From the Guidelines
For a sinus infection, rest and stay hydrated while managing symptoms with over-the-counter medications, and reserve antibiotic treatment for patients with persistent symptoms for more than 10 days, onset of severe symptoms or signs of high fever (>39 °C) and purulent nasal discharge or facial pain lasting for at least 3 consecutive days, or onset of worsening symptoms following a typical viral illness that lasted 5 days that was initially improving 1.
Patient Education
To manage symptoms of acute sinusitis, patients should:
- Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) 650mg every 6 hours or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) 400-600mg every 6-8 hours for pain and fever
- Use saline nasal sprays or rinses like a neti pot 2-3 times daily to flush mucus and reduce congestion
- Use decongestants such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) 30-60mg every 4-6 hours for temporary relief, but avoid using them for more than 3 days to prevent rebound congestion
- Apply warm compresses to the face for 5-10 minutes several times daily to ease pressure and pain
When to Seek Medical Attention
Patients should see a doctor if symptoms:
- Persist beyond 10 days
- Worsen after initial improvement
- Include high fever (over 102°F)
- Severe headache
- Facial swelling
Prevention
To prevent future infections, patients should:
- Wash hands frequently
- Avoid cigarette smoke
- Manage allergies
- Consider using a humidifier during dry seasons to keep nasal passages moist It is essential to note that most sinus infections are viral and resolve within 7-10 days without antibiotics, and antibiotics are only needed for bacterial infections, which can be determined by a doctor 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Patient Education for Acute Sinusitis
Patient education for acute sinusitis (sinus infection) is crucial for effective management and treatment of the condition. The following points highlight the key aspects of patient education:
- Definition and Symptoms: Acute sinusitis is defined as the swelling of the sinuses and nasal cavity, and its symptoms include nasal congestion, rhinorrhoea, facial pain, hyposmia, sneezing, and malaise 2.
- Treatment Options: Treatment options for acute sinusitis include antibiotics, such as amoxicillin or amoxicillin-clavulanate, as well as supportive care like saline irrigation, nasal steroids or antihistamines, and decongestants 3, 4.
- Antibiotic Therapy: Antibiotics should be considered for patients with severe symptoms, significant worsening of symptoms, or symptoms lasting more than 7 days 3. The choice of antibiotic depends on the patient's allergy status and the suspected causative organism 4.
- Supportive Care: Supportive care, including saline irrigation, nasal steroids or antihistamines, and decongestants, can help reduce the severity of symptoms 3, 5.
- Duration of Treatment: The optimal duration of antibiotic therapy is unknown, but treatment should continue until the patient becomes free of symptoms and for an additional 7 days 4.
- Complications: Patients should be aware of the potential complications of acute sinusitis, such as orbital cellulitis, meningitis, and abscess, and seek medical attention if they experience severe symptoms or worsening of their condition 3.
Key Takeaway Points for Patients
Some key takeaway points for patients with acute sinusitis include:
- Acute sinusitis is a common condition that can be managed with antibiotics and supportive care.
- Patients should seek medical attention if they experience severe symptoms, significant worsening of symptoms, or symptoms lasting more than 7 days.
- Antibiotic therapy should be taken as directed, and patients should complete the full course of treatment.
- Supportive care, such as saline irrigation and nasal steroids or antihistamines, can help reduce the severity of symptoms.
- Patients should be aware of the potential complications of acute sinusitis and seek medical attention if they experience severe symptoms or worsening of their condition 3, 4, 5, 2, 6.