Acute sinusitis Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, March 2009.
Answers to questions about acute sinusitis
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
- I've got all the symptoms of sinusitis. Can I get antibiotics from my GP to treat it?
- My doctor has suggested I try a steroid spray but I don't like the idea of steroids. Should I take it?
- I've had sinusitis for a few days and have noticed the area around my eye is getting red. What should I do?
I've got all the symptoms of sinusitis. Can I get antibiotics from my GP to treat it?
No, not necessarily. Your symptoms of sinusitis are more likely to be caused by a viral infection than a bacterial one. Viral infections can't be treated with antibiotics.
Explanation
The symptoms you have can be caused by either a viral or bacterial infection. However, less than two-thirds of people with sinusitis have a bacterial infection. Even if you do, treatment with antibiotics makes little difference to how soon your symptoms clear up.
In the UK, GPs are becoming more cautious about prescribing antibiotics when there is no clear evidence of a bacterial infection, or when taking antibiotics makes little difference to how long your symptoms take to improve. As a result, you may find that your GP won't prescribe antibiotics unless your symptoms are getting worse, aren't clearing up or are making you generally unwell. A high fever (a temperature over 39 degrees) or a severe headache are examples of this.
You should bear in mind that acute sinusitis usually lasts about two and a half weeks from the start of symptoms to feeling fully better. Taking antibiotics is unlikely to make much difference to this for most people.
If doctors and patients use antibiotics less often, it may help to stop the growth of 'superbugs' that are resistant to common antibiotics, such as MRSA. Also, several serious conditions, including Clostridium difficile (C. difficile), are linked to taking antibiotics, so it's important not to use them unless they are really necessary.
Further information
- National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE)
www.nice.org.uk
Sources
- Ah-See K, Evans AS. Sinusitis and its management. BMJ 2007; 334(7589):358-361
My doctor has suggested I try a steroid spray but I don't like the idea of steroids. Should I take it?
Steroids can help during a bout of acute sinusitis by reducing inflammation in your sinuses. The side-effects from using a steroid spray for a short while are very slight and generally outweighed by the benefits.
Explanation
Recently researchers have found that a steroid spray such as mometasone (Nasonex) can help relieve symptoms of acute sinusitis. Your GP can prescribe this for you if he or she thinks it will help your symptoms.
If your GP has prescribed you antibiotics, he or she may suggest you use a steroid spray at the same time. This has been shown to give an additional benefit in reducing symptoms such as nasal congestion and pain.
The steroids that your GP can prescribe for your symptoms are called corticosteroids. Taking these medicines for a long time can cause conditions such as osteoporosis and diabetes. However, using a steroid spray directly into your nose means that only small amounts of the medicine are absorbed into your body. You may have side-effects such as nose bleeds or dryness. Always ask your GP for advice and read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
Sources
- Thomas M, Yawn BP, Price D et al. EPOS primary care guidelines: European position paper on the primary care diagnosis and management of rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps 2007 - a summary. Primary Care Respiratory Journal 2008; 17(2):79-89
I've had sinusitis for a few days and have noticed the area around my eye is getting red. What should I do?
If you have an infection in your sinuses, it can spread to your eye socket and the surrounding area. This can be a serious complication of acute sinusitis and you should see your GP as soon as possible.
Explanation
Mostly sinusitis gets better without any problems, often without any specific treatment. However, more serious problems can develop if the infection spreads to the parts of your face and skull that are nearby, including the eye sockets and brain.
If you have sinusitis and develop swelling or redness around your eye, your eye appears to be bulging, or your vision gets worse (such as seeing double), this could be a sign that the area around your eyeball has been infected. If you don't get treatment, it could lead to serious problems, including blindness.
The sinuses are very close to the protective coatings of your brain and infection can spread there. You should seek urgent medical attention if you have symptoms including:
- a severe headache with a stiff neck
- confusion
- sensitivity to light
- coordination problems
Sources
- Thomas M, Yawn BP, Price D et al. EPOS primary care guidelines: European position paper on the primary care diagnosis and management of rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps 2007 - a summary. Primary Care Respiratory Journal 2008; 17(2):79-89
Related topics
- Acute sinusitis
- Antibiotics
- Clostridium difficile infection
- MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: March 2009
Acute sinusitis factsheet
Visit the acute sinusitis health factsheet for more information.
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