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This page/column contains information which may be of interest to consumers. The information is based on articles which appear in Australian Prescriber. As Australian Prescriber is written for health professionals, you should discuss any issues raised by this page/column with your doctor or pharmacist. They will be able to give a more detailed answer to your questions by reading the main article.
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Australian Prescriber Vol. 23 No. 2 2000
Treating acute sinusitis
Sinusitis is an infection of the air passages (sinuses) inside the skull bones next to the nose. Usually sinusitis follows a cold in the nose. It can cause headaches, pain in the face and toothache. The nose is usually blocked up with coloured mucus.
Decongestants can help to clear the nose and sinuses. There are decongestants which can be taken by mouth and others which are sprayed into the nose. For some patients a saline nasal spray will help relieve their symptoms.
If a sinus infection does not respond to decongestants an antibiotic is sometimes needed. Usually a type of penicillin is effective.
