Sino-Nasal Disorders, Allergies and Sinus Symptoms

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Sino nasal disorders are among the most common diseases affecting both adults and children, resulting in significant health and economic impact. These disorders include rhinitis and rhino sinusitis. Allergic rhinitis is an immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated process in response to an inciting allergen that results in rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, nasal itching, and sneezing. Rhino sinusitis is also an inflammatorymediated process where the sinus and nasal passages become obstructed and inflamed and may become superinfected by bacterial pathogens. Although the diagnosis of these disorders is clinical, the clinician must retain a high index of suspicion for complications from sinonasal disorders, which may include intracerebral abscess, osteomyelitis, orbital cellulitis, and meningitis. Despite the prevalence of these disorders, the management varies widely among practitioners; this chapter aims to elucidate the signs and symptoms, diagnosis, management, and possible complications of sinonasal disorders.