Allergic Fungal Rhinosinusitis More Prevalent in African Americans, Poor

Newswise — A new socioeconomic study has discovered that allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS), a chronic sinus disease affecting many living in the southern and southeastern United States, affects African American more than other ethnic groups. Additionally, AFRS is found in greater numbers in counties populated by people with low socioeconomic status.

The findings, presented at the 2007 AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO in Washington, DC, showed that among patients undergoing endoscopic surgery between 2002 and 2006, 61.1 percent of those diagnosed with AFRS were African American, while 24.1 percent were either uninsured or Medicaid patients. Furthermore, a higher percentage of AFRS patients lived below the poverty level, compared with patients suffering from other types of chronic rhinosinusitis.

The authors believe that recognizing the demographic differences in patients with AFRS can ultimately lead to earlier recognition of the ailment, and allow for better patient education and research targeted at the at-risk populations.

Title: Socioeconomic Factors in Allergic Fungal Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Sarah K. Wise, MD, Mark D. Ghegan, MD, Edward D. Gorham, PhD, Rodney J. Schlosser, MD
Date: Monday, September 17, 2007, 11:32 AM - 11:40 AM

Information for the Media:
The AAO-HNS Annual Meeting newsroom will be located in Registration East, Street Level of the Washington, DC Convention Center. Hours of operation: Saturday, September 15, 12 pm to 5 pm; Sunday - Tuesday, September 16 -18, 7:30 am to 5 pm; and Wednesday, September 19, 7:30 am to 2 pm. The newsroom serves as a work space for credentialed members of the media and credentialed public relations staff. The newsroom is managed and staffed by the AAO-HNS Communications Unit. Please see the AAO-HNS website for media credentialing requirements for the event - http://www.entnet.org/ent-press/online_reg.cfm.

The American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (http://www.entnet.org), one of the oldest medical associations in the nation, represents more than 12,000 physicians and allied health professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the ears, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. The Academy serves its members by facilitating the advancement of the science and art of medicine related to otolaryngology and by representing the specialty in governmental and socioeconomic issues. The organization’s mission: “Working for the Best Ear, Nose, and Throat Care.”