Sinusitis (Acute Bacterial Rhinosinusitis) Patient Education Handout associated with UMHS Clinical Care Guideline

This information is not a tool for self-diagnosis or a substitute for medical treatment. You should speak to your health-care provider or make an appointment to be seen if you have questions or concerns about this information or your medical condition.

What is rhinosinusitis?

Sinusitis is a bacterial infection of the sinus cavities. The sinus cavities are air pockets in the bone that open into the nasal cavity. They are located behind the cheeks, above and behind the bridge of the nose, and in the center of the head.

How does it occur?

Sinusitis occurs as a complication of about 1% of colds. It can also occur without a preceding cold. Factors that may increase a person’s risk for sinusitis include: deviated septum, nasal allergies, nasal polyps and others.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms include colored nasal discharge, persistent pain and tenderness over one or more sinus cavities, poor response to decongestants, and cough.

How is it treated?

Antibiotics can decrease the duration of symptoms. Other non-prescription medications can help relieve symptoms.

How long will the effects last?

Symptom duration. Be patient: the average cold lasts nine days, and sinus infections can last more than two weeks even with appropriate treatment.

If no improvement. Follow-up is recommended if you have no improvement in symptoms after 10 to 14 days (or sooner if symptoms are worsening).

Side effects. Antibiotics can cause side effects, the most common of which are rash, nausea, and diarrhea. Other side effects are possible.

How can I take care of myself?

Over-the-Counter Symptom Relief Strategies:

Probably effective
     Decongestants (to relieve stuffiness):
          Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed®)
          Oxymetazoline 0.05% (Afrin®) (use no more than 3 days)
     Anticholinergics (drying agents)  -  avoid use if older than 65 years:
          Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton®)
          Clemastine (Tavist®)
          Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®)

Possibly effective
     Zinc gluconate lozenges
     Vitamin C
     Echinacea extract
     Saline irrigation

No proven benefit
     Steam
     Saline spray
     Guaifenesin (except possibly at high dose)

January 2005