Medical management of chronic rhinosinusitis – a review of traditional and novel medical therapies

INTRODUCTION: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a commonly seen persistent inflammatory disease process affecting the paranasal sinuses with extensively reported economic implications. Despite an elusive pathophysiologic mechanism underlying this disease process, treatment outcomes are encouraging with the employment of an array of medical and surgical therapies. Areas covered: The goal of this paper is to provide a comprehensive, up to date analysis of the literature concerning the medical management of CRS by summarizing the evidence in support of traditional medical therapies for the management of CRS in addition to highlighting novel medical therapies currently under investigation. Expert opinion: The current staples of medical therapy for CRS based on the strength of available evidence include topical and oral corticosteroids, oral antibiotics and topical saline. The introduction of immunomodulatory therapies ('Biologics') for the treatment of CRS shows promise but have yet to be employed in a widespread fashion due to the need for additional research to better elucidate their role.