Table 6. Patient Information Sheet on Diagnosis
of Acute Sinusitis
Question Answer
What are the sinuses? Sinuses are hollow spaces in the bones around the nose
that connect to the nose through small, narrow channels.
e sinuses stay healthy when the channels are open,
which allows air from the nose to enter the sinuses and
mucus made in the sinuses to drain into the nose.
What is sinusitis? Sinusitis, also called rhinosinusitis, affects about 1 in
8 adults annually and generally occurs when viruses or
bacteria infect the sinuses (oen during a cold) and begin
to multiply. Part of the body's reaction to the infection
causes the sinus lining to swell, blocking the channels that
drain the sinuses. is causes mucus and pus to fill up the
nose and sinus cavities.
How can I tell if I have acute
sinusitis?
You have acute sinusitis when there has been up to 4 weeks
of cloudy or colored (not clear) drainage from the nose
plus one or both of the following :
a. a stuffy, congested or blocked nose,
b. pain, pressure or fullness in the face, head or around
the eyes.
How can I tell if my sinusitis is
caused by viruses or bacteria?
Acute viral sinusitis is likely if you have been sick less than
10 days and are not getting worse. Acute bacterial sinusitis
is likely when you do not improve at all within 10 days of
getting sick, or when you get worse within 10 days aer
beginning to get better.
Why is it important to tell if my
sinusitis is caused by bacteria?
Sinusitis is treated differently based on cause. Acute viral
sinusitis does not benefit from antibiotics, but some
patients with acute bacterial sinusitis may get better faster
with an antibiotic.
