Association Between US Wildfires and Health Care Utilization for Acute Rhinosinusitis

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Wildfires are a significant source of air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5).
• Previous research indicates a link between wildfire smoke exposure and increased risk of sinonasal diseases.
• This study specifically investigates the association between wildfires and healthcare claims for acute rhinosinusitis (ARS).

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of wildfire events on healthcare utilization for acute rhinosinusitis (ARS).
• To quantify the risk of ARS following wildfire smoke exposure.

Main Methods:

• Geospatial wildfire records and EPA smoke-PM2.5 data were used to identify affected areas (2014-2019).
• MarketScan health claims data were analyzed to compare ARS visit proportions before and after wildfire events.
• Risk ratios (RRs) were calculated, adjusting for seasonality, and cross-correlation analysis was performed for PM2.5 and ARS visits.

Main Results:

• A significant increase in ARS visit proportions was observed in the two months post-wildfire (RR=1.17).
• No significant increase in risk was found for chronic rhinosinusitis or rhinitis.
• Cross-correlation analysis revealed a significant temporal correlation between smoke-PM2.5 and ARS visits with a 33-day lag.

Conclusions:

• Wildfire smoke exposure is demonstrably linked to increased healthcare utilization for ARS.
• The findings underscore the public health burden of wildfire-related air pollution on sinonasal health.