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We know that understanding your health journey can feel overwhelming, especially when dealing with a condition like CRS. This module is here to help you make sense of the process, step by step. By breaking it down into four clear stages, we aim to guide you through what to expect and empower you to take an active role in managing your health.
The journey is laid out like a waterfall: most people stay at the first step if their symptoms are managed well. You only move to the next step if your symptoms are severe or do not improve with initial treatment.
We recommend going through earlier modules first to better understand the terms and concepts used in these charts and using our Glossary.
Step 1: Self-care and seeing your pharmacist: This step explains what to do when you first notice symptoms are not going away, like a stuffy nose or trouble smelling. In case you haven't seen a healthcare professional for your symptoms and don't experience any red-flag symptom, you can start with self-care. Ask your pharmacist for advice about saline douching and corticosteroid sprays, even before going to see your GP. In case you started a decongestant, discontinue after 7 days to avoid dependence.
Step 2: Visit your general/family doctor (GP): While CRS is usually diagnosed when symptoms last for at least 3 months, it is important not to wait too long to see your doctor. Getting help early can make managing your symptoms easier and may prevent them from getting worse. This is the step where you start with a clear treatment plan.
Step 3: Referral to a specialist, when symptoms do not improve within 3 months after treatment, or if you have red-flag symptoms. Your specialist will confirm the diagnosis of CRS with additional tests and rule out other diseases.
Step 4: Referral to a specialised centre: This step covers follow-up care, adjustments to treatment, and how ongoing symptoms are managed. At this stage, specialised tests are often needed to understand why certain treatments have not worked and to find the best way to help you feel better.
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