(1272) The spectrum of rhinologic disease in a rural health system: A population health study

Introduction: Acute and chronic rhinologic conditions are prevalent burdens, both for patients and their health systems. We sought to compare the natural histories and describe the patient treatment journey in a large population.

Methods: After determination of institutional review board exempt status, a retrospective electronic record review was conducted on all patients suffering from acute and chronic rhinologic conditions from July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2025. Inclusion criteria were for a diagnosis of one or more rhinologic diagnoses. Patient demographics were stratified according to chronicity status.

Results: 65,707 unique patients were treated for rhinologic disease. Of these, 50.3% of patients were diagnosed with acute sinusitis, 49.1% with allergic rhinitis, 20.8% with chronic rhinosinusitis with or without nasal polyps, and 15.2% with chronic rhinitis. Patients suffering from chronic rhinologic disease were significantly older at the age of diagnosis (51.2 vs 49.6), were more likely to be female (66.6% vs 62.2%), were less likely to smoke (15.5% vs 18.8%), and were more likely to have comorbid pulmonary conditions (43.8% vs 35.0%).

Conclusions: Acute and chronic rhinologic conditions are similar but entirely separate pathologies. Our findings provide insight into the incidence, prevalence and differentiation of acute and chronic rhinologic disease. We lay the groundwork for further exploration into the economic impact, institutional accuracy of diagnosis, and timeline for disease stabilization.