Pathogenesis of Chronic Sinusitis in Relationship to Tobacco Smoke Exposure

The purpose of the study is to better understand the causes of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS)and to determine if being around secondhand cigarette smoke causes swelling in the sinuses. To answer this question, we are inviting healthy volunteers, volunteers with chronic sinusitis, and volunteers with chronic sinusitis with nasal polyposis to complete a questionnaire and undergo a series of tests. These tests will measure their allergies, their exposure to cigarette smoke and the swelling in their sinuses. We are asking you to take part because you are in one of these groups. About 166 people will take part in this research study. All subjects will be enrolled at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH). The Flight Attendants Medical Research Institute (FAMRI) and the Harvard Clinical and Translational Science Center Harvard Catalyst) are paying for this study.