Millions of Britons suffering from chronic sinusitis could soon be offered surgery to combat the condition, experts suggested today.

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) impacts 10% of adults, leading to inflammation in the nose and paranasal sinuses, which can result in breathing difficulties and facial pain or discomfort.

Often confused with a severe cold, the condition can persist for an extended period, even years, leading those affected to experience a lower quality of life, require increased medical care, and have higher absence rates from work.

Currently, nasal steroids and saline rinses are prescribed to patients to help alleviate symptoms.

But now, British researchers have found these treatments are broadly ineffective in comparison to sinus surgery.

A significant clinical study involving over 500 participants conducted by experts at University College London, the University of East Anglia, and Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, found that surgery remained effective in alleviating symptoms of CRS even six months after the procedure.

Experts today claimed the findings could be ‘a real-game changer for sufferers worldwide’. 

Professor Carl Philpott, an expert in rhinology at the University of East Anglia and the principal author of the study, stated: ‘Our research indicates that surgical intervention significantly reduces symptoms after six months, whereas antibiotic treatment showed minimal impact.’

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) affects one in 10 adults and causes inflammation of the nose and paranasal sinuses that can make breathing difficult and cause face pain or tenderness.

Previously, there was no trial-based evidence demonstrating the superiority of sinus surgery over medical management, and access to sinus surgeries has been limited in certain areas of the UK in recent years.

‘This could be a real-game changer for sufferers worldwide..’

He added: ‘We hope our findings will help reduce the length of time for patients to get treatment. Streamlining clinical pathways will help reduce unnecessary visits and consultations, and save on healthcare resources.’ 

In the study, all participants received nasal steroids and saline rinses as standard care, alongside their randomly allocated treatment option of either sinus surgery, antibiotics or placebo tablets. 

They were followed up after three and six months, where researchers examined their nose and sinuses, took airflow readings and conducted smell tests.

Writing in the prestigious journal The Lancet, researchers said of those who underwent surgery, 87 per cent said their quality of life had improved six months on. 

The researchers are now looking to see how long the benefits last, over an extended follow up period. 

Professor Claire Hopkins, a rhinology specialist at Guy’s Hospital, London and one of the trial’s chief investigators, said: ‘Although sinus surgery is commonly performed within the NHS, uncertainty regarding its effectiveness has led to restricted access for many patients in the NHS. 

Sudafed sprays for blocked noses cost around £4. But experts have warned of the dangers when using them for longer than advised

The results of the trial highlight the significant improvements in quality of life that many patients experience after surgery.

‘It should give them and their referring doctors more confidence in seeking treatment for chronic rhinosinusitis. 

‘We hope that this work will enhance the care for adult patients with chronic rhinosinusitis within the NHS, and beyond.’

It comes as medics warned earlier this year that an alarming number of people are becoming hooked on nasal decongestant sprays. 

The sprays, available for less than £4 at high-street chemists and supermarkets are a go-to remedy for relieving a blocked nose. 

But using them for longer than a week at a time can irritate sensitive blood vessels in the nose, causing swelling and exacerbating sinusitis symptoms. 

This results in a vicious cycle that leaves patients even more reliant on the medication to help them breathe. 

People affected are now calling for the decongestant spray such as Sudafed to be made available by prescription only, so GPs can limit the supply. 

As nasal decongestant sprays are not a prescription medication, the number of people taking them regularly—and therefore at risk of rebound congestion—is unknown.