Prognosis for Rhinosinusitis

Acute complications depend on whether the infection spreads to other organs in the body.

• Orbital involvement. The infection can spread to the skin (cellulitis) and fat tissue around the eye. If the infection extends into the eye socket, it can cause reduced vision or even blindness, which may be permanent.
• Meningitis. This infection causes inflammation of the membranes and fluids surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
• Sepsis. Septicemia occurs when the veins surrounding the paranasal sinuses are affected; the chemicals released into the bloodstream to fight the infection trigger inflammatory responses throughout the body. This inflammation can damage multiple organs and lead to organ failure.
• Other infections. Occasionally, the infection can spread to the bones (osteomyelitis).

Chronic complications are usually secondary to the constant presence of mucus and/or polyps in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses.

• Mucoceles. When mucus accumulates, mucoceles can develop and block the paranasal sinus drainage duct. This mucus retention increases the internal pressure which can lead to the gradual destruction of the weakest walls forming the paranasal sinus.
• Partial or total loss of the sense of smell. Nasal obstruction and inflammation of the nerve of smell (olfactory nerve) can cause a temporary or permanent loss of the sense of smell.
• Nasal blockage. The inability to breathe through the nose due to the chronic presence of mucus and/or polyps.
• Side effects caused by taking long-term treatments.