PREVALENCE OF THE USE OF CORTICOIDS FOR THERAPEUTIC PURPOSES IN ALLERGIC RHINITIS AND RHINOSINUSITIS AND THEIR SIDE EFFECTS AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN THE HEALTH AREAS OF SANTA CATARINA AND RIO GRANDE DO SUL

Abstract

Allergic rhinitis is defined as inflammation of the nasal mucosa, induced by exposure to allergens. Rhinosinusitis is defined as an inflammation of the nasal mucosa and sinuses. Corticosteroids are the most prescribed medications to treat rhinosinusitis and allergic rhinitis, as they act on the inflammatory components of the disease, reducing the infiltration of inflammatory cells on the surface of the nasal mucosa. The general objective is to understand the effects of the use of corticosteroids on rhinitis and rhinosinusitis, observing the incidence of use of these medications among university students in the health areas of the states of Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul, considering the consequences caused by excessive use. The methodology consists of quantitative data analysis aiming to collect information in an online questionnaire, analyzed statistically and carefully. The results reveal that 79.4% of the participants in the questionnaire already had rhinitis or rhinosinusitis, of which 63.2% used corticosteroids in different ways, the most commonly used orally. Furthermore, the main side effects presented were drowsiness, irritation and burning, in addition to body swelling. It is concluded that the use of corticosteroids must be done with caution and the patient's viability given the possible adverse effects present.