Medical treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis. Literature review
Main Article Content
Keywords
Chronic rhinosinusitis, nasal polyposis, antibiotics, corticoids, antileukotrienes, nasal wash
Abstract
Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is currently one of the most prevalent chronic pathologies in Chile. Two forms are distinguishable: Polyp CRS and non-polyp CRS. CRS is condidered, generally speaking, an inflammation of the nasal cavities and paranasal sinuses lasting longer than 12 weeks. Current possible physiopathological mechanisms involved establish inflammation as a central entity in CRS etiology. The relationship between inflammation and nasal polyposis is still a matter of great debate. Several treatment options are available, supported by heterogeneous scientific evidence; among these are antibiotics, corticoids, nasal rinses and antileucotriens. Prolonged treatment with low-dose macrolides treatment has become a good alternative, effectively controlling both symptoms and objective parameters, mainly in non-polyp CRS. This article reviews the CRS medical treatment currently available, its efficacy and the scientific evidence supporting it, both for the polyp and non-polyp types.
