Peer Reviewed
Feature Article Ear, nose and throat medicine
The current management of rhinosinusitis
Recent articles on:
Sinusitis
Sinusitis
Abstract
Most patients with acute or chronic rhinosinusitis respond well to appropriate medical management. However, surgery may be necessary in some cases.
Key Points
- Most cases of acute rhinosinusitis are viral and will settle without the need for antibiotics.
- Uncomplicated chronic rhinosinusitis may require directed antibiotics and two to three months of nasal corticosteroids and saline douches before medical management can be said to have failed.
- In carefully selected patients, functional endoscopic sinus surgery will produce satisfactory outcomes in 85 to 90% of patients.
- If complications develop or the patient is immunocompromised, urgent referral to an otolaryngologist is mandatory.
- In the absence of facilities for CT scanning, plain sinus radiographs have a role in confirming the diagnosis.
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