Evaluation of the prevalence and caracterization of rinosinusitis in Portugal – epidemiologic study

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of acute and chronic rhinosinusitis in Portugal and to characterize these patients’ profile regarding demographic data, diagnosis and previous therapy.

Study’s design: Transversal epidemiologic study.

Methods: Single application of a questionnaire to collect the sociodemographic, clinical and therapeutic data in acute and chronic rhinosinusitis patients.

Results: The total prevalence of rhinosinusitis was of 13.7% (11.3% acute and 2.4% chronic). This disease is more frequent in women, between 30 and 39 years old and above 60 years, in the Lisbon region, Alentejo and Algarve. Chronic rhinosinusitis is more prevalent in the North of the country (50%) and in individuals whose mean age is 43.2!13.0 years and it is more frequently accompanied by associated symptoms and other diseases and also leads to more doctor appointments than acute rhinosinusitis.

Conclusion: Both sensitizing for the importance of correct diagnosis and contesting the recurrent tendency to self medication are extremely relevant in preventing and treating rhinosinusitis.