Baseline lung function of patients with allergic rhinosinusitis in Kano

Abstract

Background:Allergic rhinosinusitis is a global health problem both economically and socially with significant impact on the quality of life of the afflicted. This is worsened when bronchial asthma, a comorbidity, is present.Aim and Objective:This study aimed to determine the baseline lung function status of patients with allergic rhinosinusitis.Participants and Methods:All adult patients seen in the Otolaryngology Out-patient Clinic of the study centre with clinically diagnosed allergic rhinosinusitis were prospectively entered in the study. The participants' biodata, symptoms and signs were obtained using a specially designed interviewer-administered questionnaire. The baseline lung function values of the patients were determined using spirometry as a measuring tool. The data were collated and analysed using SPSS version 15 statistical software.Results:There were 300 patients and 300 control participants. Sixty-one percentage were females and 39% as males with a male: female ratio of 1:1.6. The age ranged between 18 and 49 years (mean = 29.3). Seventy percentage had positive family history of allergy, while 19% were obese. Allergic rhinosinusitis was the most common amongst students (38%). In the study group, the lung volumes were below 90% and above 90% in the control group; which was statistically significant (P= 0.05). Older age group (odds ratio, 13.0), female gender (odds ratio, 10.9) and negative family history of allergy (odds ratio, 7.7) were found to be associated with abnormal spirometry results in patients with allergic rhinosinusitis.Conclusion:There is impairment in baseline lung function of patients with allergic rhinosinusitis, even in the absence of asthma.