Chronic Sinusitis

Chronic rhinosinusitis is a group of different diseases that affect nasal mucosa and paranasal sinuses. These diseases last 12 weeks or longer, in spite of medical treatment.

Chronic sinusitis is divided into 3 syndromes since treatments are different. The 3 syndromes are:

1. Chronic sinusitis without nasal polyps which accounts for about 65 percent of cases


2. Chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps which account for about 25 percent


3. Allergic fungal sinusitis which accounts for about 10 percent

Those who are inflicted with chronic sinusitis must have at least 2 of the following 4 symptoms:

1. Yellow or greenish runny nose
2. Facial pain or pressure
3. Stuffy nose or nasal obstruction
4. Diminished sense of smell

CT scans of sinuses are usually required to make an accurate diagnosis (see picture).

Treatment of chronic sinusitis usually involves multiple therapies, most of which have not been validated in randomized trials. In most cases, the goal of treatment is to alleviate symptoms since chronic sinusitis may not be cured.