According to current diagnostic criteria for chronic rhinosinusitis, symptoms must be present for what minimum duration together with objective evidence of inflammation?
- A 4 weeks
- B 8 weeks
- C 12 weeks ✓
- D 6 months
Correct answer: C. 12 weeks
Explanation
Both EPOS and AAO-HNS criteria define chronic rhinosinusitis as two or more cardinal symptoms, including nasal obstruction and either facial pain or discharge, persisting beyond 12 weeks, supported by endoscopic or CT evidence of disease. Symptoms shorter than 12 weeks fall under acute or subacute sinusitis, and recurrent acute sinusitis requires four discrete episodes per year with complete resolution between them. Six months exceeds the required threshold and is not part of any criterion.
Reference: European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis (EPOS), 2020 revision ed.
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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.