Treatment of sinusitis in the next millennium

Sinusitis is an increasingly more important disease due to its increasing prevalence, costs, and recognition. Most acute sinusitis episodes follow colds or acute allergic rhinitis. Chronic sinusitis is most commonly due to allergic and nonallergic rhinitis or anatomical defects in the nose. Several common immunologic abnormalities usually present as sinusitis and may be recognized first by the allergist-immunologist. Treatment involves a carefully selected antibiotic prescribed for an adequate period of time, nasal hygiene using nasal saline washes, topical nasal corticosteroids, and decongestants. Medical management of sinusitis tends to be effective, even in patients with long-standing sinus disease.