Sino-nasal assessment questionnaire: a specific outcome measure for rhinosinusitis, but what is the range in the asymptomatic population?

Assessment of nasal airflow resistance in the healthy population of chattisgarh by active anterior rhinomanometry

The aim of present study was to define a normal range of total nasal airflow resistance in the healthy population of Chattisgarh. This study was conducted at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Medical College Raipur, Chattisgarh over 93 healthy adults. A proper otolaryngology examination was done prior to the study and all the subjects were free from any type upper respiratory tract infection. This was the main inclusion criteria for the present study. All the subjects were distributed according to age and sex. Active Anterior Rhinomanometry is the best recommended method for evaluating the objective assessment of nasal airflow resistance; it was preferred for the assessment of total nasal airway resistance in present study also. The present study concluded that the mean value of total nasal airway resistance was 0.21 at 150 Pa pressure. However the range of total nasal airway resistance was from 0.142 to 0.34 Pa/cm(3)/s at the same pressure. The present study presents the normal range and mean value of total nasal airway resistance for the healthy adult population of Chattisgarh. Total nasal airway resistance is independent of age and sex.

Secondhand tobacco smoke exposure and chronic rhinosinusitis: a population-based case-control study

BACKGROUND

Rhinosinusitis is a costly disease that adversely affects quality of life (QOL). It is known to be influenced by environmental factors, but few studies have evaluated the association between secondhand tobacco smoke (SHS) exposure and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). To address this evidence gap, we evaluated the association of SHS and CRS risk in a community-based case-control study of adult nonsmokers.

METHODS

In Washington County, MD, 100 cases with a confirmed diagnosis of CRS and 100 controls matched for age, sex, and smoking status (former-never) were recruited and interviewed. A validated questionnaire was used to assess past and present SHS exposure as well as disease-specific QOL.

RESULTS

Compared with those who reported no SHS exposure, current or childhood SHS exposure was associated with significantly increased risk of CRS (odds ratio, 2.33; 95% CI, 1.02, 5.34). CRS cases exposed to SHS (n = 39) had worse mean scores in nasal obstruction/blockage (3.1 versus 2.5; p = 0.02), nasal discharge (3.3 versus 2.7; p = 0.03), headaches (2.4 versus 1.5; p = 0.01), and cough (2.1 versus 1.5; p = 0.04) than cases without SHS exposure (n = 61). Cases exposed to SHS were also more likely to use nasal decongestants (53.9% versus 34.4%; p = 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Exposure to SHS during childhood and adulthood may be a risk factor for CRS. Furthermore, compared with unexposed CRS cases, SHS exposed cases reported worse nasal symptoms and used more nasal decongestants compared with unexposed cases, suggesting SHS exposure is related to exacerbation and more severe symptoms.