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Indoor Air Problems and Hoarseness in Children
Emma Kallvik1, Tuula Putus2, Susanna Simberg1
1Logopedics, Faculty of Arts, Psychology, and Theology, Åbo Akademi University, Fabriksgatan 2, 20500 Åbo, Finland.
Summary
Children in schools with moisture damage and indoor air problems experienced more hoarseness. Addressing these environmental factors is crucial for children's vocal health and overall well-being.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pediatric Health
- Voice Disorders
Background:
- Increasing prevalence of voice-demanding professions highlights the importance of vocal health.
- Environmental factors, particularly moisture damage in buildings, are significant contributors to voice disorders.
- Indoor air problems from moisture damage are linked to various health issues, including respiratory symptoms in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between indoor air problems caused by moisture damage in educational facilities and the frequency of hoarseness in children.
- To compare hoarseness rates in children attending facilities with and without reported indoor air issues due to moisture damage.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire-based study involving parents of 1857 children aged 6-9 years.
- Data collected from 57 day care centers, preschools, and schools, differentiating between those with and without indoor air problems due to moisture damage.
Main Results:
- A significant correlation was found between the severity of indoor air problems from moisture damage and the frequency of hoarseness in children.
- Predictors for weekly or more frequent hoarseness included dry cough, phlegm cough, and nasal congestion.
- The study identified a clear link between environmental exposures and vocal symptoms in children.
Conclusions:
- Symptoms like hoarseness, dry cough, phlegm cough, and nasal congestion should be considered during voice assessments (anamnesis) in children.
- Remediation of indoor air problems stemming from moisture damage is recommended.
- Treatment of associated health symptoms in children exposed to poor indoor air quality is advised.
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