Sinusitis Management

Important facts

Antibiotics are not needed 98-99.5% of the time
Most cases usually resolves in 7-10 days without treatment
Symptomatic management gold standard
Saline irrigation twice daily (Neilmed Sinus Rinse)

PLUS steroid nasal spray (mometasone nasal spray – “Nasonex/Sensease”)

PLUS short term decongestant such as pseudoephedrine/phenylephrine

Acute viral rhinosinusitis (the common cold) is the most common form of acute rhinosinusitis. It is estimated that only 0.5% to 2% of respiratory tract infections are complicated by bacterial infection. Antibiotics are therefore not useful for most acute rhinosinusitis cases.

Uncomplicated acute viral rhinosinusitis resolves in 7 to 10 days without treatment, 80% of bacterial sinusitis cases resolve in 2 weeks.

This is freely available to be downloaded here.

How to use a nasal spray

To use a nasal spray effectively and safely:

Clear the nasal passages first; using a saline nasal spray may be helpful.
Shake the bottle and follow the manufacturer's advice (package insert) about priming if needed.
Bend your neck forward and look down.
For intranasal corticosteroids, use your right hand for the left nostril and vice versa. Put the nozzle just inside the nose aiming towards the outer wall.
Change hands and repeat for the other side.
Avoid sniffing too hard or the liquid is likely to go straight down the throat.

Remember that this is just a general guide! Your doctor and pharmacist will be able to provide more advice to you about your specific symptoms.

Remember to talk to your dentist, doctor or pharmacist before using this advice. I have placed this here as a reference for my patients, only under recommendation of their clinician.

Our pharmacist at #BarcyPharm will love to hear from you!

Please get in touch via phone: 07 4651 1121,email: admin@barcaldinepharmacy.com.au.

Sinusitis Management

Important facts

How to use a nasal spray

Further Reading: