Am J Chin Med. 1982 ; 10(1-4): 55-8.

The effects of treatment with antibiotics, laser and acupuncture upon chronic maxillary sinusitis in children.

Pothman R, Yeh HL.

In a clinical study we compared three different types of therapy in chronic maxillary sinusitis. 45 patients, 3-40 years old, were treated, 19 with antibiotics, 18 with acupuncture and 8 with Laser-acupuncture. There was no statistical difference of results between Laser-therapy and antibiotics (Chi-Square-Test). Compared to previous treatments with antibiotics, results and duration of improvement was significantly better after acupuncture. Conclusion: acute sinusitis, especially of frontal sinus and in younger children, will better be treated by antibiotics because of the danger of osteomyelitis and meningitis. Acupuncture should be tried in chronic and recurrent stages after exclusion of large adenoids in children or bone inhibition of sinus clearance, especially before an invasive operation like removal of sinus mucosa is carried out.