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Adult Sinusitis

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Table 7. Patient Information Sheet on Treating Acute Bacterial Rhinosinusitis (ABRS) Patient Question Clinician Answer How long will it take before I feel better? Most patients with ABRS feel better within 7 days, and by 15 days about 90% are cured or improved. Is there anything I can do for symptomatic relief ? ere are several ways to relieve sinusitis symptoms that should be discussed with your doctor to decide which are best for you: 1. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can relieve pain and fever 2. Saline irrigations or washing out the nose with salt water, can relieve symptoms and remove mucus that is hard to blow out 3. Nasal steroid sprays can reduce symptoms after 15 days of use, but the benefit is small (about 14 people must use them to get 1 person better) and side effects include headache, nasal itching, and nose bleeds 4. Decongestants may help you breathe easier and can be taken as a nasal spray (for no more than 3 days in a row to avoid worsening congestion) or by mouth Is there anything I should not do? Antihistamines and oral steroid medicines should not be used routinely because they have side effects and do not relieve symptoms. If I have ABRS do I have to take an antibiotic? No, both watchful waiting and antibiotic therapy are proven ways to treat ABRS. Most people get better naturally, and antibiotics only slightly increase symptom relief (about 10-15 people must use antibiotics to get 1 more person better aer 7-15 days). Is there any downside to using antibiotic? Antibiotics have side effects that include rash, upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, allergic reactions, and causing resistant germs. What is "watchful waiting" for ABRS? Watchful waiting means delaying antibiotic treatment of ABRS for up to 7 days aer diagnosis to see if you get better on your own. How is watchful waiting done? Your doctor can give you an antibiotic prescription, but you should only fill the prescription and take the antibiotic if you do not get better aer 7 days or if you get worse at any time. If you do use the antibiotic, contact your doctor's office and let them know. If I use an antibiotic, for how many days should I take it ? Antibiotics are usually given for 10 days to treat ABRS, but shorter courses may be equally effective. Ask your doctor about a 5- to 7-day course of antibiotics since side effects are less common.

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