Sinusitis

Abstract

Sinusitis as defined by the American Academy of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery as ‘an acute or chronic inflammatory response involving the mucous membrane of the nose and paranasal sinuses and fluid within the cavities and/or underlying bone’. Affecting approximately 15% of the population, it can cause significant morbidity (including depression, disturbed sleep, hypo/anosmia and associated loss of taste sensation) and presents commonly in general practice. This article aims to explore the causes of sinusitis and how to identify and manage it and its complications.