Silent Sinus Syndrome (SSS) is known to be a rare clinical condition, characterized by spontaneous and progressive enophthalmos and hypoglobus associated with atelectasis of the maxillary sinus and alteration of the orbital floor. Most of the patients with this syndrome present with ophthalmological complaints without any nasal sinus symptoms, and it typically has a painless course and slow development, ergo the term “silent.” Here we present a case report of a patient with occasional coughing spells as the presenting symptom of Silent Sinus Syndrome, which has not been previously described in the literature. The CT scan findings suggested chronic rhinosinusitis. The radiological findings were suggestive of maxillary sinus hypoplasia, with evidence of maxillary sinus atelectasis. Awareness of this syndrome is important for specialists who work with nasal sinus disease, since its management is different than chronic rhinosinusits.

Cough and angioedema are well-known adverse reactions of ACE inhibitors. However, other adverse effects of upper airways such as postnasal drainage, rhinitis and nasal blockage, are less frequently recognised. These might share the same pathophysiological mechanism: bradykinin accumulation. We present two patients with ACE inhibitor-induced upper respiratory symptoms that improved after the discontinuation of ACE-inhibitors and substitution with angiotensin II receptor blockers. The incidence of these adverse events is not accurately known, since these are not required to be reported, but it is estimated to be low. This presents challenges to the physician and demonstrates the importance of keeping it as a differential diagnosis. Most physicians are aware of ACE inhibitor-induced cough but not of ACE inhibitor-induced nasal blockage, rhinitis or postnasal drainage. Identifying these can avoid unnecessary diagnostic tests and inappropriate treatment.