Summary
Rhinosinusitis, commonly known as sinusitis, is the inflammation of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. It can be classified as acute (lasting up to 4 weeks), subacute (4-12 weeks), or chronic (lasting more than 12 weeks).
RHINOSINUSITIS OR SINUSITIS?
Rhinosinusitis is preferred over sinusitis because inflammation of the sinuses usually occurs with the inflammation of the nasal mucosa.
RHINOSINUSITIS TYPES
Symptoms last for
- Acute rhinosinusitis – < 4 weeks
- Subacute rhinosinusitis – 4 to 12 weeks
- Chronic rhinosinusitis – > 12 weeks
- Recurrent acute rhinosinusitis – Four or more ARS episodes in a year per year, with interim symptom resolution.
ACUTE RHINOSINUSITIS
Definition
ARS is symptomatic inflammation of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses lasting less than four weeks.