless growths (polyps) that can develop from the inflamed sinus lining. These grape-like swellings may block nasal passages and sinuses, potentially causing breathing difficulties. Polyps can recur after treatment, requiring ongoing management.

A type that may affect individuals with allergic reactions to environmental fungi. This form can produce thick, sticky mucus and may require treatment approaches tailored to the individual. Patients might have elevated IgE levels and positive fungal cultures.

This subtype combines chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps and sensitivity to aspirin or NSAIDs. Patients may have concurrent asthma, forming what’s known as Samter’s triad. Management requires careful medication selection and may involve multi-disciplinary care.

*Individual symptoms and treatment responses may vary.*

• Nasal congestion or stuffiness lasting over 12 weeks
• Postnasal drip with clear or slightly coloured mucus
• Mild facial pressure around cheeks and forehead
• Reduced sense of smell (hyposmia)
• Morning throat clearing due to mucus drainage
• Occasional mild headaches
• Fatigue from disrupted sleep

• Thick, discoloured nasal discharge (yellow or green)
• Significant facial pain and pressure, especially when bending forward
• Complete loss of smell (anosmia) and taste alterations
• Persistent cough, worse at night when lying down
• Ear fullness or pressure from eustachian tube dysfunction
• Bad breath (halitosis) not resolved with oral hygiene
• Sleep disturbances from nasal obstruction

• Intense facial pain requiring pain medication
• High fever indicating secondary infection
• Swelling around the eyes or forehead
• Vision changes or double vision
• Severe headaches with neck stiffness
• Confusion or difficulty concentrating
• Complete nasal obstruction affecting both nostrils

Symptoms typically develop gradually over weeks to months, with periods of improvement followed by worsening. Some patients may notice symptoms worsening during Singapore’s haze season or with exposure to air conditioning.

Daily nasal rinses using sterile saline solution help flush out mucus, allergens, and irritants from the nasal passages. This treatment may reduce inflammation and support sinus drainage. Patients can perform irrigation using a neti pot or a squeeze bottle. The technique may be suitable for regular use and can be beneficial in urban environments with air pollutants.

These medications may reduce inflammation in the nasal passages and sinuses when used as directed. Unlike decongestant sprays, corticosteroid sprays may be suitable for regular use without risk of rebound congestion. Patients may notice improvement with regular use. Options include mometasone, fluticasone, and budesonide.

For bacterial infections or acute exacerbations, antibiotic therapy may be prescribed based on clinical assessment. Treatment duration varies depending on the condition. ENT specialists select antibiotics based on clinical factors and individual patient considerations. Macrolide antibiotics may be used for their anti-inflammatory properties in some instances.

Short courses of oral steroids, such as prednisolone, may reduce inflammation and polyp size. These medications may be considered for severe symptoms or before surgery to improve visualisation. Treatment duration varies with gradual tapering as appropriate. These medications are used carefully due to potential side effects.

Injectable medications targeting specific inflammatory pathways may be considered for severe chronic sinusitis with polyps. Dupilumab and omalizumab are available options that work by blocking inflammatory signals. These treatments require regular injections and may be considered for patients who haven’t responded to conventional therapy. Treatment response is monitored through clinical assessment.

This procedure uses an endoscope to remove blockages and enlarge sinus openings without external incisions. Performed under general anaesthesia, FESS aims to preserve normal tissue while improving sinus drainage. The procedure duration varies depending on the extent of the disease. Recovery time varies by individual.

A procedure using a small balloon catheter to dilate blocked sinus openings. The balloon is inflated to remodel and enlarge the sinus passages without removing tissue. This procedure can be performed under local anaesthesia in selected cases. Recovery varies by individual. It may be suitable for patients with limited sinus disease.

When structural abnormalities contribute to chronic sinusitis, corrective surgery may be considered. Septoplasty aims to straighten a deviated nasal septum, while turbinate reduction addresses enlarged nasal turbinates. These procedures may be combined with sinus surgery for comprehensive treatment. Recovery involves a period of nasal congestion before breathing may improve.

While not all cases of chronic sinusitis are preventable, several strategies may help reduce your risk or prevent symptom flares. Managing allergies through allergen avoidance and appropriate medications may help prevent the inflammatory cascade that can lead to sinusitis. In Singapore, using HEPA air purifiers and dust mite covers may help reduce exposure to common triggers.

Maintaining good nasal hygiene through regular saline irrigation may help clear irritants before they cause inflammation. This is particularly important during haze periods or after exposure to air conditioning. Staying well-hydrated helps keep mucus thin and easier to drain naturally.

Avoiding cigarette smoke and other respiratory irritants may help protect your sinus lining from damage. If you smoke, quitting may be an effective preventive measure. Similarly, using a humidifier in air-conditioned environments may help prevent excessive nasal drying.

Treating acute sinus infections promptly and completely may help prevent progression to chronic sinusitis. Don’t stop antibiotics early, even if symptoms improve. Regular dental check-ups may help prevent tooth infections from spreading to the maxillary sinuses. Annual flu vaccinations may help reduce viral infections that can trigger sinusitis episodes.

*Individual results and prevention effectiveness may vary.*