Current status of topical nasal antimicrobial agents

The nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses are probably one of the last frontie rs in the head and neck region where the use of topical antimicrobial agent s is not yet established. Although the anatomy of the nasal cavity and the paranasal sinuses can theoretically be exploited for the administration of antimicrobials in rhinosinusitis, very few studies have been conducted to t est the feasibility of this mode of therapy. We review the anatomical and p hysiological factors that should be considered in the use of topical nasal antimicrobial agents and the current status of topical nasal antimicrobial usage, and we make recommendations for the administration of topical nasal antimicrobial agents.