Rhinosinusitis%20-%20acute,%20bacterial%20(pediatric) Patient Education

• Reassure and educate the patient/parent about the nature of upper respiratory infection (URTI) and acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (ABRS), and expected duration of illness
  • Inform patient/parent that URTI is a self-limiting disease 
  • May also inform about the details of therapy, role of antibiotics and bacterial resistance
• Maintain adequate hydration by drinking 6-10 glasses of water/day to thin the mucus
• Avoidance of exposure to cigarette smoke
• Steamy baths: Inhaled steam (from a hot bath/shower) may loosen secretions
• Apply warm facial packs (eg warm wash cloth, hot water bottle) for 5-10 minutes ≥3x/day to promote drainage of mucus and provide some localized relief
• Consider nasal sprays, saline irrigation and mist humidification
  • There’s no difference in symptoms score when comparing isotonic with hypertonic saline, although hypertonic solutions have been shown to improve mucociliary clearance
  • Provides moisture and reduces symptoms
• Adequate rest
• Sleep with head elevated to promote drainage of the sinuses or lay patient on the side to ease breathing

Prevention

• Appropriate management of allergies and viral URTI (eg frequent handwashing)