Treatment of Acute Rhinosinusitis Presumed to be Caused by Viral Infection

When acute rhinosinusitis presents with symptoms or signs that have been present for fewer than 10 days and are not worsening, a viral origin is presumed. This specific clinical picture shapes the recommended management approach.

Clinical Scenario

Symptoms or signs of acute rhinosinusitis present for less than 10 days and not worsening — the defining criteria for viral rhinosinusitis (VRS).

Approach Overview

Management focuses on symptomatic relief without antibiotics. A combination of supportive measures targeting patient comfort forms the basis of care. The complete structured regimen — including which agents, sequence, and clinical decision points — is available via the full protocol.

Instant Access to Structured Evidence-Based Regimens

References

DOI: 10.1002/ohn.1344

A clinician should diagnose VRS when: (a) symptoms or signs of acute rhinosinusitis are present less than 10 days and (b) the symptoms are not worsening.

Clinicians may recommend analgesics, topical intranasal steroids, and/or nasal saline irrigation for symptomatic relief of VRS.

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