Acute sinusitis
GGC - Primary Care
Warning
Background: Acute sinusitis is generally managed in primary care. The vast majority of cases will resolve within 14 days without antibiotics. Symptomatic management with paracetamol +/- ibuprofen and nasal rinses +/- a short course of nasal decongestants for 5 days will be adequate for most patients
That being said, complications can occur such as:
- Periorbital cellulitis +/- orbital abscess
- Potts puffy tumour – an abscess on the forehead
- Meningitis
- Intra-cerebral abscess
- Cavernous sinus thrombosis
Referral guidance:
Patients presenting with uncomplicated acute sinusitis should be managed in primary care in the first instance
If concern regarding complications, discuss with ENT as an emergency, or if unwell, advise patient to attend their nearest ED