Inflammation leads to buildup of fluid and pressure and can lead to infection. Which condition is described?

• A. Rhinosinusitis
• B. Sinusitis
• C. Nasal polyps
• D. Allergic rhinitis

Answer: (A)

Inflammation of the mucosa lining the nasal passages and paranasal sinuses can block the drainage pathways of the sinuses. When drainage is obstructed, mucus and fluid accumulate, pressure builds up in the sinus cavities, and this environment can lead to infection. This scenario best fits rhinosinusitis, which involves inflammation of both the nasal mucosa and the sinuses. Sinusitis alone would mean inflammation of the sinuses without necessarily including the nasal component. Allergic rhinitis is inflammation of the nasal mucosa due to allergy and doesn’t inherently describe sinus drainage obstruction or infection. Nasal polyps are growths that can occur with chronic rhinosinusitis but are not the description of fluid buildup and pressure causing infection.