Rhinitis Disease Burden and the Impact of Social Determinants of Health

Social determinants of health (SDHs) have a substantial impact on patient care and outcomes globally, both in low- to middle-income countries and in high-income countries. In the clinic, lack of availability of diagnostic tools, inequities in access to care, and challenges obtaining and adhering to prescribed treatment plans may further compound these issues. This article addresses a case of rhinitis in the context of SDHs and inequities in care that may affect various communities and populations around the world. SDHs may include various aspects of one's financial means, education, access to medical care, environment and living situation, and community factors, each of which could play a role in the rhinitis disease manifestations, diagnosis, and management. Allergic and nonallergic rhinitis are considered from this perspective. Rhinitis epidemiology, disease burden, and risk factors are broadly addressed. Patient evaluation, diagnostic tests, and management options are also reviewed, and issues related to SDHs are noted. Finally, inequities in care, knowledge gaps, and unmet needs are highlighted. It is critical to consider SDHs and care inequities when evaluating and treating patients for rhinitis and other allergic conditions.

[Measurement of seminal fluid 5 alpha dihydrotestosterone levels during investigations of sterility (author's transl)]

Two androgens (testosterone, 5 alpha dihydrotestosterone) were measured by radioimmunoassay in the seminal liquid. A statistic comparison of the results has been applied to samples taken from sterile men and classed chiefly according to sperm count. Different groups were explored: normospermia; oligospermia; various azoospermias. No significant differences in testosterone were found between the groups. Levels of DHT are lower in oligospermia, and much more in azoospermia. The signification of the results is discussed.