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Does pneumothorax occurrence correlate with a change in the weather?
Toshiro Obuchi1, Tatsu Miyoshi, Sou Miyahara
1Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fukuoka University, School of Medicine, 7-45-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka, 814-0180, Japan.
Surgery Today
|September 17, 2011
Summary
Weather changes, including less sunshine and increased temperatures, are linked to spontaneous pneumothorax incidence in Japan. These findings align with European studies, suggesting a global correlation between meteoropathic conditions and pneumothorax.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Medicine
- Pulmonology
- Meteorology
Background:
- Speculation exists regarding weather changes influencing spontaneous pneumothorax.
- Limited data on meteoropathic pneumothorax in Asia.
- Previous studies primarily focus on Europe and the United States.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the correlation between weather variations and spontaneous pneumothorax in Japan.
- Compare findings from Japan with existing data from Europe and the United States.
- Identify specific meteorological factors associated with pneumothorax occurrence.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 317 spontaneous pneumothorax cases from 2000-2009.
- Statistical comparison of meteorological data (atmospheric pressure, precipitation, temperature, humidity, sunshine, typhoons, lightning) with pneumothorax incidence.
- Multivariate analysis to determine significant correlations.
Main Results:
- Decreased sunshine hours correlated with increased pneumothorax incidence.
- Increased mean temperatures 2 days prior to incidence showed a significant link.
- Pneumothorax occurrence was higher on days following lightning.
- Typhoons did not demonstrate a significant influence on pneumothorax incidence.
Conclusions:
- Spontaneous pneumothorax in Japan correlates with specific weather conditions.
- Findings are consistent with European studies, despite climatic differences.
- Weather-related factors, not just extreme events like typhoons, are implicated.
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