Table 3.

Sample definitions from clinical practice guidelines

Guideline	Definition
Otitis Media with Effusion Guideline23	Otitis media with effusion as discussed in this guideline is defined as the presence of fluid in the middle ear without signs or symptoms of acute ear infection. otitis media with effusion is considered distinct from acute otitis media, which is defined as a history of acute onset of signs and symptoms, the presence of middle-ear effusion, and signs and symptoms of middle-ear inflammation.
Adult Sinusitis Guideline4	Rhinosinusitis is defined as symptomatic inflammation of the paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity. The term rhinosinusitis is preferred because sinusitis is almost always accompanied by inflammation of the contiguous nasal mucosa. Rhinosinusitis may be further classified by duration as acute (less than 4 weeks), subacute (4–12 weeks), or chronic (more than 12 weeks with or without acute exacerbations).
Cerumen Impaction Guideline5	Cerumen impaction is defined as an accumulation of cerumen that causes symptoms, prevents a needed assessment of the ear canal/tympanic membrane or audiovestibular system, or both. Although “impaction” usually implies that cerumen is lodged, wedged, or firmly packed in the ear canal, our definition of cerumen impaction does not require a complete obstruction.
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo Guideline6	Positional vertigo is defined as a spinning sensation produced by changes in head position relative to gravity. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is defined as a disorder of the inner ear characterized by repeated episodes of positional vertigo.