Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis have increased incidence of other chronic illnesses

San Diego, CA -- Patients who suffer from chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) also tend to suffer from other chronic illnesses, like asthma, hypertension, and arthritis.

In a paper presented at the 2009 American Academy of Otolaryngology -- Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO in San Diego, researchers studied the electronic records of 1,970,695 patients to determine whether there was a relationship between CRS and other chronic conditions. Chronic rhinosinusitis is an inflammatory condition involving one or more of the paranasal sinuses. The condition usually follows an allergic reaction or viral upper respiratory infection.

The analysis showed a higher incidence of CRS in patients with other chronic diseases, especially asthma patients, who are more likely to also have nasal polyps. Patients with other chronic diseases such as high blood pressure and arthritis also have higher incidence of chronic sinusitis but not nasal polyps.

The results of the study suggest that some of these chronic diseases may share common mechanisms of how they arise or progress.

Title: CRS in the setting of other chronic illnesses

Presenters: Rakesh Chandra, MD; David Conley, MD; Robert Kern, MD; Robert Schleimer, PhD; Sana Sweis, MD; David Lin

Information for the Media:
The AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO Newsroom will be located in the San Diego Convention Center, Mezzanine Level, Room 14A. Hours of operation: Saturday, October 3, 12 pm to 5 pm; Sunday-Tuesday, October 4 -- 6, 7:30 am to 5 pm; and Wednesday, October 7, 7:30 am to 2 pm (all hours Pacific time). The newsroom serves as a work space for credentialed members of the news media. The newsroom is managed and staffed by the AAO-HNS Communications Unit. Please see the AAO-HNS website for media credentialing requirements for the event.

Onsite Newsroom contact: 1-619-525-6202

About the AAO-HNS

The American Academy of Otolaryngology ? Head and Neck Surgery (www.entnet.org), one of the oldest medical associations in the nation, represents nearly 12,000 physicians and allied health professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the ear, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. The Academy serves its members by facilitating the advancement of the science and art of medicine related to otolaryngology and by representing the specialty in governmental and socioeconomic issues. The organization's vision: "Empowering otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons to deliver the best patient care."

October 4, 2009