Climate Change, Allergic Rhinitis, and Sinusitis

Allergic rhinitis affects approximately 1 in 6 adults, and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) affects approximately 1 in 8 adults in the US.1,2 Climate change, due in part to rising global temperatures secondary to release of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases, is a growing public health concern that affects many human organ systems, including the upper airway. Climate change affects sinonasal health directly by increasing aeroallergens and indirectly by changing weather patterns that result in drought-related dust, increased concentrations and stasis of air pollutants, worsening of wildfires,3 and heat-induced increases in ground-level ozone (O3). This JAMA Insights summarizes evidence regarding climate change, air pollution, and sinonasal health.