Hereditary factors and exposures in childhood associated with adult chronic rhinosinusitis—the RHINE study

Background The main aim of this study was to determine whether hereditary factors and exposures during childhood are associated with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) in adulthood. Methodology/principle The Respiratory Health In Northern Europe (RHINE) study is a random population sample collected from seven centres in five countries during the period of 1990–1994. Data on CRS from the third follow-up in 2020 (RHINE 4) were examined in relation to previously reported hereditary factors and exposures during childhood. Results In total, 7,686 subjects were included, with a mean age of 51.5 ± 7.1 years. The following items were associated with a significantly higher adjusted odds ratios (OR) for adult CRS: Serious respiratory infection at < 5 years of age (1.86, 95% CI 1.31–2.65); parental asthma (5.22, 95% CI 2.26–12.09); parental chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (1.92, 95% CI 1.49–2.48); and living in the inner city compared with living on a farm as a child (1.50, 95% CI 1.05–2.15). Four or more members living in the household at 5 years of age (0.79, 95% CI 0.59–1.06), Childhood asthma (1.28, 95% CI 0.80–2.05), childhood furry pet (1.05, 95% CI 0.84–1.32), eating fish almost every day vs never (1.95, 95% CI 0.62–6.16), recurrent ear infections (1.14, 95% CI 0.89–1.47), and parental smoking (father smoker: 0.97, 95% CI 0.74–1.27; mother smoker; 0.90, 95% CI 0.62–1.32) were not significantly associated with adult CRS. Conclusions Serious respiratory infection before the age of 5 years, parental asthma or COPD, and living in the inner city increases the risk for having CRS in adulthood. These factors should be taken into consideration when assessing airway vulnerability in children and their risk for chronic rhinosinusitis later in life.