Assessing the Impact of Home Environmental Exposures on Allergic Rhinitis Using Real-Time Air Quality Monitoring and...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Allergy and Immunology
• Digital Health

Background:

• Rhinitis is a common condition significantly impacted by environmental triggers.
• Limited research exists on home environmental exposures and rhinitis symptoms in urban, minority, and low-income populations.
• Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) is a survey method for real-time data collection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and usability of daily and triggered EMA combined with indoor air quality monitoring.
• To collect rhinitis symptom and environmental exposure data in a diverse urban population.
• To inform the development of targeted interventions for sinonasal disease disparities.

Main Methods:

• Recruited participants with rhinitis from academic clinics, focusing on racial/ethnic minorities in Chicago.
• Utilized the Awair Omni monitor for indoor air quality (VOCs, PM, humidity) and the PiLR Health app for EMA surveys.
• Collected data over 14 days via scheduled, random, and event-triggered EMA surveys and continuous air quality monitoring.

Main Results:

• 12 out of 15 consented participants completed the study, demonstrating good retention.
• Participants completed 59% of EMA surveys, and all met air quality monitoring thresholds.
• High usability scores for devices and positive participant feedback, with suggestions for real-time data and clearer instructions.

Conclusions:

• Real-time assessment of home environmental exposures and rhinitis symptoms using EMA and air quality monitors is feasible.
• This approach can support interventions to reduce disparities in sinonasal disease care.
• Future research can build on this methodology to improve rhinitis management.