Air pollution threatens our health. According to Inserm researchers, it could even worsen certain pathologies. In research published on February 10, they show the existence of a link between the severity of rhinitis and air pollution. Results vary depending on the type of rhinitis and pollutants.
What is rhinitis?
Between 20 and 50% of the population regularly suffers from rhinitis, an inflammation of the nasal mucosa. Sometimes allergic or related to asthma, it can also occur spontaneously. The main symptoms are sneezing, stuffy nose or itching. Rhinitis can degrade the quality of sleep and have consequences for school or professional life.
Analysis of data from more than 1,400 patients
Two Inserm research teams analyzed the long-term effects of air pollution on rhinitis. They gathered data from two cohorts on respiratory health: in total, this represents more than 1,400 patients. All had had rhinitis in the past year. Scientists have developed a scale to determine the severity of the disease. They also took into account levels of air pollution through nitrogen, fine particulate matter and traffic data.
Variations by type of pollutant
The results suggest that long-term pollution and the severity of rhinitis are linked. Researchers say this correlation is stronger in non-allergic rhinitis not associated with asthma. “These different types of rhinitis have different pathophysiological mechanisms: it is therefore not surprising that the results diverge depending on the presence of asthma or allergic sensitivity ”, underlines Bénédicte Jacquemin of the Rennes Institute for Health, Environment and Work.
The consequences would be different depending on the type of pollutant present in the air. Nitrogen is associated with more severe rhinitis, regardless of its concentration in the air. Conversely, for PM10 and PM2.5 fine particles, the more they are present in the atmosphere, the more severe the rhinitis.
The dangers of pollution
Air pollution is responsible for 800,000 deaths each year in Europe, and more than 9 million worldwide, according to a study. It can cause asthma, respiratory or cardiovascular diseases or heart attacks. According to WHO estimates, 9 people 10 breathe polluted air around the world.
Interested in this topic ? Come and discuss it on our forum!
–
–
