A review of sinusitis: Aetiology, complications and management

Abstract

This article provides a review of literature and UNTH experience of the aetiology, complications and management of sinusitis. The findings suggest that causes included inflammation, allergy, neoplasia, immune deficiency and dentogenic diseases. Males and females of all ages were afflicted. Presenting symptoms and investigative modalities are hereby listed. Treatment of sinusitis was both conservative and surgical especially where conservative management had failed. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery now the standard modality for surgical treatment of chronic sinusitis is discussed. This method which has changed the current concepts of sinus anatomy physiology and pathogenesis is preferred. Disease complications were mainly orbital and intracranial. Surgical complications are also reviewed. The need for acquiring modern instruments (operating microscopes, endoscopes, sinoscopes) for sinus surgery is hereby highlighted.

Keywords

• sinusitis
• treatment
• functional endoscopic surgery
• review