Prevalence of allergy in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to provide further evidence that allergic rhinitis is an important factor in chronic and recurrent acute rhinosinusitis. Specifically, this study shows that perennial allergens play a more significant role than seasonal allergens. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Census by chart review of patients with chronic and recurrent acute rhinosinusitis presenting to the Department of Otolaryngology at the MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, OH. METHODS: All participants had allergy testing done either by RAST or intradermal skin endpoint titration utilizing a battery of seasonal and perennial antigens. RESULTS: Of the 48 voluntary participants analyzed in this study, 57.4% had a positive allergy test. Most patients in the study were sensitive to more than one allergen. Of the patients with a positive allergy test, 92% demonstrated sensitivity to one or more perennial allergens-most prominently, molds and dust mites. CONCLUSIONS: Perennial allergy has a statistically significant association with chronic and recurrent acute rhinosinusitis. SIGNIFICANCE: The diagnosis and management of perennial allergies may be beneficial when treating chronic sinus disease.