The role of symptomatic colds in asthma exacerbations: Influence of outdoor allergens and air pollutants
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Asthma exacerbations are often linked to cold symptoms and specific air pollutants. Higher levels of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides correlate with these asthma flare-ups, especially during warmer months.
Area Of Science
- Environmental Health
- Respiratory Medicine
- Epidemiology
Background
- Air pollutants and viral infections are known asthma exacerbation triggers.
- Previous studies have not examined the combined impact of these factors.
Purpose Of The Study
- To investigate the association between symptomatic colds, outdoor allergens, and air pollutants in asthma exacerbations.
- To differentiate triggers for asthma exacerbations with and without cold symptoms.
Main Methods
- A 1-year prospective study in Vancouver involving 57 adults and children with asthma.
- Daily symptom diaries, medication use, and peak expiratory flow monitoring.
- Measurement of outdoor air pollutants, pollen, and fungal spores.
Main Results
- 47% of 130 asthma exacerbations were linked to cold symptoms.
- Asthma exacerbations with colds showed higher sulfur dioxide and nitric oxide levels (March-November).
- Cold symptom days correlated with lower temperatures, lower ozone, and higher sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide.
Conclusions
- Asthma exacerbations frequently co-occur with cold symptoms.
- Elevated sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are associated with asthma exacerbations accompanied by colds, particularly from March to November.
View abstract on PubMed