Ambient particulate matter and frequency of outpatient visits for chronic rhinosinusitis in the United States

Abstract

BackgroundEmerging evidence has underscored the harmful effects of air pollution on the upper airway. We investigated the relationship between ambient particulate matter (PM) level and the frequency of outpatient visits for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).MethodsWe conducted an ecological cohort study of US adults enrolled in The Merative MarketScan outpatient database from 2007 to 2020. For each geographical subunit (core‐based statistical area [CBSA]), we calculated the annual rate of CRS‐related outpatient visits per 1000 well‐patient checkup visits (CRS‐OV). Using data from the Environmental Protection Agency's Air Quality System, we mapped the rolling statistical average of daily PM2.5 and PM10 over the preceding year onto each CBSA × year combination. We employed multivariable negative binomial regression modeling to estimate the association between PM levels and subsequent CRS‐OV.ResultsAcross 3933 observations (CBSA × year combinations), encompassing ∼4 billion visits, the median CRS‐OV was 164 (interquartile range 110–267). The mean PM2.5 level was 8.9 µg/m3 (SD 2.6) and the mean PM10 level was 20.2 µg/m3 (SD 7.2). Adjusting for patient demographics and respiratory comorbidities, a compounded rise in subsequent CRS‐OV was observed with increasing PM levels. Each µg/m3 rise in PM2.5 independently predicted a 10% increase in CRS‐OV (adjusted incidence rate ratio [aIRR]) 1.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08–1.13) and each µg/m3 rise in PM10 independently predicted a 3% increase in CRS‐OV (aIRR 1.03, 95% CI 1.02–1.04).ConclusionElevated ambient PM2.5 and PM10 levels are associated with a subsequent compounded increase in the frequency of CRS‐OV, with PM2.5 predicting a more pronounced rise compared to PM10.