Summary
Definition
History and exam
Key diagnostic factors
- symptoms <10 days (acute viral sinusitis)
- symptoms >10 days but <4 weeks (acute bacterial sinusitis)
- symptoms that worsen after an initial improvement (acute bacterial sinusitis)
- purulent nasal discharge
- nasal obstruction
- facial pain/pressure
- severe symptoms at onset (acute bacterial sinusitis)
- dental pain
Diagnostic investigations
Investigations to consider
- nasal endoscopy
- sinus culture
- CT sinuses (non-contrast)
- x-ray sinuses
- MRI
- lateral neck x-ray
Treatment algorithm
Contributors
Authors VIEW ALL
Associate Professor
Director
Health Services Research
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor
MI
Disclosures
MAP declares that she has no competing interests.
Chief
Division of Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology
Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center
Downey
CA
Disclosures
GHS is a writer for Medscape from WebMD.
Dr Melissa A. Pynnonen and Dr Gordon H. Sun would like to gratefully acknowledge Dr Joseph K. Han, a previous contributor to this monograph. JKH declares that he has no competing interests.
Peer reviewers VIEW ALL
Instructor of Otology and Laryngology
Harvard Medical School
Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
Boston
MA
Disclosures
BSB is a co-founder and equity shareholder in Luxxeal, Inc.
Assistant Professor/Consultant
Academic Medical Center
Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Disclosures
CG declares that he has no competing interests.
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