Patients and physicians have different views about what constitutes a sinus infection, which could result in communication issues and misdiagnoses, new research suggests.
A team led by researchers at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., conducted the study, which was published July 16 in the International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology. Researchers surveyed 560 patients and 29 otolaryngologists at six academic medical centers between June 2020 and May 2021.
Both patients and physicians most often selected mucus symptoms in their description of a sinus infection. However, physicians were more likely to associate sinus infections with pressure/pain, airflow-related issues and systemic symptoms, according to Medscape. Patients also used a broader range of symptoms to describe sinus infections.
"The definition of sinus infection appears to be variable and ambiguous for many patients, while clinicians have a more focused definition," researchers said.
"This can result in barriers between patients and providers, limit effective communication, result in worse outcomes, and negatively impact both patient and provider satisfaction," they added.
Read the full study here.