Rhinosinusitis can be classified as acute or chronic depending on the severity. For the acute rhinosinusitis, diagnosis depends on physical examination. The doctor will occasionally examine the tenderness of the nose and the face. Other methods of diagnosis include the use of nasal endoscopy, imaging, and allergy testing to assist in ruling out other possible infection. As regards the management of the disease, antibiotics should be used as the basic form of medical treatment. Topical corticosteroids can also be used to reduce nasal edema, improve ventilation, and ostial drainage. For chronic rhinosinusitis, diagnosis also depends on physical examination. The criteria for diagnosis focus on nasal obstruction, nasal drainage, facial pain, and hyposmia (Osguthorpe, 2001). During the physical examination, attention is placed on polyps found in the middle meatus, mucopurulent drainage, and edema. In some instances, radiography can be used. Some of the management techniques for chronic rhinosinusitis include nasal saline irrigation, topical intranasal corticosteroids, use of antibiotics, and surgical management.
Watchful waiting is an essential medical strategy used in many conditions. It involves closely monitoring the patient and not giving them treatment unless there is an appearance or change in symptoms. The technique is mostly employed in conditions that have a slow progression. Watchful waiting can also be used in situations where the risks of treatment outweigh the possible benefits. In the case of rhinosinusitis, watchful waiting can be used to distinguish between bacterial and viral infections because the former one vanishes on its own without treatment. For bacterial infection, the rhinosinusitis can proceed for several days without healing while in viral infection; positive signs are witnessed within the first five days (Ah-See & Evans, 2007). Due to the nature of bacteria, additional indicators for the infection will include green or yellow mucus, and the presence of bad breath emanating from the mouth and nose regions.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
References
Ah-See, K. W., & Evans, A. S. (2007). Sinusitis and its management. BMJ, 334(7589), 358-361.
Osguthorpe, J. D. (2001). Adult rhinosinusitis: diagnosis and management. American family physician, 63(1), 69-80.
