Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Question 1

What is chronic rhinosinusitis?

Answer 1

An inflammatory disorder of the paranasal sinuses and linings of the nasal passages

Question 2

How long does rhinosinusitis need to last to be classed as chronic?

Answer 2

More than 12 weeks

Question 3

What are the main features of chronic rhinosinusitis?

Answer 3

facial pain
nasal discharge
nasal obstruction
post-nasal drip

Question 4

How is tehe facial pain described in someone with chronic rhinosinusitis?

Answer 4

Frontal pressure pain which is worse on bending forward

Question 5

How is the nasal discharge described in someone with chronic rhinosinusitis?

Answer 5

Clear if allergic or vasomotor
Thicker, purulent discharge suggests secondary infection

Question 6

If someone has nasal obstruction how do they normally breathe?

Answer 6

Through their mouth

Question 7

What can a post nasal drip cause?

Answer 7

Chronic cough

Question 8

What is the management of chronic rhinosinusitis?

Answer 8

avoid allergen
intranasal corticosteroids
nasal irrigation with saline solution

Question 9

What are the red flag symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis?

Answer 9

unilateral symptoms
persistent symptoms despite compliance with 3 months of treatment
epistaxis

Question 10

What are the predisposing factors for chronic rhinosinusitis?

Answer 10

atopy: hay fever, asthma
nasal obstruction e.g. Septal deviation or nasal polyps
recent local infection e.g. Rhinitis or dental extraction
swimming/diving
smoking