1
|
Neyra JS, Davis RE. The association between climate and emergency department visits for renal and urinary disease in Charlottesville, Virginia. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 240:117525. [PMID: 37898224 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
Diseases of the kidney and urinary tract impose a significant portion of the total disease burden, and linkages to high temperature exposure suggest that this burden may increase in the near future. We examined the association between climate and daily emergency department (ED) visits for kidney and urinary disease at the University of Virginia main hospital in Charlottesville, Virginia from 2005 to 2020. Generalized additive models and distributed lag nonlinear models were used to examine these associations over a 21-day lag period. After testing a variety of weather variables from observations taken at the Charlottesville, Albemarle County Airport weather station, 1 p.m. temperature was found to have the strongest association with ED visits for renal and urinary visits while controlling for seasonal and trend factors, air quality, day of the week, and wintry weather. The relative risk of ED visits exhibited a stronger association with high temperatures compared to low temperatures. The heat response was pronounced at short lags (0-1 days) with the relative risk (RR) increasing when 1 p.m. temperatures exceeded 20°C and peaking at 29°C (RR = 1.28). By comparison, low temperatures (≤0°C) exhibited a negative association (RR = 0.80 at -10°C) at short lags (0-1 day), with evidence of a weak RR increase at lags of 2-3 and 9-14 days. These results for ED visitation are consistent with other studies linking high temperatures to acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, the development of kidney stones, and other associated illnesses. A better understanding of the impact of temperature extremes in generating or exacerbating existing conditions could assist medical health professionals in the prevention and management of these diseases during extreme weather events.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jesus S Neyra
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States.
| | - Robert E Davis
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Makrufardi F, Manullang A, Rusmawatiningtyas D, Chung KF, Lin SC, Chuang HC. Extreme weather and asthma: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Respir Rev 2023; 32:32/168/230019. [PMID: 37286218 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0019-2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Climate change's influence on extreme weather events poses a significant threat to the morbidity and mortality of asthma patients. The aim of this study was to examine associations between extreme weather events and asthma-related outcomes. METHODS A systematic literature search for relevant studies was performed using the PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and ProQuest databases. Fixed-effects and random-effects models were applied to estimate the effects of extreme weather events on asthma-related outcomes. RESULTS We observed that extreme weather events were associated with increasing risks of general asthma outcomes with relative risks of 1.18-fold for asthma events (95% CI 1.13-1.24), 1.10-fold for asthma symptoms (95% CI 1.03-1.18) and 1.09-fold for asthma diagnoses (95% CI 1.00-1.19). Extreme weather events were associated with increased risks of acute asthma exacerbation with risk ratios of asthma emergency department visits of 1.25-fold (95% CI 1.14-1.37), of asthma hospital admissions of 1.10-fold (95% CI 1.04-1.17), of asthma outpatient visits of 1.19-fold (95% CI 1.06-1.34) and of asthma mortality of 2.10-fold (95% CI 1.35-3.27). Additionally, an increase in extreme weather events increased risk ratios of asthma events by 1.19-fold in children and 1.29-fold in females (95% CI 1.08-1.32 and 95% CI 0.98-1.69, respectively). Thunderstorms increased the risk ratio of asthma events by 1.24-fold (95% CI 1.13-1.36). CONCLUSIONS Our study showed that extreme weather events more prominently increased the risk of asthma morbidity and mortality in children and females. Climate change is a critical concern for asthma control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Firdian Makrufardi
- International PhD Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada - Dr. Sardjito Hospital, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Amja Manullang
- International PhD Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Desy Rusmawatiningtyas
- Department of Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada - Dr. Sardjito Hospital, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Kian Fan Chung
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Sheng-Chieh Lin
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Chi Chuang
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Cell Physiology and Molecular Image Research Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Motlogeloa O, Fitchett JM. Climate and human health: a review of publication trends in the International Journal of Biometeorology. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2023:10.1007/s00484-023-02466-8. [PMID: 37129619 PMCID: PMC10153057 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-023-02466-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The climate-health nexus is well documented in the field of biometeorology. Since its inception, Biometeorology has in many ways become the umbrella under which much of this collaborative research has been conducted. Whilst a range of review papers have considered the development of biometeorological research and its coverage in this journal, and a few have reviewed the literature on specific diseases, none have focused on the sub-field of climate and health as a whole. Since its first issue in 1957, the International Journal of Biometeorology has published a total of 2183 papers that broadly consider human health and its relationship with climate. In this review, we identify a total of 180 (8.3%, n = 2183) of these papers that specifically focus on the intersection between meteorological variables and specific, named diagnosable diseases, and explore the publication trends thereof. The number of publications on climate and health in the journal increases considerably since 2011. The largest number of publications on the topic was in 2017 (18) followed by 2021 (17). Of the 180 studies conducted, respiratory diseases accounted for 37.2% of the publications, cardiovascular disease 17%, and cerebrovascular disease 11.1%. The literature on climate and health in the journal is dominated by studies from the global North, with a particular focus on Asia and Europe. Only 2.2% and 8.3% of these studies explore empirical evidence from the African continent and South America respectively. These findings highlight the importance of continued research on climate and human health, especially in low- and lower-middle-income countries, the populations of which are more vulnerable to climate-sensitive illnesses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ogone Motlogeloa
- School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Jennifer M Fitchett
- School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Climate Change Factors and the Aerobiology Effect. Immunol Allergy Clin North Am 2022; 42:771-786. [DOI: 10.1016/j.iac.2022.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|
5
|
Thunderstorms, Pollen, and Severe Asthma in a Midwestern, USA, Urban Environment, 2007-2018. Epidemiology 2022; 33:624-632. [PMID: 35580240 DOI: 10.1097/ede.0000000000001506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research has shown an association between individual thunderstorm events in the presence of high pollen, commonly called thunderstorm asthma, and acute severe asthma events, but little work has studied risk over long periods of time, using detailed measurements of storms and pollen. METHODS We estimated change in risk of asthma-related emergency room visits related to thunderstorm asthma events in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area over the years 2007-2018. We defined thunderstorm asthma events as daily occurrence of two or more lightning strikes during high pollen periods interpolating weather and pollen monitor data and modeling lightning counts. We acquired daily counts of asthma-related emergency department visits from the Minnesota Hospital Association and used a quasi-Poisson time-series regression to estimate overall relative risk of emergency department visits during thunderstorm asthma events. RESULTS We observed a 1.047 times higher risk (95% CI:1.012,1.083) of asthma-related emergency department visits on the day of thunderstorm asthma event. Our findings are robust to adjustment for temperature, humidity, wind, precipitation, ozone, PM2.5, day of week, and seasonal variation in asthma cases. Occurrence of lightning alone or pollen alone showed no association with risk of severe asthma. A two-stage analysis combining individual zip code level results shows similar RR and we see no evidence of spatial correlation or spatial heterogeneity of effect. DISCUSSION Our results support an association between co-occurrence of lightning and pollen and risk of severe asthma events. Our approach incorporates lightning and pollen data and small-spatial area exposure and outcome counts.
Collapse
|
6
|
Banasiak NC, Keil Heinonen SA, Filippelli AC. The Perfect Storm: Thunderstorm-Related Asthma. J Nurse Pract 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nurpra.2021.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
|
7
|
Ravindra K, Goyal A, Mor S. Pollen allergy: Developing multi-sectorial strategies for its prevention and control in lower and middle-income countries. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2022; 242:113951. [PMID: 35334435 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2022.113951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Pollen allergy is considered a major public health problem that causes morbidity and subsequently affects a patient's quality of life. Pollen due to their large size cannot enter the thoracic regions of the respiratory tract but can affect the nasopharyngeal mucous membrane. At the same time, the submicronic-pollen particles can act as respirable particles reaching deeper into the upper airways leading to exacerbation of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other allergic reactions. Based on the existing literature, expanding evidence shows that climate change and air pollutants could affect the pollen number, morphology, season, allergen content, and distribution pattern. Hence, this will influence the prevalence and occurrence of allergies linked to pollen exposure. Being a part of biogenic pollutants, pollen allergens are not expected to diminish in the foreseeable future. Therefore, it is imperative that steps need to be strengthened to improve and optimize preventive/adaptive strategies. This paper aims to review the major causes of widespread allergy, identify the major gaps, and suggest key preventive/adaptive measures to address the onset and exacerbation of pollen-related allergic diseases with a major focus on lower and middle-income countries. The study also discusses how-to implement the prevention and control measures at the individual, health care communities and organizations, Local Governments, National/International Governments levels to decrease the risk of illnesses associated with pollen allergy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khaiwal Ravindra
- Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, 160012, India.
| | - Akshi Goyal
- Department of Environment Studies, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India
| | - Suman Mor
- Department of Environment Studies, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Chatelier J, Chan S, Tan JA, Stewart AG, Douglass JA. Managing Exacerbations in Thunderstorm Asthma: Current Insights. J Inflamm Res 2021; 14:4537-4550. [PMID: 34526800 PMCID: PMC8436255 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s324282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidemic thunderstorm asthma (ETSA) occurs following a thunderstorm due to the interaction of environmental and immunologic factors. Whilst first reported in the 1980s, the world's largest event in Melbourne, Australia, on November 21, 2016 has led to a wealth of clinical literature seeking to identify its mechanisms, susceptibility risk factors, and management approaches. Thunderstorm asthma (TA) typically presents during an aeroallergen season in individuals sensitized to perennial rye grass pollen (RGP) in Australia, or fungus in the United Kingdom, in combination with meteorological factors such as thunderstorms and lightning activity. It is now well recognized that large pollen grains, which usually lodge in the upper airway causing seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR), are ruptured during these events, leading to sub-pollen particles respirable to the lower respiratory tract causing acute asthma. The identified risk factors of aeroallergen sensitization, specifically to RGP in Australians with a history of SAR, and individuals born in Australia of South-East Asian descent as a risk factor for TA has been key in selecting appropriate patients for preventative management. Moreover, severity-determining risk factors for ETSA-related asthma admission or mortality, including pre-existing asthma or prior hospitalization, poor inhaled corticosteroid adherence, and outdoor location at the time of the storm are important in identifying those who may require more aggressive treatment approaches. Basic treatments include optimizing asthma control and adherence to inhaled corticosteroid therapy, treatment of SAR, and education regarding TA to increase recognition of at-risk days. Precision treatment approaches may be more beneficial in select individuals, including the use of allergen immunotherapy and even biologic treatment to mitigate asthma severity. Finally, we discuss the importance of environmental health literacy in the context of concerns surrounding the increased frequency of ETSA due to climate change and its implications for the frequency and severity of future events.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Josh Chatelier
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Samantha Chan
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Immunology Division, The Walter & Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ju Ann Tan
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alastair G Stewart
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- ARC Centre for Personalised Therapeutics Technologies, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jo Anne Douglass
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Jo EJ, Choi MH, Kim CH, Won KM, Kim YK, Jeong JH, An HY, Hwang MK, Park HK. Patterns of medical care utilization according to environmental factors in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. Korean J Intern Med 2021; 36:1146-1156. [PMID: 33561336 PMCID: PMC8435499 DOI: 10.3904/kjim.2020.168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Weather and air pollution are associated with the exacerbation of respiratory diseases. We investigated patterns of medical care use according to meteorological factors and air pollution in patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS We analyzed the medical care utilization patterns of patients with asthma or COPD registered in the Korea Health Insurance Review and Assessment database for the period 2007 to 2013. The patterns were divided into hospitalization and emergency department (ED) use. RESULTS The medical care use of patients with asthma or COPD increased when the mean temperature and relative humidity were lower, and the temperature difference and atmospheric pressure were greater. Medical care use increased with the concentrations of particulate matter and ozone. Among age groups, sensitivity to pollutants was greatest in patients aged ≥ 65 years. The effect of being elderly was greater for asthma than for COPD, with a higher hospitalization rate. ED utilization affected by environmental factors was significantly greater for females and hospitalization was significantly more common for males. CONCLUSION Meteorological factors and air pollutants were shown to contribute to increased medical care utilization by patients with asthma and COPD, particularly elderly patients. The overall effect was greater for COPD, but the effect in elderly patients was greater for asthma. In addition, the patterns of change in medical care use due to environmental factors differed according to sex.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Jung Jo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Korea
| | - Min-Hyeok Choi
- Department of Preventive and Occupational Medicine, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Chang-Hoon Kim
- Department of Preventive and Occupational Medicine, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Kyung-Mi Won
- The Institute of Environmental Studies, Pusan National University, Busan, Korea
| | - Yoo-Keun Kim
- Division of Earth Environmental System, Pusan National University, Busan, Korea
| | - Ju-Hee Jeong
- The Institute of Environmental Studies, Pusan National University, Busan, Korea
| | - Hye Yeon An
- Division of Earth Environmental System, Pusan National University, Busan, Korea
| | - Mi-Kyoung Hwang
- The Institute of Environmental Studies, Pusan National University, Busan, Korea
| | - Hye-Kyung Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kim D, Ahn Y. The Contribution of Neighborhood Tree and Greenspace to Asthma Emergency Room Visits: An Application of Advanced Spatial Data in Los Angeles County. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18073487. [PMID: 33801701 PMCID: PMC8036821 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18073487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This paper aims to investigate the role of neighborhood tree and greenspace on asthma morbidity, especially asthma emergency room visits. We employed advanced spatial data which allow for precisely capturing both the quantity and the features of tree and greenspace within a neighborhood environment. The results from the spatial regression models in Los Angeles County revealed that the features of trees and greenspace, such as the configuration of the tree canopy, the level of tree clustering, and private neighborhood greenspaces contribute to decreasing asthma morbidity, in addition to the quantity of tree and greenspace acreages. Notably, however, large scale greenspace, such as golf courses, school playgrounds, and parks fails to reduce the number of asthma emergency room visits at the statistically significant level. These findings imply that the creation of dense or clustered tree patches and small-scale neighborhood greenspaces might play a substantial role in mitigating air quality and consequently reducing asthma emergency room visits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dohyung Kim
- Department of Urban and Regional Planning, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, 3801 W Temple Ave., Pomona, CA 91768, USA;
| | - Yongjin Ahn
- School of Architecture, Seoul National University of Science & Technology, Nowon-gu, Seoul 01811, Korea
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kabir AF, Ng CFS, Yasumoto S, Hayashi T, Watanabe C. Effect of Ambient Temperature on Daily Nebulized Asthma Hospital Visits in a Tropical City of Dhaka, Bangladesh. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18030890. [PMID: 33498592 PMCID: PMC7908622 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18030890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The acute effect of temperature on asthma morbidity in Bangladesh is not well understood. As climate varies extensively in different parts of the world, the relation between temperature and asthma might also differ. We investigated the association between temperature and asthma-related hospital visits in the tropical city of Dhaka. We analyzed information from a total of 5989 asthma patients who received ambulatory care in the form of nebulized medication at the National Asthma Center in Mohakhali, Dhaka from February to November 2013. A time-stratified case-crossover study was conducted to estimate the effect of daily temperature, with consideration of delayed effects and possible confounders such as relative humidity and political strikes. An inverse association was observed between temperature and the number of hospital visits. The effect was delayed for approximately a week. A degree centigrade decrease in mean temperature (averaged across lags 0-6) was associated with an increase of approximately 4.5% (95% CI 1.5, 7.5) in all asthma visits. The association was evident in adult males but marginal in elderly males. A positive association (lag 0) was observed among adult females, whereas no association was observed among children. Strikes significantly modified the effect among the elderly. Findings suggest temperature declines affect asthma outcomes in a warm climate, and this effect can be delayed and vary by sex and age group.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ayesha Ferdosi Kabir
- Department of Human Ecology, School of International Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan; (A.F.K.); (S.Y.); (C.W.)
| | - Chris Fook Sheng Ng
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan
- Correspondence:
| | - Shinya Yasumoto
- Department of Human Ecology, School of International Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan; (A.F.K.); (S.Y.); (C.W.)
| | - Taiichi Hayashi
- Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan;
| | - Chiho Watanabe
- Department of Human Ecology, School of International Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan; (A.F.K.); (S.Y.); (C.W.)
- National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0053, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Thien F, Davies JM, Hew M, Douglass JA, O'Hehir RE. Thunderstorm asthma: an overview of mechanisms and management strategies. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2020; 16:1005-1017. [PMID: 32960102 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2021.1826310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Epidemic thunderstorm asthma (ETSA) is due to a complex interaction of environmental and individual susceptibility factors, with outbreaks reported globally over the last four decades. Australia has been particularly susceptible with nearly half of episodes reported internationally, culminating in the catastrophic Melbourne 2016 event. AREAS COVERED Reported ETSA episodes are reviewed for common environmental and meteorological risk factors. Allergen aerobiology interaction with thunderstorm activity and rapid weather condition changes is examined. Assessment of the clinical and immunological data highlights risk factors for ETSA presentation, hospital admission, and intensive care admission. Risk factors associated with ETSA deaths are evaluated. Public health strategies, as well as pharmacological and immunological management approaches to reduce individual susceptibility and prevent ETSA are discussed. EXPERT OPINION Improved understanding of the specific meteorological factors predisposing to the greatest risk of ETSA to improve forecasting is required. Better monitoring of aeroallergen levels in areas of greatest geographic risk, with further research into allergen aerobiology underpinning mechanisms of allergen exposure is needed. The role of climate change in increasing the risk of ETSA outbreaks requires further research. Public awareness and education are required to reduce exposure, and to improve uptake of pharmacological and immunological risk reduction and preventive strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francis Thien
- Eastern Health Clinical School, Box Hill Hospital , Melbourne, Australia.,Monash University , Melbourne, Australia
| | - Janet M Davies
- Queensland University of Technology , Brisbane, Australia.,Metro North Hospital and Health Service , Brisbane, Australia
| | - Mark Hew
- Monash University , Melbourne, Australia.,Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology, Alfred Health , Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jo A Douglass
- Royal Melbourne Hospital , Parkville, Australia.,Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne , Melbourne, Australia
| | - Robyn E O'Hehir
- Monash University , Melbourne, Australia.,Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology, Alfred Health , Melbourne, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Ma P, Wang S, Zhou J, Li T, Fan X, Fan J, Wang S. Meteorological rhythms of respiratory and circulatory diseases revealed by Harmonic Analysis. Heliyon 2020; 6:e04034. [PMID: 32509988 PMCID: PMC7264065 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 12/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The intricately fluctuating onset of respiratory and circulatory diseases displays rhythms of multi-scaled meteorological conditions due to their sensitivity to weather changes. The intrinsic meteorological rhythms of these diseases are revealed in this bio-meteorological study via Fourier decomposition and harmonic analysis. Daily emergency room (ER) visit data for respiratory and circulatory diseases from three comprehensive hospitals in Haidian district of Beijing, China were used in the analysis. Meteorological data included three temperature metrics, relative humidity, sunshine duration, daily mean air pressure, and wind speed. The Fourier decomposition and harmonic analysis on ER visits and meteorological variables involve frequency, period, and power of all harmonics. The results indicated that: i) for respiratory morbidity, a strong climatic annual rhythm responding to annual temperature change was firstly revealed; its ratio of spectral density was 16-33%. Moreover, significant correlations existed between the high-frequency fluctuations (<30 d) of morbidity and short-term harmonics of humidity and solar duration. High-frequency harmonics of temperature and pressure showed no statistically significant effect. ii) With regard to all types of circulatory morbidity, their annual periodicity was weaker than that of respiratory diseases, whose harmonic energy took a ratio less than 8%. Besides, the power of all high-frequency harmonics of circulatory morbidity accounted for up to 70-90% in the original sequences, and their relationship to many short-term meteorological factors were significant, including the mean and maximum temperatures, wind speed, and solar duration. iii) The weekly rhythm appeared in respiratory ER visits with 15% of harmonic variance but not prominent in circulatory morbidity. In summary, by decomposing the sequence of respiratory and circulatory diseases as well as recognizing their meteorological rhythms, different responses to meteorological conditions on various time scales were identified.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pan Ma
- Institute of Environmental Meteorology and Health, College of Atmospheric Science, Chengdu University of Information Technology, Chengdu 610225, Sichuan, China
- College of Atmospheric Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Shigong Wang
- Institute of Environmental Meteorology and Health, College of Atmospheric Science, Chengdu University of Information Technology, Chengdu 610225, Sichuan, China
| | - Ji Zhou
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Meteorology and Health, Shanghai Meteorological Bureau, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Tanshi Li
- Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100000, China
| | - Xingang Fan
- Department of Geography and Geology, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY, 42101, USA
- College of Electronic Engineering, Chengdu University of Information Technology, Chengdu 610225, Sichuan, China
| | - Jin Fan
- Institute of Environmental Meteorology and Health, College of Atmospheric Science, Chengdu University of Information Technology, Chengdu 610225, Sichuan, China
| | - Siyi Wang
- Institute of Environmental Meteorology and Health, College of Atmospheric Science, Chengdu University of Information Technology, Chengdu 610225, Sichuan, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Harun NS, Lachapelle P, Bowatte G, Lodge C, Braitberg G, Irving L, Hinks T, Dharmage S, Douglass J. 2016 Thunderstorm-asthma epidemic in Melbourne, Australia: An analysis of patient characteristics associated with hospitalization. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF RESPIRATORY CRITICAL CARE AND SLEEP MEDICINE 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/24745332.2020.1727301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nur-Shirin Harun
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Philippe Lachapelle
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Immunology and Allergy, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Gayan Bowatte
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Caroline Lodge
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - George Braitberg
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Louis Irving
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Lung Health Research Centre, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Timothy Hinks
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department for Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Shyamali Dharmage
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jo Douglass
- Department of Immunology and Allergy, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Lung Health Research Centre, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
[Predictors of Utilization of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Emergency Department Visits - what Impact does the Environment have?]. DAS GESUNDHEITSWESEN 2019; 83:105-113. [PMID: 31614385 DOI: 10.1055/a-1005-7161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
AIM There has been an increasing number of emergency department (ED) visits recently. It is unclear whether, in addition to a shift in services from the outpatient to the inpatient sector, other causes, (e. g. environmental factors), play a role. The aim was to investigate associations between the number of cardiovascular and respiratory ED visits and environmental variables. METHODS Highly correlated environmental data were subjected to a principal component analysis. By using cross-correlation functions, environmental variables with time lags that showed the highest correlation with the number of ED visits were taken into consideration in the UNIANOVA analysis model, together with, among others, the day of the week and interaction terms. RESULTS The final regression model explained 47% of the variation in respiratory ED visits demonstrating main effects for Mondays (B=10.69; p<0.001). Season showed significant effects with highest ED visits in autumn. No direct associations between environmental variables and number of respiratory ED visits were found. The results for the cardiovascular outcome were less expressive (R2=0.20). Again, the day of the week had the main effect on cardiovascular ED visits (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that weekdays had the main effect on ED visits. In future, we will collect and analyze environmental data at the micro level to achieve a higher model quality and better interpretability.
Collapse
|
16
|
Kumarihamy RMK, Tripathi NK. Geostatistical predictive modeling for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease using socioeconomic and environmental determinants. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2019; 191:366. [PMID: 31254075 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-019-7417-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The spatial distribution of the prevalence of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains under the influence of a wide array of environmental, climatic, and socioeconomic determinants. However, a large proportion of these influences remain unexplained. In completion, this study examined the spatial associations between asthma/COPD morbidity and their determinants using ordinary least squares (OLS) and geographically weighted regressions (GWR). Inpatient records collected from the secondary and tertiary care hospitals in Kandy from 2010 to 2014 were considered as the dependent variable. Potential risk factors (explanatory variables) were identified in four distinguished classes: 1) meteorological factors, (2) direct and indirect factors of air pollution, (3) socioeconomic factors, and (4) characteristics of the physical environment. All possible combinations of candidate explanatory variables were evaluated through an exploratory regression. A comparison between the regression models was also explored. The best OLS regression models revealed about 55% of asthma variation and 62% of COPD variation while GWR models yielded 78% and 74% of the variation of asthma and COPD occurrences respectively. Relative humidity, proximity to roads (0-200 m), road density, use of firewood as a source of fuel, and elevation play a vital role in predicting morbidity from asthma and COPD. Both local and global regression models are important in assessing spatial relationships of asthma and COPD. However, the local models exhibit a better prediction capability for assessing non-stationary relationships of asthma and COPD than global models. The geostatistical aspects used in this study may also provide insights for evaluating heterogeneous environmental risk factors in other epidemiological studies across different spatial settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R M K Kumarihamy
- Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System AoS, School of Engineering and Technology, Asian Institute of Technology, P.O. Box 4, Klong Luang, Pathumthani, 12120, Thailand.
- Department of Geography, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.
| | - N K Tripathi
- Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System AoS, School of Engineering and Technology, Asian Institute of Technology, P.O. Box 4, Klong Luang, Pathumthani, 12120, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Harun NS, Lachapelle P, Douglass J. Thunderstorm-triggered asthma: what we know so far. J Asthma Allergy 2019; 12:101-108. [PMID: 31190900 PMCID: PMC6512777 DOI: 10.2147/jaa.s175155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Thunderstorm-triggered asthma (TA) is the occurrence of acute asthma attacks immediately following a thunderstorm. Epidemics have occurred across the world during pollen season and have the capacity to rapidly inundate a health care service, resulting in potentially catastrophic outcomes for patients. TA occurs when specific meteorological and aerobiological factors combine to affect predisposed patients. Thunderstorm outflows can concentrate aeroallergens, most commonly grass pollen in TA, at ground level to release respirable allergenic particles after rupture by osmotic shock related to humidity and rainfall. Inhalation of high concentrations of these aeroallergens by sensitized individuals can induce early asthmatic responses which are followed by a late inflammatory phase. Other environmental factors such as rapid temperature change and agricultural practices contribute to the causation of TA. The most lethal TA event occurred in Melbourne, Australia, in 2016. Studies on the affected individuals found TA to be associated with allergic rhinitis, ryegrass pollen sensitization, pre-existing asthma, poor adherence to inhaled corticosteroid preventer therapy, hospital admission for asthma in the previous year and outdoor location at the time of the storm. Patients without a prior history of asthma were also affected. These factors are important in extending our understanding of the etiology of TA and associated clinical indicators as well as possible biomarkers which may aid in predicting those at risk and thus those who should be targeted in prevention campaigns. Education on the importance of recognizing asthma symptoms, adherence to asthma treatment and controlling seasonal allergic rhinitis is vital in preventing TA. Consideration of allergen immunotherapy in selected patients may also mitigate risk of future TA. Epidemic TA events are predicted to increase in frequency and severity with climate change, and identifying susceptible patients and preventing poor outcomes is a key research and public health policy priority.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nur-Shirin Harun
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, 3050, Australia.,Lung Health Research Centre, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Philippe Lachapelle
- Department of Immunology and Allergy, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, 3050, Australia.,Pulmonary Division, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Jo Douglass
- Lung Health Research Centre, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia.,Department of Immunology and Allergy, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, 3050, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Bunz M, Mücke HG. [Climate change - physical and mental consequences]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2018; 60:632-639. [PMID: 28447137 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-017-2548-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Climate change has already had a large influence on the human environmental system and directly or indirectly affects physical and mental health. Triggered by extreme meteorological conditions, for example, storms, floods, earth slides and heat periods, the direct consequences range from illnesses to serious accidents with injuries, or in extreme cases fatalities. Indirectly, a changed environment due to climate change affects, amongst other things, the cardiovascular system and respiratory tract, and can also cause allergies and infectious diseases. In addition, increasing confrontation with environmental impacts may cause negative psychological effects such as posttraumatic stress disorders and anxiety, but also aggression, distress and depressive symptoms. The extent and severity of the health consequences depend on individual pre-disposition, resilience, behaviour and adaptation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maxie Bunz
- Abteilung Umwelthygiene, Fachgebiet II 1.5: Umweltmedizin und gesundheitliche Bewertung, Umweltbundesamt, Corrensplatz 1, 14195, Berlin, Deutschland.
| | - Hans-Guido Mücke
- Abteilung Umwelthygiene, Fachgebiet II 1.5: Umweltmedizin und gesundheitliche Bewertung, Umweltbundesamt, Corrensplatz 1, 14195, Berlin, Deutschland
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Cong X, Xu X, Zhang Y, Wang Q, Xu L, Huo X. Temperature drop and the risk of asthma: a systematic review and meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:22535-22546. [PMID: 28804860 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-9914-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The relationship between asthma and temperature changes remains controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between temperature changes and the risk of asthma. A total of 26 studies (combined total number of subjects N > 26 million), covering 13 countries and Costa Rica, were identified by using a series of keywords in different combinations and searching the papers in PubMed, EMBSEA, Web of Science, MEDLINE, AIM, LILACS, and WPRIM before February 2016. Most of the papers were published in English. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed to evaluate the effect of temperature drop on risk of asthma. Several secondary analyses were also calculated based on stratification for different age, season, latitude, and region on risk of asthma. The odds ratio (OR) estimate between temperature drop and asthma was 1.05 (95% CI 1.02, 1.08) in the meta-analysis. For children, the overall OR was 1.09 (95% CI 1.03, 1.15). Dose-effect analyses showed stronger associations in asthma risk for each 1°1 °C decrement in short-term temperature (OR 1.055, 95% CI 1.00, 1.11). Further stratifications showed that winter (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01, 105) and low latitude (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.23, 2.41) have a statistically significant association with the increased risk of asthma. Exposure of people to short-term temperature drop (per 1 °C decrement) was significantly associated with the risk of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) with asthma (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.00, 1.04). Results suggest an adverse effect of temperature drop on asthma risk, especially in children and low-latitude areas. It may be opportune to consider the preventive actions against temperature drop, including simple face masks, to decrease the risk of asthma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Cong
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, China
| | - Xijin Xu
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, China.
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, China.
| | - Yuling Zhang
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, China
| | - Qihua Wang
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, China
| | - Long Xu
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, China
| | - Xia Huo
- School of Environment, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Exposure and Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510632, China.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine whether patient volume in an urban pediatric emergency department (ED) can be predicted based on holidays and thus aid in staffing and resource allocation. METHODS Log-in dates and times were obtained for all patients seen in an urban pediatric ED between July 1, 2006, and June 30, 2013. Visits were coded for the day of the week, tour (ie, shift), and season and whether they occurred on a holiday or nonholiday. Comparisons between the median number of patient visits on holidays versus nonholidays by day of the week, tour, and season were performed. Additional comparisons on 5 Monday holidays as well as New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day were also performed. Data were presented as medians with interquartile ranges. Group comparisons were performed via using Mann-Whitney U tests and Kruskal-Wallis tests (α = 0.05, 2 tailed). RESULTS There were 223,677 total patient visits, with a mean yearly census of 31,954. The median daily volume was 85, peaking on Mondays (median, 99). The summer season demonstrated the fewest number of patient visits (median, 74) relative to the other seasons (medians, 89-91). Compared with nonholidays, there were fewer patient visits on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day and in the late afternoon and evening on other individual holidays. CONCLUSIONS Fewer patient visits on Thanksgiving and Christmas Days, as well as during the late afternoon/evening on several other holidays, point to the possibility of small adjustments to staffing in ways that can more efficiently balance demand with available resources.
Collapse
|
21
|
D'Amato G, Vitale C, D'Amato M, Cecchi L, Liccardi G, Molino A, Vatrella A, Sanduzzi A, Maesano C, Annesi-Maesano I. Thunderstorm-related asthma: what happens and why. Clin Exp Allergy 2016; 46:390-6. [PMID: 26765082 DOI: 10.1111/cea.12709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2015] [Revised: 12/21/2015] [Accepted: 01/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The fifth report issued by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change forecasts that greenhouse gases will increase the global temperature as well as the frequency of extreme weather phenomena. An increasing body of evidence shows the occurrence of severe asthma epidemics during thunderstorms in the pollen season, in various geographical zones. The main hypotheses explaining association between thunderstorms and asthma claim that thunderstorms can concentrate pollen grains at ground level which may then release allergenic particles of respirable size in the atmosphere after their rupture by osmotic shock. During the first 20-30 min of a thunderstorm, patients suffering from pollen allergies may inhale a high concentration of the allergenic material that is dispersed into the atmosphere, which in turn can induce asthmatic reactions, often severe. Subjects without asthma symptoms, but affected by seasonal rhinitis can also experience an asthma attack. All subjects affected by pollen allergy should be alerted to the danger of being outdoors during a thunderstorm in the pollen season, as such events may be an important cause of severe exacerbations. In light of these observations, it is useful to predict thunderstorms and thus minimize thunderstorm-related events.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G D'Amato
- Division of Respiratory and Allergic Diseases, Department of Chest Diseases, High Speciality A. Cardarelli Hospital, Napoli, Italy
| | - C Vitale
- First Division of Pneumology, High Speciality Hospital 'V. Monaldi' and University 'Federico II' Medical School Naples, Napoli, Italy
| | - M D'Amato
- First Division of Pneumology, High Speciality Hospital 'V. Monaldi' and University 'Federico II' Medical School Naples, Napoli, Italy
| | - L Cecchi
- University of Florence, Florence, Italy.,Allergy and Clinical Immunology Section, Azienda Sanitaria di Prato, Prato, Italy
| | - G Liccardi
- Division of Respiratory and Allergic Diseases, Department of Chest Diseases, High Speciality A. Cardarelli Hospital, Napoli, Italy
| | - A Molino
- First Division of Pneumology, High Speciality Hospital 'V. Monaldi' and University 'Federico II' Medical School Naples, Napoli, Italy
| | - A Vatrella
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - A Sanduzzi
- First Division of Pneumology, High Speciality Hospital 'V. Monaldi' and University 'Federico II' Medical School Naples, Napoli, Italy
| | - C Maesano
- Epidemiology of Allergic and Respiratory Diseases Department (EPAR), Pierre Louis Institute of Epidemiology and Public Health (IPLESP UMRS 1136), UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, Saint-Antoine Medical School, Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France
| | - I Annesi-Maesano
- Epidemiology of Allergic and Respiratory Diseases Department (EPAR), Pierre Louis Institute of Epidemiology and Public Health (IPLESP UMRS 1136), UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, Saint-Antoine Medical School, Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Kwon JW, Han YJ, Oh MK, Lee CY, Kim JY, Kim EJ, Kim H, Kim WJ. Emergency Department Visits for Asthma Exacerbation due to Weather Conditions and Air Pollution in Chuncheon, Korea: A Case-Crossover Analysis. ALLERGY, ASTHMA & IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH 2016; 8:512-21. [PMID: 27582402 PMCID: PMC5011051 DOI: 10.4168/aair.2016.8.6.512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Revised: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Purpose This retrospective study was conducted to estimate the effects of climate factors and air pollution on asthma exacerbations using a case-crossover analysis. Methods Patients who visited the emergency department (ED) of 2 university hospitals in Chuncheon for asthma exacerbations from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2011, were enrolled. Daily average data for meteorological factors (temperature, daily temperature range, relative humidity, wind speed, atmospheric pressure, presence of rain, solar irradiation, and presence of fog) and the daily average levels of gaseous air pollutants (SO2, NO2, O3, CO, and PM10) were obtained. A case-crossover analysis was performed using variables about the weather and air pollution at 1-week intervals between cases and controls before and after ED visits. Results There were 660 ED visits by 583 patients with asthma exacerbations. Low relative humidity (lag 1 and 2) and high wind speed (lag 1, 2, and 3) were associated with ED visits for asthma. Fog (lag 2) showed protective effects against asthma exacerbations in Chuncheon (risk increase: -29.4% [95% CI=-46.3% to -7.2%], P=0.013). These relationships were stronger in patients ≤19 years old than in those >60 years old. High levels of ambient CO (lag 1, 2, and 3) and NO2 (lag 2 and 3) were associated with decreased ED visits for asthma. However, there were no significant relationships among levels of ambient CO or NO2 and asthma exacerbations after adjusting for wind speed and relative humidity. Conclusions High wind speed and low humidity were associated with an increased risk of asthma ED visits. Fog was associated with a decreased risk of asthma ED visits after controlling for seasonal variations in weather and air pollution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jae Woo Kwon
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine and Environmental Health Center, Kangwon National University Hospital, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Young Ji Han
- Department of Environmental Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Moo Kyung Oh
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Kangwon National University Hospital, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Chang Youl Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Ja Yeun Kim
- Department of Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - E Jin Kim
- Department of Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ho Kim
- Department of Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Woo Jin Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine and Environmental Health Center, Kangwon National University Hospital, Chuncheon, Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Hoshino T, Hoshino A, Nishino J. Relationship between environment factors and the number of outpatient visits at a clinic for nonallergic rhinitis in Japan, extracted from electronic medical records. Eur J Med Res 2015; 20:60. [PMID: 26152217 PMCID: PMC4502595 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-015-0151-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2014] [Accepted: 06/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of the environmental factors (meteorological factors, air pollutant levels, etc.) on the number of clinic consultations for nonallergic rhinitis (NAR). METHODS Among the 9056 outpatients visiting a general internal medicine clinic in Japan between August 2012 and the end of July 2013 (counting return visitors as multiple cases), the total daily number of first visits for NAR plus the number of extraordinary visits by patients with NAR for acute exacerbation of the disease was investigated using electronic medical records and analyzed. RESULTS Major parameters with significant Spearman's correlation coefficients and significant correlation coefficients also in the multiple regression analysis were the mean vapor pressure (coefficient of determination 27.3 %) throughout the year, mean vapor pressure (58.4 %), mean temperature (44.4 %), maximum 10-min precipitation (12.0 %) only during the autumn-winter period, and temperature difference (13.3 %) only during the spring-summer period. CONCLUSIONS The mean vapor pressure is the most important environmental factor associated with acute exacerbation of NAR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takayuki Hoshino
- Information Management Officer, Department of Clinical Research and Informatics, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan. .,Akagi-kohgen Hospital, Gunma, Japan. .,Department of Internal Medicine, Gohyakuyama Clinic, Gunma, Japan. .,Graduate School of Environmental Information, Teikyo Heisei University, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Ayami Hoshino
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gohyakuyama Clinic, Gunma, Japan.
| | - Junya Nishino
- Graduate School of Environmental Information, Teikyo Heisei University, Tokyo, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Hervás D, Utrera JF, Hervás-Masip J, Hervás JA, García-Marcos L. Can meteorological factors forecast asthma exacerbation in a paediatric population? Allergol Immunopathol (Madr) 2015; 43:32-6. [PMID: 24168972 DOI: 10.1016/j.aller.2013.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2013] [Accepted: 07/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthma exacerbations attended in emergency departments show a marked seasonality in the paediatric age. This seasonal pattern can change from one population to another and the factors involved are poorly understood. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the association between meteorological factors and schooling with asthma exacerbations in children attended in the paediatric emergency department of a district hospital. METHODS We conducted a retrospective review of the medical records of children 5-14 years of age attended for asthma exacerbations during a 4-year period (2007-2011). Climatic data were obtained from a weather station located very close to the population studied. The number of asthma exacerbations was correlated to temperature, barometric pressure, relative humidity, rainfall, wind speed, wind distance, solar radiation, water vapour pressure and schooling, using regression analyses. RESULTS During the study period, 371 children were attended for asthma exacerbations; median age was eight years (IQR: 6-11), and 59% were males. Asthma exacerbations showed a bimodal pattern with peaks in spring and summer. Maximum annual peak occurred in week 39, within 15 days from school beginning after the summer holidays. A regression model with mean temperature, water vapour pressure, relative humidity, maximum wind speed and schooling could explain 98.4% (p<0.001) of monthly asthma exacerbations. CONCLUSIONS The combination of meteorological factors and schooling could predict asthma exacerbations in children attended in a paediatric emergency department.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Hervás
- University Institute of Health Sciences-IUNICS, University of the Balearic Islands, Spain; Department of Paediatrics, Inca Hospital, Mallorca Spain.
| | - J F Utrera
- Department of Paediatrics, Inca Hospital, Mallorca Spain
| | - J Hervás-Masip
- University Institute of Health Sciences-IUNICS, University of the Balearic Islands, Spain
| | - J A Hervás
- University Institute of Health Sciences-IUNICS, University of the Balearic Islands, Spain
| | - L García-Marcos
- Respiratory Medicine and Allergy Units, Virgen de la Arrixaca University Children's Hospital, University of Murcia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Abstract
Climate change is already affecting the cardiorespiratory health of populations around the world, and these impacts are expected to increase. The present overview serves as a primer for respirologists who are concerned about how these profound environmental changes may affect their patients. The authors consider recent peer-reviewed literature with a focus on climate interactions with air pollution. They do not discuss in detail cardiorespiratory health effects for which the potential link to climate change is poorly understood. For example, pneumonia and influenza, which affect >500 million people per year, are not addressed, although clear seasonal variation suggests climate-related effects. Additionally, large global health impacts in low-resource countries, including migration precipitated by environmental change, are omitted. The major cardiorespiratory health impacts addressed are due to heat, air pollution and wildfires, shifts in allergens and infectious diseases along with respiratory impacts from flooding. Personal and societal choices about carbon use and fossil energy infrastructure should be informed by their impacts on health, and respirologists can play an important role in this discussion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tim K Takaro
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby
| | - Sarah B Henderson
- Environmental Health Services, British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Takaro TK, Knowlton K, Balmes JR. Climate change and respiratory health: current evidence and knowledge gaps. Expert Rev Respir Med 2014; 7:349-61. [PMID: 23964626 DOI: 10.1586/17476348.2013.814367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Climate change is a key driver of the accelerating environmental change affecting populations around the world. Many of these changes and our response to them can affect respiratory health. This is an expert opinion review of recent peer-reviewed literature, focused on more recent medical journals and climate-health relevant modeling results from non-biomedical journals pertaining to climate interactions with air pollution. Global health impacts in low resource countries and migration precipitated by environmental change are addressed. The major findings are of respiratory health effects related to heat, air pollution, shifts in infectious diseases and allergens, flooding, water, food security and migration. The review concludes with knowledge gaps and research need that will support the evidence-base required to address the challenges ahead.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tim K Takaro
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Dr., Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Climate change and air pollution: Effects on pollen allergy and other allergic respiratory diseases. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 23:17-23. [PMID: 26120514 PMCID: PMC4479458 DOI: 10.1007/s40629-014-0003-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2012] [Accepted: 11/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The observational evidence indicates that recent regional changes in climate, particularly temperature increases, have already affected a diverse set of physical and biological systems in many parts of the world. Allergens patterns are also changing in response to climate change and air pollution can modify the allergenic potential of pollen grains especially in the presence of specific weather conditions. Although genetic factors are important in the development of asthma and allergic diseases, their rising trend can be explained only by changes occurring in the environment and urban air pollution by motor vehicles has been indicated as one of the major risk factors responsible for this increase. Despite some differences in the air pollution profile and decreasing trends of some key air pollutants, air quality is an important concern for public health in the cities throughout the world. Due to climate change, air pollution patterns are changing in several urbanized areas of the world with a significant effect on respiratory health. The underlying mechanisms of all these interactions are not well known yet. The consequences on health vary from decreases in lung function to allergic diseases, new onset of diseases, and exacerbation of chronic respiratory diseases. In addition, it is important to recall that an individual’s response to pollution exposure depends on the source and components of air pollution, as well as meteorological conditions. Indeed, some air pollution-related incidents with asthma aggravation do not depend only on the increased production of air pollution, but rather on atmospheric factors that favor the accumulation of air pollutants at ground level. Associations between thunderstorms and asthma morbidity of pollinosis-affected people have also been identified in multiple locations around the world (Fig.1). Cite this as D’Amato G, Bergmann KC, Cecchi L, Annesi-Maesano I, Sanduzzi A, Liccardi G, Vitale C, Stanziola A, D’Amato M. Climate change and air pollution — Effects on pollen allergy and other allergic respiratory diseases. Allergo J Int 2014; 23: 17–23 DOI 10.1007/s40629-014-0003-7 A factor clouding the problem is that laboratory evaluations do not reflect what happens during natural exposition. Considering these aspects, governments worldwide, international organizations, and cooperations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Health Policy of the European Union (EU) are facing a growing problem of the respiratory effects induced by gaseous and particulate pollutants arising from motor vehicle emissions.
Collapse
|
28
|
|
29
|
Xu Z, Huang C, Hu W, Turner LR, Su H, Tong S. Extreme temperatures and emergency department admissions for childhood asthma in Brisbane, Australia. Occup Environ Med 2013; 70:730-5. [PMID: 23884454 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2013-101538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine the effect of extreme temperatures on emergency department admissions (EDAs) for childhood asthma. METHODS An ecological design was used in this study. A Poisson linear regression model combined with a distributed lag non-linear model was used to quantify the effect of temperature on EDAs for asthma among children aged 0-14 years in Brisbane, Australia, during January 2003-December 2009, while controlling for air pollution, relative humidity, day of the week, season and long-term trends. The model residuals were checked to identify whether there was an added effect due to heat waves or cold spells. RESULTS There were 13 324 EDAs for childhood asthma during the study period. Both hot and cold temperatures were associated with increases in EDAs for childhood asthma, and their effects both appeared to be acute. An added effect of heat waves on EDAs for childhood asthma was observed, but no added effect of cold spells was found. Male children and children aged 0-4 years were most vulnerable to heat effects, while children aged 10-14 years were most vulnerable to cold effects. CONCLUSIONS Both hot and cold temperatures seemed to affect EDAs for childhood asthma. As climate change continues, children aged 0-4 years are at particular risk for asthma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Xu
- School of Public Health and Social Work and Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Dabrera G, Murray V, Emberlin J, Ayres JG, Collier C, Clewlow Y, Sachon P. Thunderstorm asthma: an overview of the evidence base and implications for public health advice. QJM 2013; 106:207-17. [PMID: 23275386 DOI: 10.1093/qjmed/hcs234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Thunderstorm asthma is a term used to describe an observed increase in acute bronchospasm cases following the occurrence of thunderstorms in the local vicinity. The roles of accompanying meteorological features and aeroallergens, such as pollen grains and fungal spores, have been studied in an effort to explain why thunderstorm asthma does not accompany all thunderstorms. Despite published evidence being limited and highly variable in quality due to thunderstorm asthma being a rare event, this article reviews this evidence in relation to the role of aeroallergens, meteorological features and the impact of thunderstorm asthma on health services. This review has found that several thunderstorm asthma events have had significant impacts on individuals' health and health services with a range of different aeroallergens identified. This review also makes recommendations for future public health advice relating to thunderstorm asthma on the basis of this identified evidence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Dabrera
- Extreme Events and Health Protection Section, Health Protection Agency, 151 Buckingham Palace Road, London, UK.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
D'Amato G, Baena-Cagnani CE, Cecchi L, Annesi-Maesano I, Nunes C, Ansotegui I, D'Amato M, Liccardi G, Sofia M, Canonica WG. Climate change, air pollution and extreme events leading to increasing prevalence of allergic respiratory diseases. Multidiscip Respir Med 2013; 8:12. [PMID: 23398734 PMCID: PMC3598823 DOI: 10.1186/2049-6958-8-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2013] [Accepted: 01/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of asthma and allergic diseases has increased dramatically during the past few decades not only in industrialized countries. Urban air pollution from motor vehicles has been indicated as one of the major risk factors responsible for this increase.Although genetic factors are important in the development of asthma and allergic diseases, the rising trend can be explained only in changes occurred in the environment. Despite some differences in the air pollution profile and decreasing trends of some key air pollutants, air quality is an important concern for public health in the cities throughout the world.Due to climate change, air pollution patterns are changing in several urbanized areas of the world, with a significant effect on respiratory health.The observational evidence indicates that recent regional changes in climate, particularly temperature increases, have already affected a diverse set of physical and biological systems in many parts of the world. Associations between thunderstorms and asthma morbidity in pollinosis subjects have been also identified in multiple locations around the world.Allergens patterns are also changing in response to climate change and air pollution can modify the allergenic potential of pollens especially in presence of specific weather conditions.The underlying mechanisms of all these interactions are not well known yet. The consequences on health vary from decreases in lung function to allergic diseases, new onset of diseases, and exacerbation of chronic respiratory diseases.Factor clouding the issue is that laboratory evaluations do not reflect what happens during natural exposition, when atmospheric pollution mixtures in polluted cities are inhaled. In addition, it is important to recall that an individual's response to pollution exposure depends on the source and components of air pollution, as well as meteorological conditions. Indeed, some air pollution-related incidents with asthma aggravation do not depend only on the increased production of air pollution, but rather on atmospheric factors that favour the accumulation of air pollutants at ground level.Considering these aspects governments worldwide and international organizations such as the World Health Organization and the European Union are facing a growing problem of the respiratory effects induced by gaseous and particulate pollutants arising from motor vehicle emissions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gennaro D'Amato
- Division of Respiratory and Allergic Diseases, HighSpecialityHospital A, Cardarelli, Department of Respiratory Diseases, Napoli, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Hondula DM, Davis RE, Knight DB, Sitka LJ, Enfield K, Gawtry SB, Stenger PJ, Deaton ML, Normile CP, Lee TR. A respiratory alert model for the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, USA. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2013; 57:91-105. [PMID: 22438053 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-012-0537-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2011] [Revised: 02/20/2012] [Accepted: 02/20/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Respiratory morbidity (particularly COPD and asthma) can be influenced by short-term weather fluctuations that affect air quality and lung function. We developed a model to evaluate meteorological conditions associated with respiratory hospital admissions in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, USA. We generated ensembles of classification trees based on six years of respiratory-related hospital admissions (64,620 cases) and a suite of 83 potential environmental predictor variables. As our goal was to identify short-term weather linkages to high admission periods, the dependent variable was formulated as a binary classification of five-day moving average respiratory admission departures from the seasonal mean value. Accounting for seasonality removed the long-term apparent inverse relationship between temperature and admissions. We generated eight total models specific to the northern and southern portions of the valley for each season. All eight models demonstrate predictive skill (mean odds ratio = 3.635) when evaluated using a randomization procedure. The predictor variables selected by the ensembling algorithm vary across models, and both meteorological and air quality variables are included. In general, the models indicate complex linkages between respiratory health and environmental conditions that may be difficult to identify using more traditional approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David M Hondula
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Buckley JP, Richardson DB. Seasonal modification of the association between temperature and adult emergency department visits for asthma: a case-crossover study. Environ Health 2012; 11:55. [PMID: 22898319 PMCID: PMC3489538 DOI: 10.1186/1476-069x-11-55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2012] [Accepted: 07/17/2012] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objective of this study is to characterize the effect of temperature on emergency department visits for asthma and modification of this association by season. This association is of interest in its own right, and also important to understand because temperature may be an important confounder in analyses of associations between other environmental exposures and asthma. For example, the case-crossover study design is commonly used to investigate associations between air pollution and respiratory outcomes, such as asthma. This approach controls for confounding by month and season by design, and permits adjustment for potential confounding by temperature through regression modeling. However, such models may fail to adequately control for confounding if temperature effects are seasonal, since case-crossover analyses rarely account for interactions between matching factors (such as calendar month) and temperature. METHODS We conducted a case-crossover study to determine whether the association between temperature and emergency department visits for asthma varies by season or month. Asthma emergency department visits among North Carolina adults during 2007-2008 were identified using a statewide surveillance system. Marginal as well as season- and month-specific associations between asthma visits and temperature were estimated with conditional logistic regression. RESULTS The association between temperature and adult emergency department visits for asthma is near null when the overall association is examined [odds ratio (OR) per 5 degrees Celsius = 1.01, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.00, 1.02]. However, significant variation in temperature-asthma associations was observed by season (chi-square = 18.94, 3 degrees of freedom, p <0.001) and by month of the year (chi-square = 45.46, 11 degrees of freedom, p <0.001). ORs per 5 degrees Celsius were increased in February (OR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.10), July (OR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.29), and December (OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.07) and decreased in September (OR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.87, 0.97). CONCLUSIONS Our empirical example suggests that there is significant seasonal variation in temperature-asthma associations. Epidemiological studies rarely account for interactions between ambient temperature and temporal matching factors (such as month of year) in the case-crossover design. These findings suggest that greater attention should be given to seasonal modification of associations between temperature and respiratory outcomes in case-crossover analyses of other environmental asthma triggers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessie P Buckley
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, McGavran-Greenberg Hall, CB #7435, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7435, USA
| | - David B Richardson
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, McGavran-Greenberg Hall, CB #7435, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7435, USA
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Stieb DM, Szyszkowicz M, Rowe BH, Leech JA. Air pollution and emergency department visits for cardiac and respiratory conditions: a multi-city time-series analysis. Environ Health 2009; 8:25. [PMID: 19515235 PMCID: PMC2703622 DOI: 10.1186/1476-069x-8-25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2008] [Accepted: 06/10/2009] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Relatively few studies have been conducted of the association between air pollution and emergency department (ED) visits, and most of these have been based on a small number of visits, for a limited number of health conditions and pollutants, and only daily measures of exposure and response. METHODS A time-series analysis was conducted on nearly 400,000 ED visits to 14 hospitals in seven Canadian cities during the 1990 s and early 2000s. Associations were examined between carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and particulate matter (PM 10 and PM2.5), and visits for angina/myocardial infarction, heart failure, dysrhythmia/conduction disturbance, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and respiratory infections. Daily and 3-hourly visit counts were modeled as quasi-Poisson and analyses controlled for effects of temporal cycles, weather, day of week and holidays. RESULTS 24-hour average concentrations of CO and NO2 lag 0 days exhibited the most consistent associations with cardiac conditions (2.1% (95% CI, 0.0-4.2%) and 2.6% (95% CI, 0.2-5.0%) increase in visits for myocardial infarction/angina per 0.7 ppm CO and 18.4 ppb NO2 respectively; 3.8% (95% CI, 0.7-6.9%) and 4.7% (95% CI, 1.2-8.4%) increase in visits for heart failure). Ozone (lag 2 days) was most consistently associated with respiratory visits (3.2% (95% CI, 0.3-6.2%), and 3.7% (95% CI, -0.5-7.9%) increases in asthma and COPD visits respectively per 18.4 ppb). Associations tended to be of greater magnitude during the warm season (April - September). In particular, the associations of PM 10 and PM2.5 with asthma visits were respectively nearly three- and over fourfold larger vs. all year analyses (14.4% increase in visits, 95% CI, 0.2-30.7, per 20.6 microg/m3 PM 10 and 7.6% increase in visits, 95% CI, 5.1-10.1, per 8.2 microg/m3 PM2.5). No consistent associations were observed between three hour average pollutant concentrations and same-day three hour averages of ED visits. CONCLUSION In this large multicenter analysis, daily average concentrations of CO and NO2 exhibited the most consistent associations with ED visits for cardiac conditions, while ozone exhibited the most consistent associations with visits for respiratory conditions. PM 10 and PM2.5 were strongly associated with asthma visits during the warm season.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David M Stieb
- Population Studies Division, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Postal locator 4903C, 269 Laurier Ave West Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0K9, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine, University of Ottawa, Room 3105, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Mieczyslaw Szyszkowicz
- Population Studies Division, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Postal locator 4903C, 269 Laurier Ave West Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Brian H Rowe
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Alberta, Room 1G1.43 WMC, University of Alberta Hospital, 8440-112th Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2B7, Canada
| | - Judith A Leech
- Population Studies Division, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Postal locator 4903C, 269 Laurier Ave West Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0K9, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa Hospital, Civic Campus, 1053 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario, K1Y 4E9, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Ho JD, Tsai CY, Liou SW, Tsai RJF, Lin HC. Seasonal variations in the occurrence of retinal vein occlusion: a five-year nationwide population-based study from Taiwan. Am J Ophthalmol 2008; 145:722-728. [PMID: 18267315 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2007.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2007] [Revised: 12/06/2007] [Accepted: 12/07/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine whether seasonal variation exists in the incidence of retinal vein occlusion. DESIGN Retrospective, nationwide population-based administrative database study. METHODS We collected data on outpatient and emergency visits for the period from January 1999 through December 2003 from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database, a source that covers more than 96% of Taiwan's 23 million citizens. In total, 20,792 patients with a first-time diagnosis of either central retinal vein occlusion or branch retinal vein occlusion (The International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification [ICD-9-CM] code 362.35 or 362.36, respectively) were identified. Monthly incidence of retinal vein occlusion was obtained for each age group, each gender group, and for the entire sample. The autoregressive integrated moving average method of analysis was adopted to examine seasonality in the monthly incidence of retinal vein occlusion. RESULTS The monthly incidence rates of retinal vein occlusion revealed significant seasonality, with a clear peak in January for each age group and each gender group, as well as for the total sample. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates significant seasonal variations in the retinal vein occlusion incidence, with the peak occurrence in the winter month of January.
Collapse
|
36
|
Nastos PT, Paliatsos AG, Papadopoulos M, Bakoula C, Priftis KN. The effect of weather variability on pediatric asthma admissions in Athens, Greece. J Asthma 2008; 45:59-65. [PMID: 18259997 DOI: 10.1080/02770900701815818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine whether there is any association between weather variability and asthma admissions among children in Athens, Greece. Medical data were obtained from hospital registries of the three main Children's Hospitals in Athens during the 1978-2000 period; children were classified into two age groups: 0-4 and 5-14 years. The application of Generalized Linear Models with Poisson distribution revealed a significant relationship among asthma hospitalizations and the investigated parameters, especially for the children aged 0-4 years. Our findings showed that Hospital admissions for childhood asthma in Athens, Greece, is negatively correlated with discomfort index, air temperature and absolute humidity whereas there is a positive correlation with cooling power, relative humidity and wind speed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis T Nastos
- Laboratory of Climatology and Atmospheric Environment, Department of Geology and Geoenvironment, University of Athens, Greece
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Bacharier LB, Boner A, Carlsen KH, Eigenmann PA, Frischer T, Götz M, Helms PJ, Hunt J, Liu A, Papadopoulos N, Platts-Mills T, Pohunek P, Simons FER, Valovirta E, Wahn U, Wildhaber J. Diagnosis and treatment of asthma in childhood: a PRACTALL consensus report. Allergy 2008; 63:5-34. [PMID: 18053013 DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2007.01586.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 367] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Asthma is the leading chronic disease among children in most industrialized countries. However, the evidence base on specific aspects of pediatric asthma, including therapeutic strategies, is limited and no recent international guidelines have focused exclusively on pediatric asthma. As a result, the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology nominated expert teams to find a consensus to serve as a guideline for clinical practice in Europe as well as in North America. This consensus report recommends strategies that include pharmacological treatment, allergen and trigger avoidance and asthma education. The report is part of the PRACTALL initiative, which is endorsed by both academies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L B Bacharier
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University, St Louis, MO, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
|
39
|
Lin HC, Lee HC, Chao PZ, Wu CS. The effects of weather on the incidence of sudden sensorineural hearing loss: a 5-year population-based study. Audiol Neurootol 2006; 11:165-71. [PMID: 16462137 DOI: 10.1159/000091268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2005] [Accepted: 11/30/2005] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study utilizes 5-year population data to examine the association between weather conditions and the incidence of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) in Taiwan with a specific focus on ambient temperature, relative humidity, atmospheric pressure, rainfall and total hours of sunshine. METHOD The data, covering the period from 1998 to 2002, is sourced from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD), with a total of 8712 first-time admissions being identified from the database by a principal diagnosis of unspecified sudden hearing loss (ICD-9-CM code 3882). After controlling for time trend effects, this study adopted the autoregressive integrated moving average regression method as a means of evaluating the effects of climatic and monthly factors on SSNHL incidence rates. RESULTS Although significant associations were found between ambient temperature, relative humidity and the SSNHL incidence rates for the total population, after adjusting for seasonality, months and trends, the significant relationship between SSNHL incidence rates and the climatic parameters disappeared. CONCLUSIONS This study has demonstrated that after adjusting for seasonality, months and trends, there is no significant relationship between monthly SSNHL incidence rates and weather conditions. Therefore, the theory that weather is a triggering factor in SSNHL pathogenesis is not supported by this study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Herng-Ching Lin
- School of Health Care Administration, Taipei Medical University, and Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taiwan.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|