Improved quality of life associated with long-term daily use of guaifenesin (Mucinex(®)) in a patient with chronic rhinosinusitis: a case report

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a common disease, and although not life-threatening, carries a vast symptom and economic burden and is associated with significant impairment in quality of life. We report the rapid improvement of symptoms and quality-of-life following initiation of adjunctive daily oral guaifenesin therapy in a 41-year-old male patient with CRS, who presented to our primary care clinic with recurrent infections, severe sinonasal symptoms, cough and hearing loss. Continued daily use of over-the-counter guaifenesin, for almost 3 years, has broken his cycle of recurrent sinus infections. Given that CRS is the most common reason for ambulatory prescription of antibiotics, the observed reduction in infections may have also helped him to avoid antibiotics, thereby reducing his risk for antibiotic resistance and unnecessary adverse events.