Sinusitis

Question 1

What is sinusitis?

Answer 1

Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the paranasal sinuses

Question 2

What is parasinusitis?

Answer 2

Inflammation of all sinuses on one or both sides

Question 3

What is acute sinusitis?

Answer 3

Inflammation of the sinuses for < 4 weeks

Question 4

What is subacute sinusitis?

Answer 4

Progressive symptoms of sinus inflammation occurring over 4–12 weeks; transition from acute to chronic infection

Question 5

What is rhino-sinusitis?

Answer 5

Simultaneous inflammation of the nasal mucosa and sinuses

Question 6

What are the causes of sinusitis?

Answer 6

(Viral, most common) rhinovirus, coronavirus, adenovirus, influenza, and parainfluenza viruses
(Bacterial) S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, M. catarrhalis

Sinus ventilation disorders
Foreign body
Existing rhinitis spreading

Question 7

What are the clinical features of sinusitis?

Answer 7

Fever 
Facial pain (worsened by bending forward or straining), pressure, erythema, and swelling
Mucopurulent discharge

Question 8

How is sinusitis diagnosed?

Answer 8

Clinical diagnosis

CT, nasal endoscopy if unresponsive to treatment

Question 9

What is the treatment for sinusitis?

Answer 9

analgesia
intranasal decongestants or nasal saline
(symptoms lasting >10 days) intranasal corticosteroids
(severe cases) oral antibiotics i.e. phenoxymethylpenicillin or amoxiclav