The Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation Scale is a valid, reliable, and responsive instrument that is brief and easy to complete and has potential use for outcomes studies in adults with nasal obstruction.
This clinical practice guideline is not intended as a sole source of guidance for managing adults with rhinosinusitis. Rather, it is designed to assist clinicians by providing an evidence-based framework for decision-making strategies. It is not intended to replace clinical judgment or establish a protocol for all individuals with this condition, and may not provide the only appropriate approach to diagnosing and managing this problem.
Background:The body of knowledge regarding rhinosinusitis (RS) continues to expand, with rapid growth in number of publications, yet substantial variability in the quality of those presentations. In an effort to both consolidate and critically appraise this information, rhinologic experts from around the world have produced the International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Rhinosinusitis (ICAR:RS).
Methods:Evidence-based reviews with recommendations (EBRRs) were developed for scores of topics, using previously reported methodology. Where existing evidence was insufficient for an EBRR, an evidence-based review (EBR) was produced. The sections were then synthesized and the entire manuscript was then reviewed by all authors for consensus.
Results:The resulting ICAR:RS document addresses multiple topics in RS, including acute RS (ARS), chronic RS (CRS) with and without nasal polyps (CRSwNP and CRSsNP), recurrent acute RS (RARS), acute exacerbation of CRS (AE-CRS), and pediatric RS.
Conclusion:As a critical review of the RS literature, ICAR:RS provides a thorough review of pathophysiology and evidence-based recommendations for medical and surgical treatment. It also demonstrates the significant gaps in our understanding of the pathophysiology and optimal management of RS. Too o en the foundation upon which these recommendations are based is comprised of lowerlevel evidence. It is our hope that this summary of the evidence in RS will point out where additional research efforts may be directed. C 2016 ARS-AAOA, LLC.
Key Words:rhinosinusitis; chronic rhinosinusitis; acute rhinosinusitis; recurrent acute rhinosinusitis; evidence-based medicine; systematic review; endoscopic sinus surgery
List of Abbreviations Used
In patients with septal deformity, nasal septoplasty results in significant improvement in disease-specific quality of life, high patient satisfaction, and decreased medication use.
This critical review of the AR literature has identified several strengths; providers can be confident that treatment decisions are supported by rigorous studies. However, there are also substantial gaps in the AR literature. These knowledge gaps should be viewed as opportunities for improvement, as often the things that we teach and the medicine that we practice are not based on the best quality evidence. This document aims to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the AR literature to identify areas for future AR research and improved understanding.
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