Authors: Reh, Douglas D.; Lin, Sandra Y.; Clipp, Sandra L.; Irani, Laili; Alberg, Anthony J.; Navas-Acien, Ana

Source: American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy, Volume 23, Number 6, November/December 2009 , pp. 562-567(6)

Publisher: OceanSide Publications, Inc

Abstract:

Background:

Rhinosinusitis is a costly disease that adversely affects quality of life (QOL). It is known to be influenced by environmental factors, but few studies have evaluated the association between secondhand tobacco smoke (SHS) exposure and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). To address this evidence gap, we evaluated the association of SHS and CRS risk in a community-based case-control study of adult nonsmokers.

Methods:

In Washington County, MD, 100 cases with a confirmed diagnosis of CRS and 100 controls matched for age, sex, and smoking status (former-never) were recruited and interviewed. A validated questionnaire was used to assess past and present SHS exposure as well as disease-specific QOL.

Results:

Compared with those who reported no SHS exposure, current or childhood SHS exposure was associated with significantly increased risk of CRS (odds ratio, 2.33; 95% CI, 1.02, 5.34). CRS cases exposed to SHS (n = 39) had worse mean scores in nasal obstruction/blockage (3.1 versus 2.5; p = 0.02), nasal discharge (3.3 versus 2.7; p = 0.03), headaches (2.4 versus 1.5; p = 0.01), and cough (2.1 versus 1.5; p = 0.04) than cases without SHS exposure (n = 61). Cases exposed to SHS were also more likely to use nasal decongestants (53.9% versus 34.4%; p = 0.05).

Conclusion:

Exposure to SHS during childhood and adulthood may be a risk factor for CRS. Furthermore, compared with unexposed CRS cases, SHS exposed cases reported worse nasal symptoms and used more nasal decongestants compared with unexposed cases, suggesting SHS exposure is related to exacerbation and more severe symptoms.

Keywords: Case control study; chronic rhinosinusitis; secondhand smoke; sinusitis; sinusitis etiology; sinusitis symptoms; smoke; tobacco

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2500/ajra.2009.23.3377

Affiliations: 1: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins Sinus Center, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. dreh1@jhmi.edu

Publication date: 2009-11-01

More about this publication?

• The American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy, is a peer reviewed, scientific publication committed to expanding knowledge and publishing the best clinical and basic research within the fields of Rhinology & Allergy. Its focus is to publish information which contributes to improved quality of care for patients with nasal and sinus disorders. Its primary readership consists of otolaryngologists, allergists, and plastic surgeons. Published material includes peer-reviewed original research, clinical trials and review articles.
  
  Previously published as American Journal of Rhinology, the journal is indexed in Thomson Reuters Web of Science and Science Citation Index, plus the National Library of Medicine's PubMed service.
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• In this Subject: Allergy & Immunology ,  Ear, Nose & Throat
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