Mucosal remodeling in the sinuses is a recently described phenomenon in which the mucosa undergoes potentially irreversible changes as a result of ongoing underlying inflammatory processes. Research into remodeling that occurs in the bronchial airways in asthmatic patients has led to modification of asthma treatment guidelines. However, remodeling in the sinuses has still not led to changes in current medical or surgical management of chronic rhinosinusitis. Upper airway remodeling constitutes a new area of research that poses many unanswered clinical questions and may potentially alter the management of patients with severe chronic rhinosinusitis.
Copyright © 2011 The American Laryngological, Rhinological, and Otological Society, Inc.