Chronic sinusitis: an update

An accurate history is essential to the diagnosis of chronic sinusitis. Patients classically present with several weeks of daily facial pain or pressure between the eyes, headache, nasal congestion, postnasal drip, ear pain or blockage, and fatigue. The headache in chronic sinusitis is usually worse in the morning and following head movement. Purulent nasal discharge, spiking fever, an elevated white blood cell count, and intense, brief headache associated with nausea and vomiting are uncommon. Palpation, transillumination of the sinuses and anterior rhinoscopy are of minimal value in making the diagnosis. Fiberoptic nasopharyngoscopy can be used to identify the source of sinus discharge and the cause of obstruction. Although plain sinus radiographs are useful in diagnosing and monitoring acute sinusitis, they are of limited value in confirming chronic sinusitis. The sinuses are better imaged with computed tomographic scanning. Prolonged antibiotic therapy, in combination with decongestants and steroids, is usually effective for chronic sinusitis. In recalcitrant cases, sinus surgery may be necessary.