Acute rhinosinusitis – diagnostic and treatment approach

Abstract:

Acute rhinosinusitis is the inflammation of nasal and sinus mucosa with symptoms of nasal obstruction, pathological hyper-secretion or postnasal drip, facial pain or headache as well as smell disturbance (at least two out of four symptoms), lasting up to 12 weeks. At least one episode of non-viral rhinosinusitis per year affects 10 to 15% of the population. Due to inadequate sensitivity and the need for immediate treatment, radiological and microbiological diagnostics are not indicated for the diagnosis and acute treatment of non-complicated rhinosinusitis. The therapy consists of use of topical saline douches, short-term administration of decongestants and topical steroids, and antibiotics in the case of bacterial acute rhinosinusitis. Complications are rare, yet may be life threatening, and their diagnosis and treatment, both conservative and surgical, are in the domain of ENT specialists. 

Key words:
acute rhinosinusitis; categories; treatment