Point-of-Care Computed Tomography (CT) Chronic Rhinosinusitis Study

• Number of Participants in Compliance With Medical Recommendations [ Time Frame: 8 weeks ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  Number of participants in each group who complied with medical advice given at the initial appointment.
• Number of Participants Having a CT Done [ Time Frame: 8 weeks ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  Total number of participants having a CT scan (sinus) done in each of the two groups over the study interval.

The purpose of this research study is to determine whether or not computed tomography (CT) scans performed on patients with symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) but without any physical signs of the disease will (1) prove to be less expensive in the treatment and evaluation as compared to current practices, (2) avoid the use of unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions, and (3) provide a more efficient way to diagnose conditions in patients who have had CRS ruled out as a cause.

The investigators hypothesize that current guidelines, when applied to subjects with symptoms of CRS in the absence of physical signs may be associated with (1) increased unnecessary prescription of antibiotics, (2) delay in further essential workup, and (3) increased overall health care costs.

• Procedure: Pre-treatment Sinus CT Scan
  Pre-treatment Sinus CT Scan
• Procedure: Post-treatment Sinus CT Scan
  Post-treatment Sinus CT Scan

• Experimental: CT scan (sinus) pre-tx
  Sinus CT scan performed at initial otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat)visit
  Intervention: Procedure: Pre-treatment Sinus CT Scan
• CT scan (sinus) post-tx
  Sinus CT scan performed after 3-4 weeks of antibiotic treatment and any other indicated medical treatment(s), per insurance company guidelines
  Intervention: Procedure: Post-treatment Sinus CT Scan

• Stankiewicz JA, Chow JM. A diagnostic dilemma for chronic rhinosinusitis: definition accuracy and validity. Am J Rhinol. 2002 Jul-Aug;16(4):199-202.
• Stankiewicz JA, Chow JM. Cost analysis in the diagnosis of chronic rhinosinusitis. Am J Rhinol. 2003 May-Jun;17(3):139-42.
• Meltzer EO, Hamilos DL, Hadley JA, Lanza DC, Marple BF, Nicklas RA, Bachert C, Baraniuk J, Baroody FM, Benninger MS, Brook I, Chowdhury BA, Druce HM, Durham S, Ferguson B, Gwaltney JM Jr, Kaliner M, Kennedy DW, Lund V, Naclerio R, Pawankar R, Piccirillo JF, Rohane P, Simon R, Slavin RG, Togias A, Wald ER, Zinreich SJ; American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology; American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy; American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery; American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology; American Rhinologic Society. Rhinosinusitis: Establishing definitions for clinical research and patient care. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2004 Dec;131(6 Suppl):S1-62. Review. No abstract available.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Subjects actively meeting the symptomatic criteria for CRS as defined by the Taskforce on Rhinosinusitis but with physical and endoscopic examination that is within normal limits

Exclusion Criteria:

• Subjects who are pregnant
• Subjects with a diagnosis of immune suppression or suspicion of malignancy that may be affecting the nose/paranasal sinuses
• Subjects who have had prior sinus surgery or who have been previously treated with a >3 week course of broad spectrum antibiotics for CRS