Abstract
Objective This study aimed to identify associations between specific food categories and aggravation of symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis.
Methods This was a prospective, cross-sectional questionnaire study. Patients provided details about the categories of food that they consumed, as well as symptoms related to sinusitis. The data was extracted onto a spreadsheet and analysed using chi-square testing.
Results A small percentage of patients (4%) associated food categories with exacerbations of sinus symptoms. Chocolate was the most common trigger, followed by white flour foods. Several patients (33%) were not aware of the association between food and sinus symptoms.
Conclusion Some food categories can exacerbate sinusitis in a specific population subset. Patients should be encouraged to maintain a food diary so that they can identify relevant triggers and these can be avoided in the future.