ACUPUNCTURE AND SINUSITIS About sinusitis

Each year, around 2% of the UK population consults their GP about a suspected sinus infection (Ashworth 2005). Most people with acute sinusitis recover with or without treatment within 10 days of seeing a GP (Williamson 2007), but about 92% are prescribed an antibacterial, even though it makes little difference to outcome. (Ashworth 2005) Acute sinusitis is defined as inflammation of the nose and sinuses characterised by the existence, for 12 weeks or less, of two or more of the following symptoms: blockage/congestion; discharge (anterior or posterior nasal drip); facial pain or pressure; and reduced or loss of smell. (Fokkens 2005) Other symptoms can include toothache (involving the upper teeth), tenderness, swelling, malaise and fever. (Ah-See 2007) Sinusitis is considered to be chronic if it lasts for more than 12 weeks, and is associated with similar symptoms.