Acupuncture and Herbal Treatment of Chronic HIV 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. Patients are randomized to receive either Traditional Chinese Medicine (acupuncture and herbal treatment) or conventional antibiotic therapy (Sudafed and Augmentin). Treatment continues for 8 weeks, followed by a 4 week washout, with final follow-up at week 12. Patients must undergo endoscopic nasal exam and CT scan of paranasal sinus prior to study entry and at week 12.