Acute Sinusitis

Question 1

What is it?

Answer 1

an inflammation of the mucous membranes of the paranasal sinuses.

sinuses are usually sterile

Question 2

common infectious agents

Answer 2

streptococcus pneumonias

haemophillus influenza

rhinovirus

Question 3

predisposing factors

Answer 3

nasal obstruction e.g. septal deviation or nasal polyps

recent local infection e.g. rhinitis or dental extraction

swimming/diving

smoking

Question 4

features

Answer 4

facial pain
-typically frontal pressure pain which is worse on bending forward

nasal discharge: usually thick and purulent

nasal obstruction

Question 5

Mx

Answer 5

1. analgesia
2. intranasal decongestants or nasal saline
3. intranasal corticosteroids if symptoms present for more than 10 days

Question 6

Mx severe cases

Answer 6

Phenoxymethylpenicillin - 1st line