Preliminary Study of Microplastic in Allergic Rhinitis.

BACKGROUND

Microplastics are widespread in nature and have been detected in various human tissues and organs. They are thought to contribute to the occurrence and development of various diseases.

OBJECTIVES

To explore the relationship between microplastic exposure and allergic rhinitis (AR).

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Thirty-three patients with AR and 22 individuals in the control group were included in this study. All the participants completed the total nasal symptom score (TNSS) and nasal irrigation. The nasal irrigation solution was under microplastic analysis.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in age and gender between the AR group and the control group. A statistically significant difference was noted in the TNSS questionnaire scores between the groups (P < .001). The density of microplastics in individuals with AR was significantly higher than that in the control group (9.96 (7.04-12.19); 7.22 ± 2.63; P = .003).

CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: The concentration of microplastics in the nasal cavities of patients with AR was significantly higher than that in healthy individuals.