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Back Patient journey Understanding your health journey with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) can feel overwhelming. This module simplifies the process into four clear stages, guiding you step by step. Most patients remain at the first stage if their symptoms are well-managed, progressing only if symptoms persist or worsen. For the best experience, review the earlier modules to familiarise yourself with key terms and concepts, and refer to our Glossary for additional support. Take control of your CRS journey with confidence! Step 1: Self-Care and Pharmacist Guidance If your symptoms, like a persistent stuffy nose or reduced sense of smell, aren’t improving, this step helps you take action. If you haven’t seen a healthcare professional and don’t have any red-flag symptoms, start with self-care. Your pharmacist can offer guidance on saline douching and corticosteroid sprays, which are both effective options before visiting your GP. If you’re using a decongestant, be sure to stop after seven days to prevent dependence. Step 2: Visit Your General/Family Doctor (GP) Chronic rhinosinusitis (or CRS) is typically diagnosed after symptoms persist for at least three months, however, don’t wait too long to see your doctor. Early intervention can make your symptom management easier and help prevent worsening. At this stage, your GP will assess your condition and create a clear treatment plan tailored to your needs. Step 3: Referral to a Specialist If your symptoms don’t improve after three months of treatment or you have red-flag symptoms, it is time to see a specialist. A specialist will confirm your CRS diagnosis with additional tests and rule out other possible conditions to ensure you get the right treatment. Step 4: Referral to a Specialized Center If symptoms persist despite treatment, a specialised centre can provide advanced care. This stage involves follow-up evaluations, treatment adjustments, and specialised tests to determine why previous treatments haven’t worked. The goal is to find the most effective approach to help you feel better. Disclaimer This website does not provide medical advice. The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this website is for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider. EUFOREA is not a medical organisation and cannot provide specific medical advice to patients via the Internet and/or E-mail. All patients are encouraged to direct their specific questions to their personal physicians. EUFOREA presents this information to patients so that patients can understand and participate in their own medical care. EUFOREA strongly emphasises that the information contained on this website is not a substitute for thorough evaluation and treatment by a qualified healthcare provider. Copyright © 2025 – EUFOREA – All rights reserved. All content on this portal, such as text, graphics, logos and images, is the property of EUFOREA. They may not be reproduced, copied, published, stored, modified or used in any form, online or offline, without prior written permission of EUFOREA. Overview Patient journey Step 1: Pharmacist / Self-Care Step 2: Visit GP Step 3: Visit Specialist Step 4: Specialised or referral centre