Rhinosinusitis: What You Need to Know

1. What Is Rhinosinusitis?

Rhinosinusitis, commonly referred to as sinusitis, is an inflammatory condition involving the nasal and sinus mucosa, accompanied by inflammation of the bone in the nose and paranasal sinuses. It is characterized by two or more symptoms, at least one of which is nasal congestion or obstruction.

These symptoms may include:

• Nasal congestion or obstruction.
• Nasal discharge (anterior or posterior nasal discharge).
• Facial pain or pressure, with or without reduced or loss of smell.

Acute rhinosinusitis usually presents with prominent symptoms and resolves within 1 month, and does not last longer than 12 weeks.

Chronic rhinosinusitis, with or without nasal polyps, is characterized by persistent rhinosinusitis symptoms lasting for more than 12 weeks.

2. Where Are the Sinuses Located?

• The sinuses are air-filled cavities located within the bones of the facial skeleton.
• There are four pairs of sinuses: the maxillary, ethmoid, sphenoid, and frontal sinuses.

3. Causes of Rhinosinusitis

• Upper respiratory tract infections: caused by bacteria and fungi, with viral upper respiratory tract infections being the most common.
• Individual predisposition: anatomical structural abnormalities and allergies.

4. What Are the Symptoms and Signs of Rhinosinusitis?

• Nasal congestion, nasal mucosal swelling, nasal discharge, which may be accompanied by facial pain or pressure and reduced or loss of smell.
• Nasal endoscopy: nasal and sinus polyps, with or without purulent nasal discharge, and swollen nasal mucosa.
• CT scan of the nose and sinuses: thickening and swelling of the mucosa of the nose and paranasal sinuses.

5. Common Types of Rhinosinusitis

5.1. Allergic Rhinitis and Rhinosinusitis

Symptoms:

• Nasal itching, sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, and other symptoms.
• Pale, swollen nasal mucosa, which may be accompanied by nasal polyp formation or degeneration.

5.2. Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps

• Commonly causes nasal congestion, loss of smell, and frequent expectoration of mucus.
• Nasal polyps obstruct the sinus ostia and may fill the nasal cavity.

5.3. Fungal Rhinosinusitis

• Symptoms: Common symptoms include nasal discharge, foul-smelling nasal discharge, and headache. It is more common in people with weakened immune systems, such as those with diabetes, and in people who work in damp, moldy, or unsanitary environments.
• Invasive fungal rhinosinusitis can cause serious complications, such as meningitis and loss or reduction of vision.

6. Treatment

• Most cases of rhinosinusitis can be adequately managed with medical treatment, including nasal irrigation and nasal steaming.
• Keep the body warm.
• Medications may include antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and anti-allergy medications.

7. When Is Surgery Needed?

• Chronic rhinosinusitis that does not respond to medical treatment.
• Fungal rhinosinusitis.
• Rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.
• Rhinosinusitis with complications.

8. Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)

• Removes pathological tissue and restores drainage and ventilation of the nasal and sinus cavities.
• Preserves healthy mucosa, allowing the sinus mucosa to recover naturally.
• Patients may return to normal work approximately 1–2 weeks after surgery.

The information above is for reference purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please contact your doctor for detailed medical consultation.