Become A Member

The Impact of Air Pollution on Chronic Sinusitis and Rhinitis: A Prospective Observational Study

Haider Zaman_, Syed Muddasir Shah, Mubashar Ullah Jan, Noor Hayat Khan and
Majid Ali

ABSTRACT

Objective: To examine the relationship of air pollution on the worsening of chronic sinusitis and rhinitis symptoms among 100 patients.

Study Design: Prospective, observational study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of Otolaryngology- Head & Neck Surgery, MTI Mardan Medical Complex, Mardan, KP – Pakistan from January 2022 to March 2023.

Methods: This prospective, observational study was carried out in a tertiary care hospital over a period of one year. Hundred patients with chronic sinusitis and rhinitis were included in the study. Self-administered questionnaires were used to obtain information on the symptoms’ severity and exposure to air pollutants, namely PM2. 5, PM10, NO2, and SO2, while air quality data were obtained from local authorities. The relationship between the identified pollutants and the extent of symptoms was analyzed using multivariate regression analysis.

Results: In the patient population, 56 were female and 44 were male with a mean age of 38 years. The overall symptoms’ intensity was significantly higher in patients exposed to higher levels of PM2. 5 and PM10. The respondents from regions with greater NO2 and SO2 levels also complained of more intense effects. Multivariate analysis also revealed the predictors of increased symptom severity included PM2. 5, PM10, NO2, and SO2
(p < 0. 05).

Conclusion: This study clearly shows a positive correlation between air pollution and the extent of chronic sinusitis and rhinitis symptoms. Minimizing the emissions of particulate matter, and gaseous pollutants could help in lessening the symptoms and enhance the quality of life of the patients. Such adverse health impacts underscore the need for public health interventions and better air standards.

Key Words: Sinusitis, rhinitis, pollution, symptoms’ intensity

Citation of article: Zaman H_, Shah SM, Jan M, Khan NH, Ali M. The Impact of Air Pollution on Chronic Sinusitis and Rhinitis: A Prospective Observational Study. Med Forum 2024;35(10):32-35. doi:10.60110/medforum.351008.