Diagnosis of sinusitis combines clinical history, nasal endoscopic examination of the middle meatus, and paranasal sinus computed tomography (CT).
Common Symptoms of Sinusitis
- Nasal congestion and obstruction
- Anterior nasal discharge or post-nasal drip
- Facial pressure and fullness
- Reduced sense of smell (hyposmia)
- Headache, recurrent infections, and disrupted sleep quality
Diagnostic Evaluation: Nasal Endoscopy & Sinus CT
Accurate diagnosis relies on high-definition nasal endoscopy (evaluating the nasal cavity, middle meatus, polyps, and secretions) and paranasal sinus computed tomography (CT) in coronal, axial, and sagittal planes to map sinus anatomy and drainage pathways.
Medical Therapy vs. Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)
| Clinical Parameter | Conservative Medical Therapy | Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Indication | Acute rhinosinusitis (<4 weeks) & mild mucosal edema | Refractory chronic sinusitis (12+ weeks), nasal polyps, fungal ball, mucocele |
| Approach & Incision | Saline irrigation, topical steroid sprays & medication | 100% endonasal via nostrils (HD/4K camera), zero external incisions or scars |
| Anatomical Effect | Reduces mucosal swelling within existing pathways | Physiologically widens blocked ostia while preserving healthy mucosa |
| Duration & Anesthesia | Outpatient medical protocol | General anesthesia · Average 1–2 hours |
| Recovery & Flight | No downtime | Same/next-day discharge · ~Day 3 check-up & fit-to-fly evaluation |
📚 Evidence-Based Medical Guideline Alignment: Diagnostic and surgical criteria on this page align with the international European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps (EPOS) guidelines and are medically reviewed by Prof. Dr. H. Baki Yılmaz (President of Istanbul ENT Specialists Association, 2026–2027 · Kocaeli Health and Technology University).