Positive Health Online

Abstract

KROUSE and KROUSE , Department of Otolaryngology, College of Nursing, University of Florida, Gainesville USA write that an estimated 50 million Americans are bothered with symptoms of allergic disease and sinusitis . The authors studied the use of complementary therapies for allergic disease by patients prior to consulting an otolaryngologist.

Background

Methodology

The authors conducted a prospective clinical survey with 120 adult patients from a community-based otolaryngology practice, presenting with sinusitis and rhinitis complaints. Patients complete a set of questionnaires assessing the types of traditional and complementary therapies they had used, as well as a questionnaire evaluating their presenting symptoms. All the data were analysed statistically.

Results

Patients had been symptomatic for a mean length of 3.5 years prior to seeking therapy from the otolaryngologist. 87% of patients had previously seen a primary care provider, and 42% had previously consulted an otolaryngologist. In addition to conventional medications, many patients had also used a variety of complementary treatment, including diet and nutritional management, herbal therapy, exercise and chiropractic . Patients who had previously seen an otolaryngologist were commonly treated with surgery .

Conclusion

These data demonstrate that patients use conventional and complementary therapies prior to seeking medical help from an otolaryngologist. The data also show that despite aggressive medical and surgical therapy, many patients persist with symptoms.

References

Krouse JH and Krouse HJ. Patient use of traditional and complementary therapies in treating rhinosinusitis before consulting an otolaryngologist. The Laryngoscope 109(8): 1223-7. Aug 1999.

Comment

The above studied show, not only that allergic conditions are a significant health problems affecting 50 million of people in the US alone, but also that a range complementary therapies, including diet, homoeopathy and Chinese massage can be effective. Conventional treatment by otolaryngologist for sinusitis and allergic disease is often surgery.