Epidemiology of polypous rhinosinusitis in a megalopolis with a developed heavy industry

Introduction. Polypous rhinosinusitis is one of the most common diseases in otorhinolaryngology. The registration of key risk groups, taking into account the anthropogenic load that aggravates the course of the polyposis process, contributes to the development of preventive measures to improve the quality of life of megalopolis residents. Aim. To assess the quantitative prevalence of polypous rhinosinusitis by comparative dynamic analysis of incidence data by year in selected areas of the metropolis. Materials and methods. The work was performed at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology of the South Ural State Medical University. A retrospective analysis of the prevalence of polypous rhinosinusitis (J33) in a megalopolis was conducted in individual service areas of medical organizations, based on information from the number of registrations of the disease in 26,970 patients, including 10,963 men and 16,007 women, according to form No. 12 of the annual report for 2020–2024. Results. An increase in the incidence of polypous rhinosinusitis has been noted in all areas of the metropolis. The disease is more often recorded in people of working age from 18 to 44 years, with increasing age, the frequency of nosology registration decreases regardless of the area of the metropolis. Among all referrals, nasal polyposis was registered in patients living in areas with nearby heavy industry complexes from 19.1% to 23.5%, compared with people living in more favorable areas of the city, where the detection rates were equated to 14.1–16.5% in the structure of the total number of cases in the district in 2024. In 2024, the ratio of men to women was 1:1, in previous years, from 2020–2023, women were in the lead. Taking into account seasonality, the maximum turnover rates were recorded in the spring months, in areas located in close proximity to heavy industry complexes – mainly in the summer season. Conclusion. The study of epidemiology indicators will make it easier to create medical examination groups, monitor the course of the disease, reduce the frequency of relapses, and improve the quality of life of megalopolis residents.