Chronic rhinosinusitis

What is the difference between acute rhinosinusitis and chronic rhinosinusitis?

The type of rhinosinusitis you have depends on how long your symptoms last:  Acute rhinosinusitis lasts up to 4 weeks and often happens after a cold or other viral infection.   Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) lasts for 12 weeks or more….

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What increases the risk of developing sinusitis?

Problems with the structure of the cartilage tissue in the nose (such as a deviated septum)  Smoking  Nasal polyps  Overuse of decongestant nasal sprays  Allergies such as allergic rhinitis, especially if untreated or…

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What is the impact of chronic rhinosinusitis on quality of life? 

CRS can have a big impact on a person’s quality of life and mental health and can lead to decreased physical and social activity. It also impacts the wider community by increasing healthcare costs for things like doctor visits, medicine, and…

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Is chronic rhinosinusitis more common in children or adults?  

CRS is more common in adults and becomes more likely to develop as people get older.  It affects 5- 10% per cent of…

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How do I know if I have chronic rhinosinusitis and not just another condition?  

The most common symptoms of CRS are blocked nose and post-nasal drip (mucus dripping down the back of the throat).   You may have CRS if you’ve had two or more of these symptoms for at least 12 weeks:  blocked nose on both…

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How do you diagnose chronic rhinosinusitis?

Diagnosis of CRS is based on symptoms and test findings.  Endoscopy (camera into the nose) may show abnormal tissue growths called nasal polyps, thick nasal discharge and swelling around sinus openings.  CT scans may show swollen…

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Do you get skin prick tests done to diagnose chronic rhinosinusitis?   

Skin prick tests are not used to diagnose CRS. Skin prick tests can be used to help diagnose allergic rhinitis. They can show if you’re sensitised to things like dust mites and pollen which can cause allergic rhinitis, but this isn’t the cause of…

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How is chronic rhinosinusitis managed?

People with CRS can manage it in a few different ways:  Medical treatment – This usually includes nasal rinses (salt-water solutions) and daily intranasal corticosteroid sprays to reduce swelling. Antibiotics may be prescribed if…

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Which medical professionals do you see to help with managing chronic rhinosinusitis?  

 If a person has symptoms of CRS, they should see their GP. The GP will decide, based on the history and signs and symptoms, whether they can manage the patient themselves or whether the patient needs a referral to an allergist or an ear, nose and…

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Can chronic rhinosinusitis be cured?

There’s no cure for CRS, but treatments can help manage the symptoms and improve your quality of…

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What are nasal polyps and why do some people have this with chronic rhinosinusitis?

Nasal polyps are soft, painless, non-cancerous growths in the nose or sinuses, usually shaped like teardrops. They often form where the upper sinuses drain into the nose.  People with long-term sinus inflammation may develop them. About…

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Does removal of nasal polyps through surgery always work? 

People with nasal polyps can see an ENT surgeon for surgery to remove the polyps. This helps improve sinus drainage, so medicines and nasal rinses work better.  After surgery, it’s important to keep using nasal rinses to keep the sinuses…

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Do all patients with allergic rhinitis have chronic rhinosinusitis?   

No. Some people only have allergic rhinitis, and some people only have CRS. Some people have both.  Untreated or poorly controlled allergic rhinitis can increase the risk of developing…

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If I treat my allergic rhinitis does this decrease the risk of developing chronic rhinosinusitis?  

Properly managing allergic rhinitis can help lower the risk of developing CRS. If allergic rhinitis is left untreated, this can increase the risk of CRS due to chronic inflammation of the nasal airway which reduces the normal mucus drainage from…

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