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Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis

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Abstract

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is a domain of quality-of-life assessment that is influenced by the individual’s perception of his or her health status. Measurement of HRQoL can enable physicians to understand how an illness interferes with a patient’s day-to-day life, improve patient–physician communication, and optimize clinical outcomes. Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is one of the most common chronic diseases, affecting 14–16% of the adult US population. In addition to significant health care costs, CRS has been shown to substantially reduce HRQoL. In this review article, we discuss the definition and interpretation of HRQoL data and describe several validated rhinosinusitis HRQoL instruments. Additionally, we review how CRS functions to lower HRQoL and the effect of medical and surgical intervention on improving HRQoL status. By understanding the relationship between CRS and associated chronic conditions, clinicians can target their evaluation to problems that will maximize clinical success.

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Acknowledgment

Dr. Smith has received grant support from the National Institutes of Health and the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.

Disclosure

Dr. Smith has served as a consultant for Intersect. Dr. Rudmik reported no potential conflicts of interest relevant to this article.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Rhinology and Sinus Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, PV-01, Portland, OR, 97239, USA

    Luke Rudmik & Timothy L. Smith

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  2. Timothy L. Smith
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Correspondence to Timothy L. Smith.

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Rudmik, L., Smith, T.L. Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 11, 247–252 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11882-010-0175-2

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