Rhinosinusitis

Question 1

define sinusitis and rhinosinusitis

Answer 1

sinusitis
-inflammation of the paranasal sinuses

usually accompanied by inflam of the nasal cavity and that is referred to as rhinosinusitis

Question 2

types of sinusitis

Answer 2

acute- less than 12wks

chronic- more than12 wks

Question 3

define the paransal sinutes

Answer 3

hollow spaces within the bones of the face

arrange symmetrically around nasal cavity

Question 4

function of teh paransal sinuses

-what causes sinusitis

Answer 4

produce mucous and drain into the nsal caivites via holes called ostia

-blockage of the ostia prevents draingae fo the sinuses and causes sinusitis

Question 5

state the four paranasal sinuses and their locations

Answer 5

frontal sinues (above the eyebrows)

maxillary sinuses- either side of the nose below the eyes

ethmoid sinuses - in the ethmoid bones in the middle of the nasal cavity

sphenoid sinues
-in the sphenoid bone at the back of the nasal cavity

Question 6

causes of sinusitis 4

*-what group of patients are more likely to suffer from sinusitis

Answer 6

infection-particular after viral URTI

allergies-such as hayfever (w allergic rhinitis)

obstruction of drainage
-due to foreign body, trauma or polyps

smoking

*-asthmatics

Question 7

presentaion of sinusitis 6

Answer 7

for acute sinusitis
-usually had a recent URTI and the following:

-nasal congestion, discharge,

-facial pain, headache, pressure,

swelling over affected areas

loss of smell

Question 8

what can examinaitno in sinusitis reveal 4

Answer 8

tenderness to palpation of affected areas

inflam and oedema of nasal mucosa

discharge

fever

other signs of systemic infections (eg tachycardia)

Question 9

how does chronic sinusitis present

Answer 9

similar to acute but with duration of more than 12 weeks

-may be assoc w polyps which are growths of the nasal mucosa

Question 10

investigations for sinusitis

Answer 10

in most cases Ix not necessary

-in ptx w persistent syx despite syx

Ix include
-nasal endoscopy
-CT scan

Question 11

management of acute sinusitis 3

Answer 11

systemic infection or sepsis require admission to hospital

no ABx for first 10 days of syx
most cases are viral and resolve within 2-3wks \

if syx not improving after 10 days
-high dose steroids
-delayed ABx prescirpi

Question 12

options for chronic sinusitis 3

Answer 12

saline nasal irrigation

steroid nasal sprays or drops

funciontal endosocpic sinus surgery