Recurrent Acute Rhinosinusitis is defined as four episodes of Acute Sinusitis per 12 months. It is often difficult to tell a viral infection from a bacterial infection. Most people average 1.3-2 upper respiratory infections per year. Averaging more than that may be an indicator of a predisposing condition for sinusitis. Proper evaluation and treatment for this condition will assess both the structural causes (anatomic narrowing of the sinuses) as well as inflammatory causes such as allergy or minor immune deficiencies.
Proper long term success often requires a combination of therapies often consisting of medications and occasionally warranting surgery. When indicated, surgery has a very high efficacy rate.
Studies have shown earlier intervention in some patient groups leads to less permanent damage to the mucosa (nasal lining) and the delicate cells that keep the nose and sinuses functioning.
Some signs and symptoms include: pain over cheek radiating to forehead (frontal) region or teeth, increasing with straining or bending down, tenderness to pressure over the floor of the frontal sinus, postnasal discharge, a blocked nose, persistent coughing pr pharyngeal (throat) irritation, facial pain, decreased sense of smell/taste (Hyposmia), nasal drainage, fatigue, and ear fullness/pressure.