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Published on: November 4, 2010
2007 San Diego wildfires and asthmatics
Chirag Vora1, Marian J Renvall, Peter Chao
1Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA.
Summary
Wildfire smoke exposure increased asthma symptoms and rescue medication use in eight asthmatic individuals, despite stable pulmonary function tests. Air quality, specifically fine particulate matter, correlated with increased rescue inhaler use and airway inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pulmonology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Investigates respiratory health impacts of wildfire smoke on asthmatic individuals.
- Focuses on the October 2007 San Diego County firestorm and its air quality implications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess changes in respiratory health among asthmatic subjects during a severe wildfire event.
- To explore the relationship between air quality (PM2.5) and asthma exacerbation indicators.
Main Methods:
- Case series of eight asthmatic subjects from NIH-funded studies at UCSD.
- Collected respiratory data (PEFR, FEV1, medication use, sputum eosinophils) before, during, and after a 5-day wildfire.
- Monitored air quality, specifically PM2.5 levels.
Main Results:
- Pulmonary function tests (PEFR, FEV1) remained stable for all subjects.
- Rescue medication usage significantly increased in 5 out of 8 subjects during the firestorm.
- Two subjects tested during the fires showed elevated sputum eosinophils, indicating airway inflammation.
- Increased rescue medication use correlated with elevated PM2.5 levels.
Conclusions:
- Poor air quality from wildfires can increase airway inflammation and asthma exacerbation, even if pulmonary function tests appear stable.
- Increased rescue medication use may mitigate declines in lung function during wildfire smoke exposure.
- Findings are pertinent given the rising incidence of wildfires globally.
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