Higher prevalence of nasal polyposis among textile workers: an endoscopic based and controlled study

There is a deficit of reliable epidemiologic studies exploring the prevalence of Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP). Recent data suggests that occupational dust exposure may be involved in its physiopathology.

To compare the prevalence of nasal polyposis (NP) in a group of workers with occupational dust exposure (textile workers) and in a control group (retail store workers).

Cross-sectional study with a random sample of textile and retail store employees. Clinical data was gathered through a systematic interview, which included RhinoQOL and CAT questionnaires. A systematic endoscopic nasal examination was performed using a 0 degree rigid endoscope. Lund-Kennedy endoscopic score was determined for each participant. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS.

316 participants were included in the study, i.e. 215 textile workers and 101 retail store workers. NP was found in 19 subjects among textile workers and none in the control group. The prevalence of NP increased by age strata and by years of dust exposition. Polypoid degeneration of the middle turbinate was more prevalent in the exposed group with Lund-Kennedy scoring also higher. RhinoQOL and CAT questionnaires had both significantly higher scores among textile employees. Previous medical diagnosis of atopic diseases or chronic lower airway diseases did not differ between exposed and control groups or even between subjects with and without NP.

These results point to an important correlation between occupational dust exposure and NP occurrence.