The epidemiology and experience of chronic rhinosinusitis

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a common and debilitating disorder. There is a deficit of knowledge about the epidemiology of CRS or the experience of sufferers. The aims of the study were to identify differences in socio-economic variables and quality of life between patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and healthy controls, to identify any significant associations between CRS and other medical co-morbidities, psychiatric disease or environmental exposures and to explore the experience of CRS from the perspective of CRS sufferers. This study consisted of a self-reported questionnaire distributed from 30 ENT clinics across the UK, and qualitative interviews with 21 patients with CRS. Additional studies were undertaken to support this work including further qualitative interviews with patients who have disturbed olfaction, and studies to assess new or unproven treatment regimens including a feasibility study for Clarithromycin for CRS and a trial of sodium citrate for hyposmia. No clear differences in socioeconomic variables were identified between cases and controls. CRS was found to be strongly associated with asthma and inhaled allergies as well as significantly impairing quality of life. Quality of life issues were very important to sufferers, and had been poorly addressed, particularly with regards to sense of smell. Further research is needed to better understand and manage CRS although better adherence to current guidelines would improve care in the interim