Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Absorption of Nasal and Bronchial Fluids: Precision Sampling of the Human Respiratory Mucosa and Laboratory Processing of Samples
Published on: January 21, 2018
Bacteriology of recurrent exacerbation of postoperative course in chronic rhinosinusitis in relation to asthma
Katsuhisa Ikeda1, Hidenori Yokoi, Takeshi Kusunoki
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan. ike@juntendo.ac.jp
Objectives:
Co-mobidity of asthma is known to result in a poor prognosis of post-endoscopic sinus surgery (post-ESS). Bacterial infection may play a key role in recurrent pathophysiology of sinusitis in post-ESS.
Methods:
Forty-two patients with CRS associated with asthma undergoing ESS were enrolled. Bacterial culture was performed from the sinus cavity at the time of acute infectious episodes. Recurrence of sinonasal disease was analyzed in terms of steroid responsiveness and peak expiratory flow (PEF).
Results:
Totally 75 aspirates were obtained during post-ESS; 2 repeat aspirates from 10 patients, 3 from 5 patients, and 4 from 2 patients. Only 6 specimens (8.0%) obtained from 5 patients (11.9%) showed no growth whereas 83 isolates were recovered from 69 specimens. Sixteen patients had at least one episode of a significant decline of PEF. All except one patient complained of symptoms and signs of upper respiratory infections prior to a depression of PEF. Positive culture was obtained in 10 out of 11 patients examined at the time of acute exacerbation of CRS.
Conclusion:
Bacterial infection may play a critical role of recurrent polyps and refractory symptoms during post-ESS follow-up. Moreover, worsening of sinusitis accompanies asthma exacerbation.
Related Concept Videos
Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract
Asthma I: Introduction
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features
Chronic Pharyngitis
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
Asthma-I: Introduction
Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications
Classification of Asthma
