● Educate employee about self-care of sinusitis, avoidance of environ- mental irritants, smoking cessa- tion, and limiting use of over-the-counter nasal sprays to 3 days. ● Conduct workplace assessment to determine exposures to chemicals, biological agents, or allergens (based on positive or questionable exposure history). Review Material Safety Data Sheets related to ex- posures and safe work practices. If exposures are present, remove employee from work area until symptoms resolve. Institute con- trol measures to reduce exposure to chemical and biological agents or allergens. ● If symptoms recur after a short an- tibiotic course, refer to personal health care provider for considera- tion of longer (3 to 4 weeks) course or different antibiotic. ● Recommend avoidance of antihis- tamines, which cause drying and thickening of mucous membranes, limiting drainage. Objectives Clinical Assessments and Interventions Follow-up Actions 131 Provide comfort and instructions on self- care. ● Administer decongestant or analgesic per standing order. ● Encourage employee to increase fluid in- take and get adequate rest. ● Recommend warm compresses over painful areas as needed. Advise that use of vapor- izer or humidifier might help to thin the thick sinus secretions and loosen the mucus that has accumulated. ● Instruct employee to avoid forceful blowing of nose. ● Explain use and side effects of deconges- tants, particularly nasal sprays (e.g., re- peated use of nasal decongestants can create rebound congestion). Guideline continues on next page