We examined the prevalence of abnormalities found by sinus X-ray in
patients with asthma. The overall prevalence of abnormalities was found
greater in patients with asthma 48 of 130 (36.9%), compared to control
subjects 2 of 30 (6.6%) (p < 0. 001). Maxillary sinus was the most affected
sinus in both asthmatic and control group. The study also confirms the inadequacy
of history of symptoms generally said to reflect sinusitis or routine
nasal smear for neutrophiLs as a predictor of abnormalities found by
sinus x-ray in asthmatic patients. So, all individuals with asthma with
clinical evidence of sinusitis or who are poorly controlled or steroid dependent
should be evaluated radiographically for possible sinus abnormalities. |
