Comparison of Bacteriology Between Geriatric and Adult Rhinosinusitis with and Without NPs.

Background

In this study, we attempted to compare the bacteriology of chronic rhinosisusitis (CRS) with and without nasal polyps between geriatric and adult patients.

Methods

This retrospective cross-sectional study included 751 patients with CRS who underwent bilateral primary functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Before surgery, swab samples were collected from the middle meatus for bacterial cultures using cotton-tipped sticks. Subjects were divided into adult (20 to 64 years, n = 683) and elderly (65 years, n = 68) groups. The results of the bacteria culture were analyzed according to age group and the presence of nasal polyps.

Results

The bacterial culture rate was higher in geriatric patients (55.9%) than in adults (44.9%), but the difference was not statistically significant. However, geriatric patients showed a higher bacterial culture rate (57.6%) than adult patients (29.6%) without nasal polyps. This difference was statistically significant.

Conclusions

Geriatric patients with CRS exhibited higher bacterial culture rates, particularly on the non-polyp side. These findings suggest a possible age-related susceptibility to microbial colonization, underscoring the need for age-specific infection management strategies.