The Bidirectional and Temporal Associations of Depression With Allergic Rhinitis and Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study.

Purpose: This study aimed to delve into the bidirectional and temporal relationship between depression, allergic rhinitis (AR) and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).

Methods: A total of 17,028 participants from the Korean National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey, surveyed in 2016, 2018, and 2020, were included in this study. Participants' medical histories were used to determine their depression, AR and CRS status, as well as the age at diagnosis. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to reveal the associations between AR/CRS and depression. Subgroup analysis was performed considering various clinical characteristics.

Results: Regardless of occurring independently or coexisting, AR and CRS consistently preceded the diagnosis of depression. The prevalence of depression was higher among patients with AR and CRS, and similarly, the prevalence of AR and CRS was elevated among patients with depression (all P < 0.001). Depression was associated with increased odds of AR (odds ratio [OR], 1.646; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.309-2.071; P < 0.001) and CRS (OR, 1.882; 95% CI, 1.427-2.416; P < 0.001). Similarly, AR (OR, 1.613; 95% CI, 1.278-2.036; P < 0.001) and CRS (OR, 1.869; 95% CI, 1.415-2.467; P < 0.001) were both associated with heightened odds of depression.

Conclusions: The study findings indicated a bidirectional and complex association between depression and AR/CRS, emphasizing the importance of early detection and intervention.