Summary

• Inflammation of the paranasal sinuses lasting more than 12 weeks.
• Diagnosis is initially clinical. Nasal endoscopy may show inflammation, purulent discharge, edema, or frank polyps.
• Medical treatment includes prolonged courses of antibiotics, corticosteroids (intranasal or systemic), saline irrigation, antihistamines, and leukotriene receptor antagonists.
• CT is needed if initial medical treatment fails.
• Functional endoscopic sinus surgery is very effective for patients unresponsive to medical treatment.