Sinusitis is a progressive process involving the mucous membranes of the nose and at least one of the paranasal sinuses. Experts have pointed out the diagnostic criteria that must be met for the condition to be diagnosed. These include symptoms, onset and duration.
The year 2005 saw the first publication of the European consensus on sinusitis and nasal polyps, which was prepared by experts from the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. The aim of their work was to prepare appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations, based on evidence and facts. The effect of their work contained in the above-mentioned publication was confirmed by the European Rhinological Society, which updated it in 2007.
Symptoms
Sinusitis is a progressive inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose and at least one paranasal sinus.
The clinical signs that define sinusitis are:
- nasal obstruction,
- discharge in the nasal cavities or at the back of the throat,
- olfactory disturbances,
- a feeling of fullness in the face accompanied by pain,
- changes on endoscopic examination and on CT scan.
Division of sinusitis
The main division of sinusitis, is between acute and chronic inflammation.
In the case of acute sinusitis, we can speak of a sudden onset of two or more symptoms, such as:
- impaired nasal patency,
- the presence of secretions in the nasal cavities in the throat,
- pain in the facial area,
- disturbance or loss of smell lasting more than 12 weeks.
A history of allergy is very important in the diagnosis, i.e. questions about symptoms such as: itching of the nose and eyes, sneezing, watery runny nose, tearing. Episodes of acute sinusitis may recur within a given time frame, but to diagnose acute recurrent sinusitis, complete recovery between episodes is necessary.
Chronic sinusitis is diagnosed on the basis of symptoms like those of acute sinusitis, with the one difference being that between episodes of acute sinusitis, the condition of the nasal and sinus mucosa, does not completely recover.
In addition to these two types of sinusitis, one can also speak of cold/viral sinusitis, which lasts up to 10 days, and non-viral sinusitis, where symptoms worsen around day 5 but last for less than 12 weeks.