Accurate prediction of severe allergic reactions by a small set of environmental parameters (NDVI, temperature)

Effects of high temperature on existing allergic symptoms and the effect modification of allergic history on health outcomes during hot days among adults: An exploratory cross-sectional telephone survey study

OBJECTIVE

The effects of high temperature on existing allergic conditions are unclear. This study explored the prevalence of allergic symptoms and the effects of high temperature on existing allergic symptoms among an adult population. The effects of high temperature on other non-allergic health outcomes were compared between adults with and without a history of allergic symptoms.

METHOD

A cross-sectional telephone survey study was conducted in Hong Kong two weeks after a heat wave in 2017. Socio-demographic information, history of allergic symptoms, non-allergic health symptoms and self-reported changes of allergic symptoms during the study hot period were collected using multiple-choice questions.

RESULTS

Of the 436 respondents, 24% had reported an allergic history. During the study hot period, 22.4% and 15.7% of those who had skin and nasal allergies had reported worsen symptoms comparing to normal days. Comparing to people without an allergic history, those ever having allergic symptoms reported a higher rate of mucus secretions, mouth ulcers, poorer sleeping quality and worsen mood during the study hot period. The main limitation of this study is the lack of baseline information and the changes in symptoms were based on self-report basis.

CONCLUSION

A noticeable proportion of the study adult population reported an allergic history. Some of these symptoms got worse during period of high temperature. Pre-existing allergic symptoms were found associated with more adverse health effects and worse quality of life during hot days. Strategic health promotion policy should be planned to increase the awareness of the potential impacts of high temperature on allergy and the related health issues.

A Review of Epidemiologic Studies on Greenness and Health: Updated Literature Through 2017

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Many studies suggest that exposure to natural vegetation, or greenness, may be beneficial for a variety of health outcomes. We summarize the recent research in this area.

RECENT FINDINGS

We observed consistent and strong evidence of associations for higher greenness with improvements in birth weights and physical activity, as well as lower mortality rates. Recent studies also suggested that exposure to greenness may lower levels of depression and depressive symptoms. The evidence on greenness and cardiovascular health remains mixed. Findings are also inconsistent for greenness measures and asthma and allergies. Our knowledge of the impacts of greenness on a wide variety of health outcomes continues to evolve. Future research should incorporate information on specific species and some qualities of natural greenness that might drive health outcomes, integrate exposure assessments that incorporate personal mobility into analyses, and include prospective designs to add to the growing evidence that nature exposure positively affects health.

A Review of Epidemiologic Studies on Greenness and Health: Updated Literature Through 2017

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Many studies suggest that exposure to natural vegetation, or greenness, may be beneficial for a variety of health outcomes. We summarize the recent research in this area.

RECENT FINDINGS

We observed consistent and strong evidence of associations for higher greenness with improvements in birth weights and physical activity, as well as lower mortality rates. Recent studies also suggested that exposure to greenness may lower levels of depression and depressive symptoms. The evidence on greenness and cardiovascular health remains mixed. Findings are also inconsistent for greenness measures and asthma and allergies. Our knowledge of the impacts of greenness on a wide variety of health outcomes continues to evolve. Future research should incorporate information on specific species and some qualities of natural greenness that might drive health outcomes, integrate exposure assessments that incorporate personal mobility into analyses, and include prospective designs to add to the growing evidence that nature exposure positively affects health.