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Indoor environmental influences on children's asthma
Hemant P Sharma1, Nadia N Hansel, Elizabeth Matsui
1Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe Street, CMSC 1102, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
Pediatric Clinics of North America
|February 20, 2007
Summary
Childhood asthma is increasing, with indoor allergens like dust mites and pollutants such as ozone significantly worsening symptoms. Understanding indoor triggers is crucial for managing pediatric asthma effectively.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Childhood asthma prevalence in the US has risen significantly over the last 20 years.
- The indoor environment is increasingly recognized as a key factor in asthma development and exacerbation.
- Specific indoor allergens and pollutants are implicated in asthma pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of indoor allergen exposure on childhood asthma incidence and morbidity.
- To examine the effects of common indoor air pollutants on asthma severity in children.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on indoor allergens (dust mite, cockroach, pet, rodent) and asthma.
- Literature review of studies on indoor air pollutants (ozone, particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, environmental tobacco smoke, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide) and asthma morbidity.
Main Results:
- Exposure to indoor allergens like dust mites, cockroaches, pets, and rodents is linked to increased asthma incidence and morbidity in children.
- Indoor air pollutants, including ozone, particulate matter, and environmental tobacco smoke, negatively affect asthma morbidity.
Conclusions:
- Indoor environmental factors, including allergens and pollutants, play a critical role in childhood asthma.
- Reducing exposure to indoor allergens and pollutants may be a key strategy for managing and preventing pediatric asthma.
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