ABSTRACT
The term ‘‘sinusitis’’ refers to the presence of inflammation of the mucosa within the paranasal sinuses. Chronic symptoms referable to the sinuses are among the most common health care problems in the United States, affecting about 31 million Americans and accounting for approximately 16 million patient visits per year (1). In addition, rhinosinusitis is the fifth most common condition leading to an antibiotic prescription (2). Sinus disease is a common condition in patients with asthma, and treatment of concomitant sinusitis appears to have salutory effects upon the lower airways. Unfortunately, medical management of chronic sinusitis remains a challenge to all clinicians. This chapter outlines an approach to medical management of sinusitis and reviews existing data regarding the connection between sinus pathology and asthma.
