Rhinosinusitis

Rhinosinusitis — referral criteria for ENT services.

Eligibility

At least one must be met for the patient to be eligible for referral.

Clinically suspected or confirmed rhinosinusitis with initial primary-care work-up completed

Red flags

Indicate urgent (Category 1) referral or emergency assessment.

Complicated sinus disease with — orbital and/or neurological signs

Complicated sinus disease with — severe systemic symptoms

Complicated sinus disease with — periorbital oedema or erthyema

Complicated sinus disease with — altered visual acuity, diplopia, or reduced eye movement

Routine referral criteria

Determine Category 2 or 3 urgency.

New and persistent unilateral nasal obstruction present for more than 4 weeks

Rhinosinusitis that has not responded to 3 months of intranasal steroid and nasal lavage treatment

Usually managed in primary care

Patients with headaches who have a normal CT scan which has been performed when the patient has symptoms
Patients who have not had 3 months of intranasal steroid and nasal lavage treatment