Correlations in Trends of Sinusitis-Related Online Google Search Queries in the United States

Abstract

Online search query trends have been shown to correlate with real-life epidemiologic phenomena. The aim of this study was to analyze correlations in trends in Google online search volumes of sinusitis-related terms, including symptomatology and similar disease states. Terms clinically associated with "sinusitis" were determined by consensus. Terms of symptomatology were derived from the validated 22-item sinonasal outcome test (SNOT-22) as well as terminology encountered with the authors' clinical experience. Terms of disease states that could overlap in symptomatology with sinusitis were then chosen. Google Trends, an online tool for extracting relative frequencies from a public database of search queries, was used to query normalized monthly volumes in the United States from January 2004 to September 2017 of searches related to the topics decided upon by consensus. Bivariate Pearson correlation was used to compare the search queries. Online search volumes of "sinusitis" have a distinct seasonal variation, with consistent annual peaks and troughs. In terms of symptomatology, "postnasal drip," "nasal congestion," "cough," "rhinorrhea," and "sore throat" most highly correlated with "sinusitis" search volumes with statistical significance. "sinusitis" search query volume had a higher positive correlation with "common cold" and "acute sinusitis" than "chronic sinusitis" with regard to disease states. Trends in Google online search volumes over time of "sinusitis" symptomatology mimic real-world clinical phenomena and provide insight into the issues affecting the general population.