Chronic Rhinosinusitis Related to Occupational Exposure– the Telemark Population Study

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the association between occupational exposure and chronic rhinosinusitis. METHODS:A random population from the region of Telemark, aged 16–50, 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 (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1, 1.5), cleaning agents (OR 1.2, CI 1.0, 1.3), metal dust (OR 1.3, CI 1.1, 1.6), animals (OR 1.2, CI 1.0, 1.5), moisture/mould/mildew (OR 1.3, CI 1.1, 1.5) and physically strenuous work (OR 1.4, CI 1.2, 1.7). CONCLUSIONS: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.