Use of Complementary and Alternative Medical Therapies for Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Canadian Perspective

Background: Many Canadians use complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) to treat their chronic diseases. The objective of this study was to report patients' use of CAM for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and to determine factors predictive of CAM use. Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted. Self-report questionnaires were administered to patients with CRS using strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. The questionnaire included demographic information, questions pertaining to disease severity, and CAM use for CRS treatment. Statistical analysis was used to compare gender, age range, symptom duration, pharmacotherapy use, and surgical frequency among CAM users and nonusers. A binomial logistic regression model was developed to predict CAM use. Secondary outcome measures included factors predictive of CAM use, type of CAM used, and reasons for using CAM. Results: Data were obtained from 288 patients. Forty-five respondents (15.6%) had used CAM as a treatment for their CRS. CAM users were more likely to be females and more likely to have used each class of pharmacotherapy. On logistic regression, female gender and use of nasal corticosteroids were predictive of CAM use. Conclusion: The use of CAM as treatment of CRS is common. Females and those who have used the various classes of pharmacotherapy are more likely to use CAM. Both female gender and nasal corticosteroid use are predictive of CAM use. Physicians should routinely inquire about CAM use from their patients with CRS.