Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses. This is associated with pain over sinuses which increases in late mornings or on bending forward. Patients may have inflamed and swollen nasal mucosa and sinus tenderness.
Medications:
- Spray Nasivion (Oxymetazoline hydrochloride 0.05%) nasal spray – 2 sprays in each nostrils twice a day for 5 days.
- Tab. Dolo (Paracetamol 650 mg) 1 tablet thrice a day for 5 days.
- Tab. Moxikind CV 625 (Amoxicillin 500 mg, Clavulanic acid 125 mg) 1 tablet thrice a day for 10 days. Antibiotics indicated only if persistent nasal blockage, postnasal discharge, reduced sense of smell for more than 7 days, facial pain, fever or recurrent sinusitis.
General advice:
- Quit smoking
- Drink lots of water
- Steam inhalation
- Do not blow your nose.
- Avoid house irritants: cigarette smoke, cleaning products, hairspray, and other materials that give off fumes can all worsen sinus problems.
- If dental focus of infection is present, extract tooth under antibiotic cover.
Investigations:
- X ray of sinuses – paranasal sinuses (Waters view) to check for soft tissue shadows due to fluid or polyps.
Referral:
Resistant cases need to be referred to ENT specialist.
Urgent ENT referral if –
- Patient complains of visual disturbances
- Edema around eyes
- Severe facial pain and swelling