It is really sinusitis?

Abstract

To answer the question Is it really sinusitis? one must take a careful history, look into the nose, palpate the infected sinuses, and obtain roentgenograms. A history of pain, mucopurulent discharge, nasal obstruction, and systemic involvement should be present for a diagnosis of acute suppurative sinusitis. Physical findings and the presence of a predisposing factor help in the diagnosis, and roentgenographically demonstrated changes of the involved sinus can substantiate it. Acute suppurative sinusitis necessitates antibiotic therapy, which should be continued for seven days after the primary symptoms are relieved in order to avoid recurrence or development of subacute or chronic suppurative sinusitis. Chronic sinusitis requires surgical intervention to remove the diseased mucosa, and the sinuses must be ventilated (oxygenated) for resolution to occur.