Patient use of traditional and complementary therapies in treating rhinosinusitis before consulting an otolaryngologist.

OBJECTIVES

It has been estimated that 50 million Americans are bothered with symptoms of allergic disease and sinusitis. Patients treat these symptoms with a variety of traditional and complementary therapies. This study examined the use of these therapies by patients before consulting an otolaryngologist.

STUDY DESIGN

This investigation involved a prospective clinical survey.

METHODS

The sample consisted of 120 adult patients seen in a community-based otolaryngology practice, who presented with complaints of sinusitis and rhinitis. Patients completed a set of questionnaires at their initial office visit to assess the various traditional and complementary therapies they had used. In addition, they completed a questionnaire evaluating the various symptoms with which they presented to the physician. All data were analyzed with descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

The results demonstrated that patients had been symptomatic for a mean length of 3.5 years before seeking therapy from the otolaryngologist. In addition, 87% of patients had previously seen a primary care provider, and 42% of patients had previously consulted an otolaryngologist. While traditional therapies including medications were commonly used, many patients also attempted a variety of complementary treatments, including dietary management, herbal therapy, exercise, and chiropractic. Patients who had previously seen an otolaryngologist were commonly treated with surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings demonstrate that patients employ both traditional and complementary therapies before seeking the care of an otolaryngologist. In addition, findings suggest that, despite aggressive medical and surgical therapy, many patients continue to remain symptomatic.