Ethmoiditis

What are the treatments for the condition?

Symptoms from viral infections can be controlled with decongestants. For a person with allergies, antihistamines and decongestants are used.

Long-term treatment of ethmoiditis is based on the underlying disease. If chronic allergy is the cause, treatment includes oral antihistamines, mucus-thinning agents, topical steroids, and allergy shots. Recurrent or long-term bacterial infections require antibiotics. Surgery is required if the problem does not respond to medical treatment or is caused by structural abnormalities. For fungal infections, both surgical and anti-fungal therapies are required.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Side effects are specific to the medication used. Oral decongestants may cause difficulty sleeping, increased heart rate, and nervousness. Oral antihistamines may cause drowsiness and dryness of the mucous membranes. Antibiotics can cause stomach upset and allergic reactions. Topical steroids are usually safe.

What happens after treatment for the condition?

There are usually no long-term effects after successful treatment of ethmoiditis. Someone with chronic inflammation will need long-term medical therapy. If the symptoms do not resolve, surgery may be recommended. Surgery is generally successful.

How is the condition monitored?

Monitoring is based on how serious the symptoms are and how long they last. Bacterial infection usually resolves with therapy. Rarely, it can spread to the eye socket or cranial cavity. For unknown reasons, adolescent males are at higher risk for ethmoiditis and require more careful monitoring. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.