Clinical Practice Guideline: Adult Sinusitis Update

Saturday, October 11, 2025

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM EDT

Location: 123-124

Disclosure(s):

Spencer C. Payne, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Margo K. McKenna, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Angela M. Donaldson, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Kara Y. Detwiller, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: The purpose of this clinical practice guideline is to improve the management of adult rhinosinusitis by providing actionable recommendations for diagnosis and treatment. It focuses on enhancing diagnostic accuracy, promoting appropriate use of therapies, and guiding the use of ancillary tests such as radiology, nasal endoscopy, and allergy/immune testing.

Rhinosinusitis affects about 12% of adults in the U.S Acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (ABRS) alone results in millions of office visits each year and can lead to serious complications, highlighting the need for effective management by clinicians.

The target audience for this guideline includes clinicians diagnosing and managing adults 18 years or older with rhinosinusitis, applicable in any setting where such patients are identified or treated (primary care offices, urgent care, emergency departments, otolaryngology offices, and allergy practices, amont others).

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 1: Clinicians can improve rhinosinusitis diagnosis by following evidence-based guidelines to differentiate between ABRS, viral infections, and CRS. Utilizing tools like nasal endoscopy and CT scans when necessary enhances accuracy and helps determine the best treatment approach.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 2: Clinicians will follow evidence-based recommendations for managing rhinosinusitis, including an initial period of watchful waiting; prescribing antibiotics when appropriate; and recommending saline irrigation or corticosteroids for CRS.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 3: Empower clinicians to educate patients and their families about management of rhinosinusitis and to engage them in shared decision-making.

BACKGROUND STATEMENT: The purpose of this clinical practice guideline is to identify quality improvement opportunities and provide clinicians with trustworthy, evidence-based recommendations regarding adult rhinosinusitis.

Comprehensive Otolaryngology Track Statement :

Moderator(s)

Spencer C. Payne, MD

Professor
UVA Department of Otolaryngology/HNS
Charlottesville, VA, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Panelist(s)

MM

Margo K. McKenna, MD

Associate Professor, Department of Otolaryngology
University Otolaryngology Associates/ University of Rochester
Rochester, NY, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
AD

Angela M. Donaldson, MD

Associate Professor
Mayo Clinic
Jacksonville, FL, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
KD

Kara Y. Detwiller, MD

Associate Professor
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, OR, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.