Rhinological aspects of cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder of the exocrine glandular function leading to the formation of thick mucus in the nasal and paranasal cavities. Nearly all the patients develop sinus disease but not all have complaints. Two different sinus diseases can be found: chronic sinusitis and nasal polyposis. Only the symptomatic cases have to be treated. Medical treatment consists of antibiotherapy for chronic sinusitis and nasal steroid sprays for nasal polyps. Sinus surgery is frequently needed in case there is a persistence of symptoms (and before lung transplantation).