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Chronic Rhinosinusitis Related to Occupational Exposure: The Telemark Population Study
Ulrika K E Clarhed1, Martin Svendsen, Linus Schiöler
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden (Drs Clarhed, Hellgren); Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Telemark Hospital, Skien, Norway (Mr Svendsen, Dr Fell); Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Institute of Medicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden (Drs Schiöler, Torén); Department of Respiratory Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Norway Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway (Dr Kongerud).
Objective:
The aim of this study was to investigate the association between occupational exposure and chronic rhinosinusitis.
Methods:
A random population from the region of Telemark, aged 16 to 50 years, answered a respiratory questionnaire including questions on chronic rhinosinusitis and exposure in the occupational environment.
Results:
A total of 16,099/48,142 subjects responded. The prevalence of chronic rhinosinusitis was 9%. Exposure associated with chronic rhinosinusitis comprised paper dust [odds ratio (OR) 1.3, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.1 to 1.5], cleaning agents (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.0 to 1.3), metal dust (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1 to 1.6), animals (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.0 to 1.5), moisture/mould/mildew (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1 to 1.5), and physically strenuous work (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.2 to 1.7).
Conclusion:
Occupational exposure to paper dust, cleaning agents, metal dust, animals, moisture/mould/mildew, and physically strenuous work was independently related to having chronic rhinosinusitis. An occupational history should be reviewed when assessing patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.
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Medical History
Chronic Pharyngitis
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...

