Patient-reported signs of dampness at home may be a risk factor for chronic rhinosinusitis: A cross-sectional study.

Background: An association between dampness at home and respiratory conditions has been convincingly demonstrated in children. Fewer studies have been performed in adults, and data are lacking for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). With a prevalence of 10.9% in Europe, CRS imposes a significant burden on quality of life, as well as economy. Objective: Our aim was to study CRS and other respiratory conditions in relation to dampness at home in a representative sample of adults. Methods: The Swedish GA(2)LEN questionnaire was answered by 26 577 adults (1675 years) and included questions on respiratory symptoms, smoking, education and environmental exposure. CRS was defined according to the (EPOS)-O-3 criteria. Dampness was defined as reporting water damage, floor dampness or visible moulds in the home during the last 12 months. The dampness score was ranked from 0 to 3, counting the number of signs of dampness reported. Results: Dampness at home was reported by 11.3% and was independently related to respiratory conditions after adjustment for demographic and socio-economic factors and smoking: CRS odds ratio (OR) 1.71; allergic rhinitis OR 1.24; current asthma OR 1.21; wheeze OR 1.37; nocturnal dyspnoea OR 1.80; nocturnal coughing OR 1.34; and chronic bronchitis OR 1.64. The risk of CRS and most of the other respiratory conditions was further elevated in subjects reporting multiple signs of dampness. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: This study demonstrated an independent association between dampness at home and CRS in adults. The high burden of this and the other respiratory conditions studied is a strong argument in favour of countering indoor dampness by improving building standards.