Highlights & Basics
- Chronic rhinosinusitis is inflammation of the paranasal sinuses lasting more than 12 weeks.
- Diagnosis is initially clinical. Nasal endoscopy may show inflammation, purulent discharge, edema, or frank polyps.
- Initial medical treatment includes nasal saline irrigation and topical intranasal corticosteroids. Oral antibiotics, oral corticosteroids, antihistamines, and leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs) may also be considered.
- Computed tomography is needed if initial medical treatment fails.
- Functional endoscopic sinus surgery is very effective for patients unresponsive to medical treatment.
Quick Reference
History & Exam
Key Factors
Other Factors
Diagnostics Tests
Treatment Options
Definition
Epidemiology
Etiology
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Citations
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Peters AT, Spector S, Hsu J, et al. Diagnosis and management of rhinosinusitis: a practice parameter update. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2014 Oct;113(4):347-85.[Abstract]
Fokkens WJ, Lund VJ, Hopkins C, et al. European Position Paper on rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps 2020. Rhinology. 2020 Feb 20;58(suppl s29):1-464.[Abstract]
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