7
Table 5. Patient Information Sheet on Treating ABRS
Question 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 ?
There 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
antibiotics?
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 5 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 5 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 5–7 day
course of antibiotics since side effects are less common.
