Chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps
Long-standing nasal blockage, facial pressure, reduced sense of smell and nasal discharge.
Chronic rhinosinusitis is inflammation of the lining of the nose and sinuses lasting more than twelve weeks. Some people also develop nasal polyps, soft swellings of the lining that can block the nose and reduce the sense of smell.
It is more accurately called rhinosinusitis, since the nose and sinuses are inflamed together. It is acute when symptoms last under twelve weeks (the familiar bad-cold pattern, usually viral and settling on its own) and chronic beyond twelve weeks. The diagnosis rests on two or more symptoms, one of them nasal blockage or discharge, together with facial pressure or a reduced sense of smell.
Common symptoms
- Persistent blocked or runny nose
- Reduced or absent sense of smell
- Facial pressure or fullness
- Mucus draining down the throat
Treatment
Most people are managed with nasal sprays, rinses and medical treatment. Where needed, options include modern biologic therapy for polyps and day-case endoscopic sinus surgery. Mr Gane has a specialist and research interest in this area.
See also: endoscopic sinus surgery for sinus and polyp disease, and balloon sinuplasty for selected isolated frontal sinus disease.
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This page is general information and not a substitute for individual medical advice.