The role of allergy and smoking in chronic rhinosinusitis and polyposis.
OBJECTIVE
The article considers the interrelatedness of allergic rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). The negative impact of perennial allergy and tobacco use on polyposis in sinus surgery patients is explored.


METHODS
A retrospective chart review, performed by the first author over a 6-year period, of patients who underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery for CRS.


METHODS
The subjects' allergy status and smoking history are scrutinized by summary statistics and a multiple linear logistic model for predicting the presence of polyps.


RESULTS
High prevalence of perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR) is seen in the subject population (56.4%). Both PAR and tobacco use are associated with nasal polyposis (P = .0073 and P = .0114, respectively).


CONCLUSIONS
The close association of PAR and CRS suggests a possible causal link. Management of allergic rhinitis and tobacco cessation may provide greater control of chronic hyperplastic rhinosinusitis.
Houser
Steven M
SM
Department of Otolaryngology, Case Western Reserve University College of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA. shouser@metrohealth.org
Keen
Kevin J
KJ