6
Management
Table 3. 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?
Because 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.
Table 4. Comparison of Modalities for Objective
Confirmation of Sinonasal Inflammation
Modality Method Cost Discomfort Risk Sensitivity
a
Nasal
endoscopy
Direct
visualization
Moderate Minimal to
moderate
Minimal Good
Anterior
rhinoscopy
Direct
visualization
Minimal Minimal Minimal Fair
Computed
tomography
Radiographic High Minimal Radiation
exposure
Excellent
a
Ability to detect signs of inflammation if present in the nasal cavity or sinuses.
