Prevalence and Management of Rhinosinusitis in Developing Countries: the Case of Mbingo Baptist Hospital, North West Region, Cameroon

Rhinosinusitis occurs worldwide and affects about 16% of the adult American population annually significantly impairing their quality of life.Allergic rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis are prevalent non communicable diseases increasing around the world, even in Africa.This study is aimed at assessing the prevalence and management of rhinosinusitis in Mbingo Baptist Hospital, in children, teenagers and adults.In Cameroon, the investigator did not find any readily documented and published statistics indicating the case of rhinosinusitis.In the hospital where this study was carried out, observation made in the frequency of rhinosinusitis and knowing the possible complications prompted the investigator find out about the prevalence and its management.Thus the following research question of "what is the prevalence and management of rhinosinusitis?"Our main objective is to assess the prevalence and management of rhinosinusitis in Mbingo Baptist Hospital.More specifically, the investigator will be able:Texila International Journal of Clinical Research Volume 3, Issue 2, Dec 2016 (13.9%).The total average prevalence (from 2011 to 2015) is 11.7%.Since the department began being functional by 2011, population awareness about this condition was not well spread and resulted to an increase in prevalence in relation to the total number of patients seen in that year, which obviously is the smallest number.As far as the management of rhinosinusitis is concerned, from the 5 case studies seen, it consisted in general of the following:Normal saline drops, Nasal decongestant, Corticosteroid spray and tablets, Antibiotics, Antihistamines, Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery.To conclude, Rhinosinusitis which is the inflammation of the nasal mucosa, has proved to be a problem in the sub-Saharan African regions as described in the literature review.It is a universal health concern in the sense that it affect anybody and anyway provided the allergens or causative agents are present.This condition can either be acute or chronic, allergic and non-allergic, and can be managed medically and surgical, all depending on the gravity of the condition.Though the prevalence of rhinosinusitis depends on the realities of each country and even reach up to 35% in Nigeria, the one identified by this study and representative of the whole country is lower (11.7%).The fact that this prevalence is around this average value, and considering the type of management done by the health professional which meet standard protocols and practice, we can say that rhinosinusitis is under control.Because population is dynamic, it may difficult to bring that value lower.Proper preventive measures will help reduce the prevalence of rhinosinusitis, among which the intensified education of the population and on preventive measures.The standard guideline of management of rhinosinusitis will consist of one or the combination of the following:1. Antihistamine (1 week to 1 month) (may continue for a period of 6 months) 2. Corticosteroids (2 weeks to 1 month) 3. Antibiotics (penicillins or cephalosporins with sometimes with an addition of anaerobes antibiotics like metronidazole) (5 days to 2 weeks dependently) 4. Nasal decongestant (1 to 2 weeks) (if associated with severe nasal congestion) 5. Nasal spray steroids (2 weeks to 1 month) (may continue for a period 6 months) 6. Surgical intervention (Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery) for those patients with facial sinuses polyps. Keywords AR-Allergic Rhinitis 2. CAR-Chronic allergic rhinitis 3. RS-Rhinosinusitis 4. CRS-Chronic rhinosinusitis 5. MBH-Mbingo Baptist Hospital 6. IgE-immune-globulin E 7