SINUSITIS

- NAMRATA DOBARIYA
 INTRODUCTION
Sinusitis is an infection of sinuses that often occur after a
cold or with allergies.
Sinusitis is of the following three types:
1) Short-term or Acute: Symptoms of this infection last
for less than 12 weeks and go away with proper
treatment.
2) Long-term or Chronic: Symptoms of this infection last
for more than 12 weeks.
3) Recurrent: Symptoms of this infection appear again
and again, i.e., 3 or more episodes of acute sinusitis in a
year.
 ETIOLOGY
When nasal discharge blocks the sinuses, bacteria
start growing and cause a sinus infection. The most
common bacteria that cause acute sinusitis are:
 Streptococcus pneumonia
 Haemophilus influenzae
 Moraxella catarrhalis
 SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
 Stuffy nose
 Thick and coloured discharge in nose
 Discharge down the back of throat (postnasal
drip)
 Headache
 Cough
 Pain or soreness in sinuses
 Fever
 Loss of smell
 DIAGNOSIS
The healthcare provider should ask about the
symptoms and health history, followed by a physical
examination, and may be the following tests:
 Sinus X-rays: An X-ray of the sinuses is taken to
diagnose the condition.
 CT Scan of Sinuses: It is done to get detailed
images of the sinuses.
 Cultures from Sinuses: A swab of discharge is
taken from the nose to check for the presence of
bacteria or other microbes.
 MEDICAL MANAGEMENT
child is treated based on his/her symptoms, age,
severity of the condition, and general health.
 Acute Sinusitis: Acute sinusitis generally
resolves on its own, but if it persists, the
healthcare provider should prescribe:
I. Antibiotics: These should be prescribed if the
child's sinuses are infected with bacteria. A
different antibiotic should be given if the
symptoms still remain after 3 to 5 days.
II. Allergy Medicines: Antihistamines and
other anti-allergic drugs should be
prescribed for sinusitis caused by allergies
to reduce swelling.
Over-the-counter decongestant nasal sprays
should not be used without consulting the
healthcare provider as the symptoms may
worsen. Antibiotics and anti-allergic drugs
should also be used for treating recurrent
sinusitis.
 Chronic Sinusitis: It includes:
I. Visit to an ENT Specialist: The child may
be referred to an ENT doctor.
II. Antibiotics: These may be prescribed if the
infection is caused by bacteria.
III.Inhaled Corticosteroids: Nasal sprays or
drops containing steroids may be
prescribed.
IV. Other Medicines: Nasal sprays with
antihistamines and decongestants saline sprays
or drops, or medicines to reduce viscosity of
mucus and expel mucus may be prescribed.
V. Allergy Shots or Immunotherapy: If the child
has nasal allergies, shots may be given to reduce
reaction to allergens (pollen, dust mites, or
mold).
VI. Surgery: Surgery for chronic sinusitis is not done
very often.
Care may also include:
 Fluids: The child should be given glass of
water or juice in every hour as fluids reduce
the viscosity of mucus; and expel it easily.
Fluids are also helpful preventing dehydration.
 Saline Wash: It should be used to keep the
sinuses and nose moist.
 Warm Compresses: A warm, moist towel
should be applied to the child's nose. cheeks,
and eyes to reduce facial pain.
 COMPLICATION
 Acute sinusitis can cause brain infection (in
a rare case).
 PREVENTION
 The child should keep the nose moist using
saline sprays, washes, or both.
 Thechild should use a humidifier in dry indoor
environments.
 Thechild should be kept away from cigarette
and cigar smoke.
 The child should be kept away from allergens.
 Water should not be forced into the child's
sinuses.
 Thechild should be taught to practice good hand
hygiene.
 The child should be kept immunised.
 The child should not be allowed to have close
contact with people having colds or other upper
respiratory infections.