Use of nebulized antibiotics for acute infections in chronic sinusitis

OBJECTIVE: Infections in patients with chronic sinusitis after surgery can be difficult to treat. Nebulized antimicrobial therapy was studied as a treatment option. STUDY DESIGN: Patients with chronic sinusitis, previous sinus surgery, and an acute infection were offered nebulized antibiotics or standard therapy. Cultures were taken and sensitivity testing was performed. Retrospective chart reviews were also performed. RESULTS: Forty-two patients were included. The most common side effects were sore throat and cough. Symptomatic and endoscopic data before and after nebulized therapy showed a longer infection-free period (average, 17 weeks) compared with standard therapy (average, 6 weeks). Improvements in posterior nasal discharge, facial pain/pressure, and emotional consequences were noted. CONCLUSION: Nebulized therapy was safe and effective in this cohort. Endoscopy and outcome measure changes showed consistent improvements. SIGNIFICANCE: A novel therapy for acute sinus infections in patients with chronic sinusitis and previous endoscopic sinus surgery is presented.