Chronic Rhinosinusitis

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Nasal Microbiome in Upper Airway Diseases

The purpose of this study is to understand if the combination of microbes (bacteria and fungus) in the airways, nose and gut (rectum) play a role in sinus disease. We will only analyze data and specimens. 

We aim to investigate the role of microbial composition and the effect of various treatment measures, demographics and comorbid conditions of the microbiome in upper airways (nasopharyngeal cavity). The focus is on patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) as compared with controls without CRS. The comorbid ENT conditions associated with CRS include obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD).

In this research we also aim to understand the effects of different standard of care treatments on nasopharyngeal microbiome. These treatments include CPAP therapy and oral appliance therapy for OSA; surgery, and topical steroid rinses for CRS, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) on laryngeal microbiota in comorbid LPRD.