The Role of Viruses in the Inception of Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a complex inflammatory disorder that affects between 2% and 16% of adults in the United States, with estimated healthcare costs between 4 and 12 million USD. Viruses are a common etiologic factor for URIs, are frequently identified in the sinuses of patients with CRS, and trigger CRS exacerbations. Therefore, investigating the role of viruses provides an opportunity to identify their role in the pathogenesis of CRS. In this review, we identified the viruses frequently isolated in patients with CRS, as well as their associated immunologic responses and contributions to inflammation. Rhinovirus, parainfluenza virus, influenza virus, and respiratory syncytial virus are the viruses commonly found in patients with CRS. This information allows us to target pathways early in the pathogenesis of CRS, thereby playing a significant role in slowing the progression of this chronic disease.