Indoor Air Pollution and Pathologies of the Nose and Sinuses

Background: In tropical environments, the multiplicity of sources of indoor air pollution linked in part to the activities of populations have a considerable impact on their state of health, aggravated especially in recent years by the advent of global warming. Many health effects are mentioned, pathologies of the respiratory system (rhinitis, bronchitis, asthma) are those most often reported. Many of these manifestations are allergic in nature. Objective: To describe pathologies of the nose and sinuses in patients exposed to indoor air pollution. Methods: Cross-sectional study, descriptive from February 1, 2018 to April 30, 2018 involving all patients during the study period. Inclusion criteria: All patients consulting for nasal sinus pathologies who have agreed to adhere to the study protocol. Noninclusion criteria: Patients without nasal sinus pathologies and those who did not agree to submit to the survey. Paraclinical data focused on standard sinus X-rays and allergy tests. Results: Of the 638 patients registered during the study, 208 had pathology of the organs of the nose and sinuses or 32.6%. The 16-25 age group was mainly concerned (60%). The female sex predominated (70%). The main pollutants of indoor air found were: household smoke for 50% and aerosol products for 40%. Rhinosinusitis and nasopharyngitis were the main pathologies with 25 cases (60%) and 10 cases (20%) respectively. Conclusion: This study confirms the impact of indoor pollutants especially domestic smoke on the state of the organs of the nose and sinuses, young people are especially concerned hence the place of measures to make living environments healthier by promoting effective public policies on local environmental health