Acute Sinusitis

Question 1

what is sinusitis?

Answer 1

inflammation of the mucous membranes of the paranasal sinuses

Question 2

what bacteria commonly cause acute sinusitis?

Answer 2

• streptococcus pneumoniae
• haemophilus influenzae
• rhinoviruses

Question 3

what are the risk factors for developing acute sinusitis?

Answer 3

• nasal obstruction - e.g. septal deviation or nasal polyps
• recent local infection
• swimming/diving
• smoking

Question 4

what are the features of acute sinusitis?

Answer 4

• facial pain - typically frontal pressure pain which is worse on bending forward
• nala discharge = thick and purulent
• nasal obstruction

Question 5

how is acute sinusitis managed?

Answer 5

analgesia

Question 6

when are intranasal corticosteroids used in acute sinusitis?

Answer 6

symptoms have been present for more than 10 days

Question 7

when are oral antibiotics used in acute sinusitis?

Answer 7

severe presentations

Question 8

what antibiotic is typically used in acute sinusitis?

Answer 8

phenoxymethylpenicillin

Question 9

what is ‘double-sickening’?

Answer 9

initial viral sinusitis worsens due to secondary bacterial infection