Conditions That Masquerade as Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Abstract

To identify conditions that are commonly mistaken for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). The hypothesis was that many patients referred to a rhinology clinic with a presumptive diagnosis of CRS do not have CRS.Design: Retrospective, observational design study of adult patients referred for evaluation of CRS-like symptoms. The expert opinion of the rhinologist was the diagnostic standard.

Ambulatory antibiotic prescribing for acute sinusitis: a multicenter, retrospective cohort study evaluating appropriateness

“… 7 An additional diagnostic challenge is that patients with sinusitis symptoms may have noninfectious etiologies such as rhinitis. 22 , 23 …”

Postnasal Drip and Nasal Endoscopy: Localization and Association With Clinical Features

“…9,11,12 Distinguishing rhinitis from CRS based on symptoms alone can be challenging, as approximately 40% of patients referred to an otolaryngologist for CRS actually may have a different diagnosis, usually rhinitis. 13 Therefore, the current paradigm established by international consensus holds that the diagnosis of CRS requires both subjective and objective criteria, either by a positive nasal endoscopy or by a CT scan. 11 A positive nasal endoscopy is defined as inflammation on nasal endoscopy and/or purulence from paranasal sinuses or ostiomeatal complex.…”

When It's Not Allergic Rhinitis: Clinical Signs to Raise a Patient's Suspicion for Chronic Rhinosinusitis

“…One study found that 40% of patients referred to rhinology for CRS-like symptoms did not have CRS, and the most common diagnosis in these patients was AR. 33 Multiple sources of confusion exist for patients as it relates to CRS and AR. As a highly prevalent condition, AR is the common target of advertisements for treatments that are readily available over the counter at pharmacies and grocery stores, frequently in their own dedicated "allergy" section.…”

“…Even among physicians, CRS can be difficult to distinguish from AR. One study found that 40% of patients referred to rhinology for CRS‐like symptoms did not have CRS, and the most common diagnosis in these patients was AR 33 . Multiple sources of confusion exist for patients as it relates to CRS and AR.…”