Study: Surgery More Effective Than Antibiotics in Treating Chronic Sinus Disease

New Delhi- A major clinical trial has revealed that surgery is more effective than antibiotics in treating chronic sinus disease.

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), commonly known as sinusitis, is marked by symptoms such as a blocked or runny nose, loss of smell, facial pain, fatigue, and worsening of breathing conditions like asthma. While it resembles a persistent cold, CRS can last for months or even years.

The study, published in The Lancet, showed that surgery provided significant relief to patients, with 87 percent reporting improved quality of life even six months after the procedure. In contrast, a three-month course of low-dose antibiotics showed little benefit, with outcomes similar to those in the placebo group.

“Surgery was clearly more effective at reducing symptoms even after six months, whereas antibiotics made little difference. Until now, there was no trial-based evidence proving surgery’s superiority over medical treatment. This could be a real game-changer for patients worldwide,” said Professor Carl Philpott of the University of East Anglia’s Norwich Medical School, lead author of the study.

The randomized controlled trial included more than 500 patients across the UK. Researchers from University College London (UCL) also took part, comparing sinus surgery against long-term antibiotics and placebo. All participants continued with standard care, including nasal steroids and saline rinses, which are known to ease symptoms.

Patients were evaluated at three and six months through nasal and sinus examinations, airflow tests, and smell assessments. Results consistently showed that surgery outperformed antibiotics in improving symptoms and overall quality of life.

Philpott added, “We hope these findings will shorten the time patients wait for effective treatment. Streamlined clinical pathways can cut down unnecessary visits, reduce consultations, and save valuable healthcare resources.”

With inputs from IANS