CHRONIC RHINOSINUSITIS IN PATIENTS WITH COVID-19.
The new coronavirus (COVID-19) has caused a deadly pandemic, which now significantly affects the whole world. It is believed that otolaryngologists are at high risk of infection, since the virus is located in the nasal cavity, nasopharynx and oropharynx. Despite the fact that valuable work has been published on several topics in rhinology, we discuss in more detail other aspects of our specialty. There are several issues concerning rhinological practice that need to be clarified both for the current epidemic and for future expected waves. In addition, as the pandemic subsides, guidelines are needed to optimize safe practices as we start admitting more patients again. These include safety-related protocols, rhinological procedures in the office, replacement of endoscopy with imaging, and understanding the appropriate role of telemedicine. We discuss these aspects of rhinology, as well as practical issues related to telemedicine and billing, as these issues are becoming increasingly important for rhinologists both in the present and in the future.