Corticosteroids in the treatment of sinusitis and nasal polyps

This article reviews the underlying pathogenesis of acute and chronic sinusitis and the rationale for use of systemic and topical corticosteroids for treatment of sinusitis exacerbations. The immunopathology of chronic hyperplastic sinusitis with nasal polyposis and its response to topical corticosteroids are discussed at the level of inflammatory cytokines and adhesion molecules. A summary of published studies regarding the use of topical corticosteroids for treatment of nasal polyp diseases and prevention of nasal polyp recurrence after sinus surgery also are reviewed.