Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 5, 2026

Measuring Carbon Content in Airway Macrophages Exposed to Carbon-Containing Particulate Matters
05:18

Measuring Carbon Content in Airway Macrophages Exposed to Carbon-Containing Particulate Matters

Published on: July 12, 2024

Effects of airborne particulate matter on respiratory morbidity in asthmatic children

Lu Ma1, Masayuki Shima, Yoshiko Yoda

  • 1Department of Public Health, Hyogo College of Medicine, Japan.

Journal of Epidemiology
|May 21, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Exposure to indoor particulate matter (PM) significantly impacts asthmatic children's lung function and wheezing. Indoor PM2.5 (PM with a diameter less than 2.5 micrometers) showed a greater effect than outdoor PM.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Air Quality Science

Background:

  • Airborne particulate matter (PM) poses significant risks to human health.
  • Asthma and respiratory symptoms in children are a major public health concern.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the acute effects of particulate matter exposure on peak expiratory flow (PEF) and wheezing in children with asthma.
  • To compare the impact of indoor and outdoor PM concentrations.

Main Methods:

  • A panel study involving 19 asthmatic children over 5 months in Japan.
  • Daily measurements of PEF and wheezing.
  • Monitoring of PM2.5 concentrations indoors and outdoors using a laser diode dust monitor (PM2.5(LD)).
  • Analysis of the association between PM concentrations and respiratory outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Increased indoor PM2.5(LD) concentrations were significantly associated with decreased PEF and increased wheezing prevalence in asthmatic children.
  • Indoor PM2.5(LD) exhibited a stronger effect on PEF and wheezing compared to outdoor PM2.5(LD) and stationary-site PM2.5.
  • The observed effects remained significant even after adjusting for nitrogen dioxide levels.

Conclusions:

  • Both indoor and outdoor PM2.5(LD) are linked to reduced lung function and increased wheezing in asthmatic children.
  • Indoor PM2.5(LD) exposure demonstrates a more pronounced negative impact on pediatric asthma symptoms than outdoor or stationary-site PM.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Flow Cytometric Analysis of Particle-bound Bet v 1 Allergen in PM1010:42

Flow Cytometric Analysis of Particle-bound Bet v 1 Allergen in PM10

Published on: November 19, 2016

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels05:31

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels

Published on: August 7, 2017

Related Concept Videos

Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications01:24

Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications

Asthma, a common chronic respiratory condition, is classified considering the frequency and severity of symptoms alongside lung function impairment. Understanding this classification is essential for appropriate treatment and management. Here's a detailed look at the classification of asthma and its clinical features and complications:
Classification of Asthma
Asthma I: Introduction01:28

Asthma I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
Asthma-I: Introduction01:29

Asthma-I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations01:13

Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations

Asthma presents with a characteristic pattern of episodic respiratory symptoms that reflect underlying airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus hypersecretion. Although severity varies among individuals, certain clinical manifestations are considered hallmarks of the disorder and often guide diagnosis and assessment.Respiratory SymptomsA persistent cough is one of the most common early features of asthma. It is frequently dry and tends to worsen at night or in the early morning,...
Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management01:20

Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management

Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features01:24

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features

Chronic bronchitis is a key phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by airway-centered inflammation and mucus overproduction. It develops from long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases, most commonly cigarette smoke, which triggers a persistent inflammatory response.Cellular and Structural ChangesInflammation initially affects the large bronchi and later the smaller airways, with infiltration by immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and...