SINUSITIS

Sinusitis

Inflammation or infection of the sinuses, leading to mucus buildup and potential bacterial growth.

Causes of Sinusitis

• Viral (Most Common)

• Bacterial

• Fungal (Rare)

• Allergic

• Structural Causes

Viral Infections

More common

• Caused by viruses such as rhinovirus, coronavirus (common cold), parainfluenza, and influenza.

Bacterial Infections

Caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis (more likely if symptoms persist >10 days).

Fungal

Rare

• Caused by Aspergillus or Mucorales species, mostly in immunocompromised individuals.

Allergic

Triggered by allergens like pollen, dust, and pet dander, leading to chronic inflammation.

Structural Causes

Nasal polyps, deviated septum, or other anatomical abnormalities blocking sinus drainage.

Pathophysiology of Sinusitis

Inflammation of the sinus mucosa blocks normal mucus drainage, leading to mucus buildup, which promotes bacterial or viral growth. This causes swelling, congestion, and discomfort in the affected sinuses.

Medications for Sinusitis

• Antibiotics

  • amoxicillin ± clavulanateAntibiotics

• Decongestants

  • oxymetazoline, pseudoephedrine

• Nasal Corticosteroids

  • fluticasone, mometasone

• Saline Nasal Sprays

• Pain Relievers

  • Acetaminophen, ibuprofen

• Antihistamines

  • loratadine, cetirizine

Antibiotics

Used only for bacterial sinusitis lasting >10 days (e.g., amoxicillin ± clavulanate).

Decongestants

Reduce nasal swelling (e.g., oxymetazoline, pseudoephedrine—use ≤3 days).

Nasal Corticosteroids

Reduce inflammation (e.g., fluticasone, mometasone).

Saline Nasal Irrigation

Helps clear mucus and moisturize nasal passages.

Pain Relievers

Acetaminophen, ibuprofen for headache and facial pain.

Antihistamines

Used if allergies contribute to sinusitis (e.g., loratadine, cetirizine).

Nursing Management for Sinusitis

Assessment

• Monitor symptoms, facial pain, fever, and nasal discharge.

Pain management

• Apply warm compresses, and administer analgesics.

Hydration

• Encourage fluids to thin mucus and promote drainage.

Education

• Emphasize rest, avoiding irritants (e.g., smoke), and proper medication use (including nasal sprays)

Breathing Exercises

• deep breathing techniques for congestion relief.

Follow-up care

• Advise patients to return if symptoms persist or worsen to prevent complications.

Surgery for Sinusitis

1. Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)

2. Balloon Sinuplasty

3. Surgical Drainage

Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)

Minimally invasive procedure to remove sinus blockages.

Balloon Sinuplasty

Uses a small balloon catheter to widen sinus openings.

Surgical Drainage

Performed for severe infections with abscess formation.