According to a significant scientific investigation, surgery may be a more effective treatment for persistent sinus disease than antibiotics. Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), often known as sinusitis, is characterized by blocked and runny noses, loss of smell, facial pain, fatigue, and exacerbation of respiratory conditions including asthma. Though it might linger for months or even years, the symptoms are frequently comparable to those of a bad cold. The results, which were published in the journal The Lancet, showed that sinusitis symptoms may be effectively relieved by surgery, and six months after the procedure, trial participants were still feeling better.
Six months after surgery, 87% of patients reported an improvement in their quality of life. Since there was no discernible difference in the outcomes of the trial’s placebo arm and antibiotic-treated participants, a three-month course of low-dose antibiotics was deemed ineffective. Researchers from the University College London (UCL) also conducted a randomized controlled patient trial in which they compared sinus surgery with long-term antibiotic usage and a placebo in over 500 patients from all around the United Kingdom. As part of their routine care, they all used saline rinses and nasal steroids, which have both been demonstrated to aid with the condition.
To assess the effectiveness of each medication in terms of symptom relief, quality of life, and potential adverse effects, researchers performed scent tests, airflow measurements, and nose and sinus examinations when they followed up with them after three and six months. Antibiotics were found to be less effective than sinus surgery. “We anticipate that our research will contribute to a shorter treatment duration for patients. According to Philpott, simplifying clinical paths will help cut down on pointless consultations and visits while also saving money on medical supplies.
