Sinus And Allergy Health Partnership Release: New Chronic Rhinosinusitis Guidelines Provide Framework To Improve Clinical Care And Research
WASHINGTON, Dec. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- New guidelines released by the Sinus and Allergy Health Partnership (SAHP) highlight the importance of creating a standard definition for Chronic Rhinosinusitis (CRS). CRS is a debilitating form of sinusitis that can lead to significant physical symptoms as well as substantial functional and emotional impairment. Published in a recent issue of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, the guidelines detail the multiple causes and appropriate diagnosis criteria that could lead to improved treatment options for CRS. An SAHP sponsored multidisciplinary task force of expert physicians and related specialists achieved consensus on a standard definition of CRS for clinical care and research settings.
Some 31 million Americans are believed to have a sinus infection each year. Sinusitis is more prevalent than arthritis and hypertension and, when chronic, sinusitis can be as equally debilitating as diabetes and chronic heart disease. In fact, according to the National Center for Health, Americans make 545,000 emergency department visits annually for CRS.
CRS is commonly diagnosed on the basis of symptoms alone, however this is often unreliable. The ability to provide effective clinical care or develop new drug therapies has been limited by the lack of a clear definition of CRS.
"Unlike acute rhinosinusitis and other conditions where there are well defined symptoms and treatment protocols, CRS could result from any number or combination of factors such as allergies, fungus, medication and trauma," said Michael S. Benninger, M.D., F.A.C.S., Cummings-Brush Chair In Surgical Education Chairman, Department Of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery at Henry Ford Hospital. "Determining the exact cause is often difficult and can impact the course of treatment. These guidelines will help physicians to better recognize the symptoms and make an appropriate diagnosis that may facilitate development of a proper treatment plan."
Definition of CRS
Rhinosinusitis comprises a spectrum of inflammatory and infectious diseases concurrently affecting the nose and paranasal sinuses. The report redefines CRS specifically as a group of disorders characterized by inflammation of the mucosa of the nose and paranasal sinuses of at least 12 consecutive weeks' duration. This definition establishes a consistent, uniform baseline for diagnosis in patients and further investigation in the nature of persistent sinus disorders.
Diagnosis of CRS
The newly proposed requirements for the accurate diagnosis of CRS include multiple criteria and diagnostic tests. Foremost, symptoms such as nasal obstruction, discolored nasal drainage, loss of smell, or facial pressure or pain should be present for at least 12 weeks. A large number of patients may present with associated diagnoses such as allergy or asthma, although multiple underlying pathogenic factors can also contribute to the clinical expression of CRS. These include, but are not limited to, allergic, bacterial, fungal, other inflammatory conditions and neural factors.
Treatment of CRS
Treatment options vary depending on the cause of CRS. Individuals must work with their physicians to determine the most appropriate treatment. With the aid of these guidelines for the definition and diagnosis of CRS and in-depth discussion of multiple potential causes, it is hoped that a more thoughtful and directed treatment plan will be identified.
The authors of this report are Michael S. Benninger, MD, Berrylin J. Ferguson, MD, James A. Hadley, MD, Daniel L. Hamilos, MD, Michael Jacobs, MD, David W. Kennedy, MD, Donald C. Lanza, MD, Bradley F. Marple, MD, J. David Osguthorpe, MD, James A. Stankiewicz, MD, Jack Anon, MD, James Denneny, MD, Ivor Emanuel, MD, and Howard Levine, MD.
Sinus and Allergy Health Partnership
Sinus and Allergy Health Partnership is a not-for-profit organization created through the joint efforts of the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy, the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and the American Rhinologic Society.
Sinus and Allergy Health PartnershipCONTACT: Debbie Kanterman of Cohn & Wolfe, +1-212-798-9739, for Sinusand Allergy Health Partnership