Does surgical treatment of nasal airway obstruction improve sexual functions?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of surgical treatment for nasal obstruction on sexual functions, regardless of the condition causing the nasal obstruction. METHODS: Of 238 patients identified with nasal obstruction, 57 complained of erectile dysfunction and were included in the analysis. Patients underwent septoplasty, functional endoscopic sinus surgery, concha bullosa excision or radiofrequency ablation of the inferior turbinates, depending on their obstruction-causing disease. Pre- and post-operative evaluation of perceived nasal obstruction was performed using the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation questionnaire. Pre- and post-operative assessment of sexual functions was performed using the International Index of Erectile Function. RESULTS: Mean post-operative scores for erectile function, orgasmic function, sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction and overall sexual satisfaction were significantly higher compared to the pre-operative scores (p = 0.022, p = 0.036, p = 0.033, p = 0.016 and p = 0.029, respectively). CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment of nasal obstruction by septoplasty, endoscopic sinus surgery, concha bullosa excision or radiofrequency can significantly improve sexual performance.

Allergic rhinitis and its impact on asthma classification correlations.

OBJECTIVE: Allergic rhinitis is inflammation of the nasal mucosa following exposure to allergens. A few studies have investigated how the Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma classification correlates with symptom severity and skin prick test results in allergic rhinitis patients. Our objective was to evaluate such a correlation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 268 patients who had allergic symptoms and were diagnosed with allergic rhinitis. RESULTS: Analysis of the Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma classification with regard to symptom severity revealed that there were statistically significant differences between the groups for nasal symptoms, wheezing, eye itching/watering and eye redness. Symptom frequency and severity increased gradually towards the moderate to severe persistent allergic group. There was a statistically significant difference between the groups for grass pollen and house dust mite allergy. CONCLUSION: The Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma classification, which takes symptoms and quality of life into consideration in addition to allergen exposure, is a useful classification system for allergic rhinitis.