The Long‐Term Implications of Rhinitis and Chronic Rhinosinusitis in Young Adults

Abstract

BackgroundThe long‐term impact of rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) on general health and medical services utilization in young adults have been limitedly studied.MethodsA case–control study in the Israeli Defense Forces, between the years 2005 and 2019, of all individuals with either rhinitis or CRS and a matched cohort of healthy individuals with a minimum of 5 years of consecutive follow‐up.ResultsThe study groups included 617 patients with rhinitis and 296 patients with CRS and 2739 healthy controls with an average age of 28 years. During a mean follow‐up of 8 years, a significant fraction of patients in both study groups were diagnosed with asthma compared to the control group, (26.1% and 23.3% vs. 3.7%, respectively; CI 95%: 12.1%–14.9%, p < 0.0001). 7.6% of patients with rhinitis developed CRS. Significantly increased loss of productivity and medical system utilization were noted in the study groups compared to controls (p < 0.0001). Moreover, deterioration in general health, manifested as loss of physical fitness for combative service was observed in a third of patients during follow‐up.ConclusionsRhinitis and CRS significantly impact productivity and medical service utilization in young adults, as well as general health associated with development of asthma and impairment of physical fitness. A minority of rhinitis patients develop CRS overtime, further affecting this patient group. These patients should be followed up and managed to improve disease control and associated outcomes.Level of Evidence3 Laryngoscope, 133:3299–3303, 2023