Sinusitis is one of the most common nasal infections that involves the inflammation of the sinuses. The biggest physical examination determinants for sinusitis are facial pain, nasal obstruction or discharge, hyposmia, and fever. Minor factors include fever, cough, ear pain, and fatigue.
Sinusitis is a rather common disease that affects not only patients but also their employers. According to data provided in the clinical practice guideline on sinusitis, the annual cost of managing this illness in the USA is over $11 billion. Additional expenses are associated with the reduction of job effectiveness and loss of productivity. The following evidence-based statements on rhinosinusitis have been issued:
- Clinicians should differentiate between presumed acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (ABRS) and acute rhinosinusitis that appeared as a result of viral upper respiratory infections;
- Radiographic imaging should not be obtained for patients meeting diagnostic criteria for acute rhinosinusitis;
- To relieve symptomatic viral rhinosinusitis, such options as nasal saline irrigation, topical intranasal steroids, or analgesics may be recommended;
- For ABRS, watchful waiting may be recommended as an alternative to antibiotics.