Sinusitis refers to the presence of inflammation in the paranasal sinuses. When it is present for less than one month, the condition is termed acute sinusitis. If the inflammation is present for more than 12 weeks, then chronic sinusitis is present. If the duration is between 4 and 12 weeks, the sinusitis should be considered subacute.
Several years ago, American Academy of Otorhinolaryngology and the American Rhinologic Society proposed that the term “sinusitis” does not really capture all the manifestations of this disease process. Thus, these two organizations suggested that “rhinosinusitis” is a more appropriate name for the inflammation that affects both the nose and the paranasal sinuses.
For more info about rhinosinusitis, click here.