Many people are already aware of nebulizer treatments to help with breathing during asthma attacks and other pulmonary conditions.
What many people may not be aware of is that such nebulizer treatments can also potentially be used for
chronic sinus infections. One of the best known company offering such treatment is
Sinus Dynamics.
Using one of several different nebulizers, compounded liquid medications (antibiotics and/or steroids) selected by the physician are nebulized/atomized which the patient than breathes into the nasal passages. The small size of the particles allow medication to theoretically move through the tiniest of sinus openings directly onto the infected tissue. Treatments are quick generally lasting 3 – 5 minutes (depending on medication and device). Here's a
video demonstrating how it is used.
Sinus Dynamics™ specifically is contracted by over 14,000 insurance companies across the nation, which means that most patients are able to receive their treatment for little to no cost out of pocket.
Most ENT doctors are already familiar with this product.
Personally, I prescribe this mode of treatment for the particularly difficult
sinus infection that has not responded to oral antibiotics and sinus surgery. The major advantage of such a device is not only the fact that it is topical, but much stronger antibiotics can be prescribed that otherwise would be toxic if given orally. Furthermore, more than one medication can be administered simultaneously (for example, a steroid, tetracycline antibiotic, and ceftazidime antibiotic).
Typically, I require a culture with sensitivities to determine what medication would be optimal for this mode of treatment. Another requirement is prior sinus surgery given studies showing greater effectiveness of the delivery system.
Once cultures are obtained and a determination of the optimal medication to treat, a prescription is faxed to the company who will than take care of the insurance coverage and than ship the device and medication(s) to you. The normal turn-around time is less than 1 week depending on the prescription.
An instructional video is included with the prescription as well as customer service representatives via phone to walk through the first treatment if needed.
Of course, sinus nebulizer treatment is not the only topical treatment than can be provided.
Other topical sinus treatments which may be just as effective if not more include saline flushes containing medications (which can be compounded by any willing pharmacy) as well as application of antibiotic ointments directly into the sinus cavity (which is performed by the ENT under
endoscopic guidance).
It is up to your ENT physician to determine what is the best course of treatment based on your history, endoscopic sinus evaluation, culture results, CT scans, and response to prior medical regimens.
It should also be noted that there have been several studies performed suggesting such nebulizer treatment for sinus infections to be ineffective. However, it certainly is worth trying when all else has failed (or insurance has denied other treatment protocols).
References:Nebulized antibiotics for the treatment of refractory bacterial chronic rhinosinusitis. Ann Pharmacother. 2011 Jun;45(6):798-802. Epub 2011 Jun 7.
Current concepts in topical therapy for chronic sinonasal disease. J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2010 Jun;39(3):217-31.
A prospective controlled trial of pulsed nasal nebulizer in maximally dissected cadavers. Am J Rhinol. 2008 Jul-Aug;22(4):390-4.
Nebulized bacitracin/colimycin: a treatment option in recalcitrant chronic rhinosinusitis with Staphylococcus aureus? A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over pilot study. Rhinology. 2008 Jun;46(2):92-8.
Deposition of aerosolized particles in the maxillary sinuses before and after endoscopic sinus surgery. Am J Rhinol. 2007 Mar-Apr;21(2):196-7.
Comparison of topical medication delivery systems after sinus surgery. Laryngoscope. 2004 Feb;114(2):201-4.
