crs-glossary
Back A Acoustic rhinometry: A test that uses harmless sound waves inside your nose to measure how open (or blocked) your nasal passages are.Acute: A term describing a health condition or set of symptoms that starts suddenly and typically lasts for a short time. In the context of rhinosinusitis, “acute” means symptoms have been present for less than 12 weeks.Allergen: A substance (like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander) that can cause an allergic reaction in certain people.Allergic rhinitis (hay fever): An allergic reaction in the nose that can make you sneeze, have a runny or stuffy nose, and itchy/watery eyes. Often triggered by pollen, dust mites, or pets.Anterior: Means “toward the front.” For example, the front part of the nose or sinus passages is referred to as the anterior region.Anterior rhinoscopy: A quick exam where a doctor looks into the front part of your nose using a special tool (nasal speculum) to check for swelling, irritation, or nasal polyps.Anterior rhinomanometry: A test measuring how easily air moves through your nose to see if the nasal passages are blocked.Anti-inflammatory: A term for medicines (like corticosteroids) or actions (like rinsing with salt water) that reduce swelling, redness, or irritation in the body.Antibiotics: Medicines used to kill or slow down the growth of bacteria. Sometimes prescribed for sinus infections but not always useful in chronic sinus inflammation.Asthma: A lung condition where the airways become inflamed and narrow, making it hard to breathe. People with CRS often have asthma too.Autoimmune disorders: Conditions where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells, thinking they are harmful. B Biologics: Special medicines given by injection that target specific parts of the immune system to reduce inflammation. Used when other options haven’t worked and after a specialist has made a detailed assessment of your condition. C Cellulitis: A skin infection that causes redness, swelling, warmth, and pain in the affected area. Although rare, a severe sinus infection in CRS can sometimes spread into the tissues around the sinuses or eyes, leading to cellulitis.Chest symptoms: Issues such as coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, or tightness in the chest—often linked with lung conditions like asthma or COPD.Chronic: Means something that lasts a long time (often three months or more) or keeps coming back.Chronic cough: A cough that does not go away and lasts for at least three weeks.Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): A long-term lung disease (often linked to smoking or polluted air) where airways and tiny air sacs in the lungs are damaged, causing breathing difficulties.Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS): A condition defined by long-lasting inflammation inside the nose and sinuses, causing symptoms like a stuffy nose, runny nose, loss of smell, and facial pain.Comorbidities: Other conditions or diseases that occur at the same time as the main condition. For example, many people with CRS also have asthma or allergies.Complication: An unexpected, sometimes serious, problem that arises because of an existing condition or its progression. For example, a severe sinus infection spreading to the eye area could be considered a complication.CT scan: An imaging test that takes detailed pictures of the inside of your body (in this case, your sinuses) to see how swollen they are or if there are any blockages.Cystic fibrosis: A genetic disorder that affects the lungs, pancreas, and other organs. It can sometimes lead to more severe forms of sinus disease in children. D Decongestant nasal sprays/drops: Medicines sprayed or dropped into the nose for quick relief of stuffiness. Safe only for short-term use (a few days) due to the risk of “rebound congestion” if overused.Decongestant pills: Tablets (often containing pseudo-ephedrine) that help shrink swollen tissues in the nose. Used short-term only because the risks generally outweigh the benefits. For some people, it can be unsafe to take these pills.Diagnosis: The process where a doctor determines what health condition a person has.Differential diagnosis: A list of possible conditions that could explain a patient’s symptoms. Before confirming CRS, your doctor will consider other conditions that could cause your symptoms. E Endotyping / Phenotyping: Specialist terms for classifying a disease by looking at the exact type of inflammation or cells involved. This helps doctors tailor treatments, like deciding what type of biologics to use.ENT doctor (Ear-Nose-Throat specialist): A doctor who specialises in conditions affecting the ear, nose, and throat. Also called an otolaryngologist.Exacerbation: A sudden worsening or flare-up of symptoms. If you understand when you’re having an exacerbation, you can see your doctor sooner and adjust medications if needed. F Facial pain/pressure: An uncomfortable feeling in the face, forehead, or cheeks that can happen when sinuses are inflamed or blocked or due to nasal polyps.FESS (Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery): A type of sinus surgery where a specialist uses a thin camera (an endoscope) to open and clear the sinuses. It is called “functional” because it aims to restore normal sinus function rather than just remove tissue.First-line treatments: The initial or standard treatments recommended by medical guidelines. For CRS, these include saline rinses and nasal corticosteroid sprays.Fungal infection: An infection caused by fungi (like mould). Generally, normal sinuses can handle fungi without trouble, but in certain cases, fungus can worsen sinus issues. G Genetics (Hereditary): Refers to the information passed down from parents to children through genes that can make some people more likely to develop certain conditions. H Hormone changes: Body chemicals (like oestrogen) that can shift during pregnancy or menopause, sometimes affecting conditions like CRS.House dust mite: Tiny insect-like pests found in household dust that can trigger allergies and make CRS symptoms worse if you are allergic. I Immune system: Your body’s defence against infections and foreign substances. In CRS, this system may overreact, causing ongoing inflammation.Immune deficiencies: Conditions where the immune system is weaker or does not work properly, leading to more frequent infections.Immunotherapy: A treatment that may help the body get used to allergens so it reacts less over time. Often given as injections or drops/pills under the tongue.Inflammation: Swelling or irritation in the body’s tissues,