Acute and Chronic Sinusitis Flashcards
What are the common symptoms of acute sinusitis
Facial pain over affected sinuses
Purulent nasal drainage
Nasal congestion & obstruction
Fever & malaise
Halitosis (bad breath)
Recurrent headaches
What are the findings on a nasal exam for acute sinusitis
Edematous mucosa
Discolored purulent nasal drainage
Enlarged nasal turbinates
Tenderness over frontal or maxillary sinuses
What are the symptoms for chronic sinusitis
No fever and no severe pain
But includes:
Facial or dental pain
Nasal congestion
Increased nasal drainage
How do you assess for sinusitis
Palpate the frontal and maxillary sinuses to assess for tenderness.
What are the risk factors for sinusitis
Allergies
Asthma (50% of moderate-severe asthma patients)
GERD
Smoking
Nasal polyps
Repeated acute infections
How is acute sinusitis diagnosed
based on symptoms and PE
How is chronic sinusitis diagnosed
X-Ray and CT shows fluid-filled sinuses or thickened mucosa
What do nasal endoscopy do for chronic sinusitis
examines sinuses, obtains cultures, and restores normal drainage.
What is the first-line treatment for acute sinusitis
Oral/topical decongestants
Intranasal corticosteroids
Analgesics
Saline nasal spray
When are antibiotics used
If symptoms worsen or persist longer than 1 week.
What is the treatment for chronic sinusitis
Broad-spectrum antibiotics for 4-6 weeks (due to mixed bacterial flora).
What is the surgical intervention for chronic/recurrent sinusitis
Nasal endoscopic surgery to relieve obstruction (e.g., from septal deviation or hypertrophy).
What is propel
A self-expanding implant placed in the sinuses
What does propel do
Maintains sinus patency
Delivers corticosteroids
Dissolves after 30 days
What should a Pt with allergies do to prevent sinusitis
Control environmental allergens
Use appropriate drug therapy
What are some home care measures to relieve symptoms
Saline irrigation
Stay hydrated
Use a humidifier
Apply warm compresses
What should you avoid
Smoking
Exposure to allergens
Prolonged use of decongestant sprays
