From the Guidelines
Allergic rhinosinusitis affects approximately 10% to 40% of the population, as stated in the most recent and highest quality study available 1. The prevalence of allergic rhinosinusitis varies significantly by geographic region, with higher rates typically observed in westernized countries. Some key points to consider include:
- The condition is increasing in prevalence, particularly in developing countries adopting western lifestyles, due to environmental factors such as increased air pollution and reduced early childhood exposure to diverse microorganisms (the hygiene hypothesis) 1.
- Genetic factors also play a significant role, with a increased risk in individuals with a family history of allergies 1.
- The condition typically begins in childhood or early adulthood, with peak prevalence occurring between ages 10-30, though it can develop at any age 1.
- The substantial prevalence of allergic rhinosinusitis represents a significant healthcare burden, affecting quality of life and productivity for millions worldwide, with estimated direct medical costs of $7.3 billion for the year 2002 1. Some other relevant information includes:
- Allergic rhinitis may be classified by the temporal pattern of exposure to a triggering allergen as seasonal, perennial/year round, or episodic 1.
- The symptoms of allergic rhinitis result from a complex allergen-driven mucosal inflammation caused by interplay 1.
- The financial impact on society is tremendous, with the estimated cost of allergic rhinitis based on direct and indirect costs being $11.58 billion for 2002 1.
From the Research
Prevalence of Allergic Rhinosinusitis
- The prevalence of allergic rhinitis, a key component of allergic rhinosinusitis, is estimated to range from 4% to over 40% in various populations 2.
- A study in Oman found the prevalence of allergic rhinitis to be 7% among adults presenting with nasal symptoms, with females being more affected than males 3.
- In the United States, the prevalence of allergic rhinitis is increasing, with contributing factors possibly including higher concentrations of airborne pollution, rising dust mite populations, and less ventilation in homes and offices 2.
- Perennial allergens, such as house dust mites and molds, play a more significant role in chronic and recurrent acute rhinosinusitis than seasonal allergens 4.
- The prevalence of allergic fungal rhinosinusitis, a specific type of allergic rhinosinusitis, is estimated to be around 6-9% among all rhinosinusitis cases requiring surgery 5.
- A study in Belgium found the overall prevalence of allergic rhinitis to be 30.9%, with symptomatic sensitization related to trees, grass, and house dust mites reported in 9.7%, 17.6%, and 17.1% of cases, respectively 6.
- The prevalence of allergic sensitization, as measured by skin prick tests, was found to be 40.3% in the Belgian population, with a peak in the third and fourth decades of life 6.