The current management of rhinosinusitis

Abstract

• 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.