Via practica 3–4/2013

The treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis

The treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) represents a major problem given the prevalence of this condition in the population and the resulting socioeconomic impacts. The etiology and pathogenesis of CRS are discussed. The treatment involves both conservative and surgical methods. In addition to the standardly used topical steroids, conservative therapy mainly employs socalled immunolides (e.g. N-acetylcysteine), systemic pharmaceuticals that block the mediators involved in the complex chain of CRS development. Surgical treatment, with the exception of complications, is regarded as second-choice modality, with modern technological procedures being used, such as FESS (functional endoscopic sinus surgery), a microsurgical mini-invasive method with minimal morbidity for the patient.

Keywords: chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), paranasal sinuses, ostiomeatal unit, functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), corticosteroids, N-acetylcysteine.