Effect of Microplastic Inhalation on Allergic and Nonallergic Rhinitis

BackgroundMicroplastics are increasingly prevalent in daily life. While their adverse effects on health are well-known, their specific role in rhinitis has not been fully established.ObjectiveIt is known that microplastics suspended in the air have toxic effects on cells through inhalation. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the presence of microplastics in nasal lavage samples from patients in both allergic rhinitis (AR) and nonallergic rhinitis (NAR) groups.MethodsDemographic data, allergy test results, respiratory function tests, mini-Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire and Total Nasal Symptom Score of patients aged 18 to 65 years who applied to the allergy clinic were recorded. Nasal lavage fluid (NLF) samples were collected with physiological serum and placed in glass tubes for all cases. After the filtration process of the samples, microplastic counting was performed under a Stereomicroscope.ResultsA total of 90 subjects (AR: 30, NAR: 30, controls: 30), 64.4% females, within the mean age of 30.27 ± 10.53 years were investigated. Microplastic density in NLF was higher in all rhinitis patients (n: 60) with no difference between AR and NAR than controls (all rhinitis = 3.10 ± 1.00 particles/mL, AR = 3.23 ± 1.29 particles/mL, NAR = 2.97 ± 0.57 particles/mL, controls = 1.18 ± 0.52 particles/mL, P < .001). Microplastic density was higher in young subjects than in older ones (values are "years; particles/mL"; 18-30; 2.79 ± 1.22, 31-45; 2.18 ± 1.13, 46-60; 1.5 ± 1.09, P < .05). In logistic procedures, microplastic density of NLF (OR = 2.20, 95% CI [1.02 to 4.75], P = .04) determine the likelihood of sneezing.ConclusionsIn this study, regardless of allergy or nonallergy, higher microplastic density was found in NLF of rhinitis patients than healthy individuals. We also found quantifiable and noteworthy concentrations of microplastics in the nasal lavage of control group. These results support the idea that microplastics cause inflammation in the upper airways.