Bronchial asthma has been reported to greatly influence the outcome of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) in patients with chronic sinusitis. We studied 191 patients undergoing ESS from January 2000 to December 2004, focusing on postoperative improvement in olfactory disorders, recurrence, and incidence of reoperation in 143 patients with follow-up exceeding 6 months. Airway hypersensitivity was observed in 35% of patients undergoing ESS, compared to 75% of asthmatic patients and 81% of those with both asthma and allergic rhinitis who had preoperative olfactory disorders. Olfactory disorders improved in 82% of patients undergoing ESS. Over 50% of relapsed patients had airway hypersensitivity. Asthmatic patients had an especially high relapse 37% (10 of 27 patients) . The outcome of ESS was significantly worse in patients with asthma. We conclude that patients with chronic sinusitis and asthma, who tend to experience more recurrence, require regular examination and early treatment.
