(A408) Demographic Analysis and Incidence of Chronic Sinusitis Symptoms in a Nationwide Sample of US Adults

Introduction: Nasal bone fractures are the most common maxillofacial injuries, largely due to the prominent facial position of the nose. While these fractures often require urgent intervention, ranging from manual realignment to surgery, there is limited information on sinonasal symptoms following minor facial injuries that do not necessitate surgical repair. Furthermore, the demographics of individuals with such injuries have not been thoroughly examined.

Methods: This cross-sectional epidemiologic analysis included 3,815 adults from the 2013-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), with 3,700 participants providing complete data on smell and taste function. Baseline characteristics were compared using Student’s t-test for continuous variables and Pearson’s chi-square test for categorical variables. The prevalence of smell and taste impairments was assessed per NHANES guidelines, with odds ratios calculated to explore associations between sinonasal symptoms and facial injuries.

Results: The overall incidence of facial trauma was 14.0% across all sampled populations. Odds ratios for nasal block, sinus pain, and runny nose associated with a history of facial injury were 1.8 (p=0.01), 1.5 (p=0.12), and 1.2 (p=0.13), respectively. Participants with a history of nasal fracture had a 1.5-fold increased likelihood of presenting any sinonasal symptoms. Demographic analysis indicated that Non-Hispanic White individuals experienced the highest incidence of facial trauma (20%) compared to the total survey population (14%) with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.01). Smokers also had an elevated trauma incidence at 22% (p < 0.01).

Conclusions: Individuals with a history of facial injury are more prone to chronic rhinosinusitis symptoms, especially nasal blockage. Additionally, Non-Hispanic White race and smoking status were associated with increased incidence rates of facial trauma and related sinonasal symptoms.