Make sure patients know that they need to use an irrigator tip that is adapted for the nose, Dr. Tichenor advises. Antifungal irrigations can help treat fungal sinusitis infections, but the antifungal agents often have to be refrigerated and protected from light, sometimes making their storage inconvenient. Saline sprays also wash out mucus and moisturize the nose. Humidifiers moisturize the nasal passages. Many patients prefer a hot mist, but he recommends using cool mist if there will be young children around who risk getting burned.
Mechanical devices can help patients with obstruction breathe better.
Some mechanical devices work like an elastic bandage across the nose and use an embedded spring to keep the nose open. Others look like new-fangled paper clips that are inserted in the nose. Anecdotal reports from patients have suggested that herbal supplements such as Echinacea, bromelain and goldenseal may be helpful, but there isn't much medical research to support this. Patients who have nasal polyps and rhinosinusitis may respond to oral or nasal spray anti-leukotriene agents, according to some reports. It's critical that patients be evaluated for outside agents that may exacerbate rhinosinusitis.