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The dual challenge of climate change in otolaryngology: Environmental impacts on airway diseases and emission reduction strategies in surgical care
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DOI：10.1007/s00484-026-03289-z.png)
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Abstract
En 中文
This review examines the dual relationship between climate change and otolaryngology by assessing the environmental impacts on upper airway diseases, particularly allergic rhinitis (AR), and identifying concrete, evidence-based strategies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions within surgical practice. A narrative literature review was conducted to provide an interpretative synthesis of current knowledge across two distinct but interconnected domains: climate-driven airway health impacts and the environmental sustainability of surgical care. Literature was purposively selected from major databases to support this discussion. Available evidence suggests that elevated CO₂ and particulate matter (PM2.5) act synergistically to increase the allergenicity and mucosal penetration of pollen, significantly exacerbating AR, chronic rhinosinusitis, and sleep-disordered breathing. Marginalized populations face disproportionate exposure to these health impacts due to socioeconomic disparities. In the surgical domain, healthcare contributes approximately 5.2% of global emissions, with operating rooms generating up to 30% of hospital waste. Transitioning from single-use devices to reusable alternatives—such as replacing disposable instruments that account for 68% of the carbon footprint in tonsillectomies—and optimizing anesthetic gas management significantly reduce Scope 3 emissions without compromising patient safety. Otolaryngologists face a critical dual challenge: managing the escalating, climate-driven burden of upper aerodigestive tract disorders while actively mitigating the specialty’s own carbon footprint. Recognizing socioeconomic vulnerabilities and adopting rigorous, LCA-backed sustainable surgical practices are vital. However, widespread clinical implementation remains restricted by infrastructural and financial constraints, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
Keywords:
Climate change
Allergic rhinitis
Environmental sustainability
Reducing emissions
Particulate matter
Life-cycle assessment
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