Abstract

Updates in the management of chronic rhinosinusitis

Author(s): Anna Slovick, Jennifer Long and Claire Hopkins

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is one of the most common chronic diseases in the UK, with an estimated prevalence of 10.4%. CRS has been shown to have a significant impact on quality of life, worse in some domains of the Short Form-36 than COPD or angina. It carries a high socioeconomic burden; with estimated healthcare costs in the USA of $772/patient/year (2011). Untreated, CRS may also cause exacerbation of co-existing asthma. Given its frequency of presentation to primary care, A&E, respiratory medicine, allergy, neurology and ENT, here, we aim to inform readers about key developments in the diagnosis and management of adult CRS, following the publication of the 2012 European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps (EPOS). In particular, improved knowledge of diagnostic criteria and evidencebased care will enhance diagnostic accuracy and ensure optimal CRS management from the onset of disease; both improving symptom control and reducing secondary care referrals.