Analysis of the Gender Differences in Patients With Recurrent Acute Rhinosinusitis

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Quality of Life Research
• Medical Sociology

Background:

• Previous research indicates female patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) report diminished quality of life (QoL).
• The impact of gender on QoL in recurrent acute rhinosinusitis (RARS) requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate gender-specific differences in QoL among patients diagnosed with RARS.
• To compare subjective disease burden between male and female RARS patients.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective cohort study analyzed RARS patients from an otolaryngology clinic.
• Objective rhinosinusitis evidence (CT/endoscopy) and patient comorbidities were reviewed.
• The Sinonasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22) was used to assess QoL differences at baseline and post-surgery.

Main Results:

• 116 RARS patients (65.5% female) were included; no significant differences in CT or endoscopy scores were found between genders.
• Female patients reported significantly worse baseline SNOT-22 scores (p=0.001) and higher prevalence of autoimmune disorders, headaches, and anxiety.
• Post-surgery, SNOT-22 scores improved significantly for both genders but remained independently associated with female gender (coeff. 8.4, 95% CI 2.2-14.7).

Conclusions:

• Female patients with RARS experience a higher subjective disease burden compared to males.
• Gender is an independent predictor of worse QoL in RARS patients.
• Further research is needed to understand the underlying biological and psychosocial factors contributing to these gender disparities.