Disease |
SINUSITIS |
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Quotation |
"In winter a head cold is just a sinus of the times." |
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Definition |
Symptomatic inflammation of the paranasal sinus as a result of impaired drainage and retained secretions. Could be Acute lasting for 4 weeks, or Chronic lasting for more than 12 weeks. Involved sinuses could be maxillary, ethmoid and sphenoid. |
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Prognosis |
Acute sinusitis should clear with appropriate therapy within 3-4 days. Chronic sinusitis might take a few weeks to clear on adequate therapy, but with a tendency with a tendency to recur. |
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General Measures |
Adequate hydration with 8-10 glasses of water daily. Steam inhalations, preferable after instillation of nasal decongestant drops. The patient assumes head down position for at least 20 seconds (named the "Mecca position" as seen with Moslems in prayer facing Mecca) after instilling the decongestant drops, and then proceeds to steam inhalations. Saline nasal drops. Sleeping with head of bed raised. Avoidance of smoke, dust and fumes. |
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Advice to Patient |
Avoiding excess use of decongestants, antibiotics, violent nose blowing.
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Inadequate Response |
Change of antibiotics. Mechanical blockage with massive polyp or growth. Ignoring allergic triggers.
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Prevention |
Antihistamine, and nasal steroid sprays to avoid blockage of secretions.
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Reference From |
Website: http://www.allergyclinic.co.nz/
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