Acupuncture and Herbal Treatment of Chronic HIV Sinusitis

To compare Traditional Chinese Medicine versus standard antibiotic therapy consisting of pseudoephedrine ( Sudafed ) plus amoxicillin / clavulanate potassium combination ( Augmentin ) in reducing symptoms and recurrence of acute HIV-related sinusitis. Chronic sinusitis in HIV-infected individuals is a recurrent and persistent infection with potentially serious complications: it can exacerbate pulmonary disease, cause recurrences of life-threatening sepsis, and progress to central nervous system involvement. Symptoms of sinusitis in HIV patients are often refractory to aggressive Western medical management, and antibiotic intolerance can occur. Traditional Chinese Medicine consisting of acupuncture and herbal treatment may provide a low-risk, low-cost alternative to conventional antibiotic therapy.