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Sinusitis is swelling of the sinuses, usually caused by an infection. It's common and usually clears up on its own within 2 to 3 weeks. But medicines can help to reduce the severity of the symptoms.¹

• Healthy Sinus vs Sinusitis^2,3

The sinuses are small, air-filled cavities behind the cheekbones and forehead.

The mucus produced by sinuses usually drains into the nose through small channels. In sinusitis, these channels become blocked because the sinus linings are inflamed (swollen).⁴

Symptomsµ

Symptoms of sinusitis include:

• Pain, swelling and tenderness around the cheeks, eyes or forehead

• Blocked nose

• Reduced sense of smell

• Green or yellow mucus from the nose

• Sinus headache

• High temperature

• Toothache

• Bad breath

Patients may treat sinusitis at home with the following⁶:

• Placing a warm, wet towel on the face. It may relieve discomfort and open nasal passages.

• Sitting up at night by lying the head against a couple of pillows.

• Using a nasal saline spray. It’s salt water and will help keep nasal passages from drying out.

• Using a humidifier or vaporizer. This may help with creating moisture in the cavities; as dry air can irritate your sinuses.

• Taking of long showers or breathe in steam from a pot of warm (but not too hot) water.

• Avoiding chlorinated pools as they can irritate nasal passages.

Sinusitis relief:

• Over-the-counter products are available as single ingredient products or as combination ‘all-in-one’ remedies. They are available as tablets, capsules, nasal sprays and liquids. Patients should be reminded to take only one medicine with the same type of active ingredient at a time.

*Manufacturer advises decongestant nasal sprays should only be used for maximum of seven days due to the risk of rebound nasal congestion.10

When should patients be signposted to see their GP?

• Develop a high temperature (above 39°C or 102.2°F), which can be a sign of a more serious type of infection

• Feeling confused or disorientated

• Notice a sharp pain in their chest

• Cough up blood-stained phlegm (thick mucus)

• Find it difficult to breathe

• Notice a marked swelling of the glands in their neck and/or armpits

• Symptoms lasted longer than three weeks¹¹

Click here for PI:

Sudafed Sinus Pain Relief Tablets 
Sudafed Sinus Pressure & Pain Tablets 
Sudafed Sinus Max Strength Capsules 
Sudafed Sinus-Ease 0.1% Nasal Spray

References:

1. Sinusitis (sinus infection), NHS, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sinusitis-sinus-infection/#:~:text=Sinusitis%20is%20swelling%20of%20the,long%20time%20to%20go%20away. (accessed 29.07.2020)
2. Healthy sinus vs Sinusitis, Shutterstock Image. Available at: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-vector/nasal-sinus-healthy-inflammation-vector-1032779143 (accessed 05.08.2020)
3. How Chiropractic Care Can Help Relieve Sinus Pressure. Exuberance: chiropractic and wellness centre. Available at: https://exuberancechiropractic.com/how-chiropractic-care-can-help-relieve-sinus-pressure/ (accessed 10.10.2019)
4. Sinusitis (sinus infection), NHS, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sinusitis-sinus-infection/#:~:text=Sinusitis%20is%20swelling%20of%20the,long%20time%20to%20go%20away. (accessed 04.08.2020)
5. About sinusitis, NHS Inform, https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/ears-nose-and-throat/sinusitis. (accessed 04.08.2020)
6. Nasal Congestion Pressure Home and OTC Remedies. Web MD. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/allergies/sinus-congestion#1 (accessed 05.08.2020)
7. Phenylephrine. Web MD. Available via: https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-21821/phenylephrine-oral/details (accessed 05.08.2020)
8. Pseudoephedrine. Web MD. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-4908-821/pseudoephedrine-oral/pseudoephedrine-sustained-release-oral/details (accessed 05.08.2020)
9. Xylometazoline. Web MD. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-6311-214/xylometazoline-nasal/decongestant-drops-nasal/details (accessed 05.05.2020)
10. Decongestants, NHS. Available at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/decongestants/ (accessed 05.08.2020)
11. Colds and Nasal Congestion, NHS. Available at https://www.neneccg.nhs.uk/resources/uploads/media/Colds-and-Nasal-Congestion-patient-information-self-care-leaflet_condensed.pdf (accessed