Sinsuitis

Question 1

Acute sinusitis definition

Answer 1

Symptomatic inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, usually followed by a viral respiratory tract infection and is defined by symptoms that last for less than 12 weeks

Question 2

What microorganisms are the most common cause of acute sinusitis

Answer 2

strep. pneumonae, H. infuenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis

Question 3

Acute sinusitis clinical features

Answer 3

nasal blockage or nasal discharge with facial pain/pressure (or headache) and/or reduction of the sense of smell

Severe pain and tenderness with purulent nasal discharge indicates secondary bacterial infection

Toothache common

Question 4

Acute sinusitis diagnosis

Answer 4

Clinical diagnosis

Question 5

Acute sinusitis management

Answer 5

Self limiting unless severe/deteriorating cases of >10 days duration - treat secondary bacterial infection

• Phenoxymethylpenicillin first line
• Doxycycline second line - contraindicated in children

Question 6

Acute sinusitis complications

Answer 6

• Spread of infection from sinuses to orbit - cellulitis, periosteal abscess, orbital abscess
• Thrombosis of retinal vein or cavernous sinus - infection spreads into superior saggital sinus