[Research on the correlation between otorhinolaryngologic diseases and environmental meteorological factors in...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Pediatric Medicine
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Childhood respiratory and ear infections are common, with potential links to environmental conditions.
• Understanding these links is crucial for public health interventions and prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between environmental-meteorological factors and the incidence of acute otitis media (AOM), acute pharyngitis (AP), and allergic rhinitis (AR) in children.
• To analyze the seasonal variations and lag effects of these environmental factors on pediatric AOM, AP, and AR.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of clinical data from pediatric patients diagnosed with AOM, AP, or AR between 2015-2017.
• Correlation analysis between disease incidence and environmental-meteorological data, including Air Quality Index (AQI), particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10), gaseous pollutants (CO, NO₂, SO₂, O3), temperature, air pressure, wind speed, and humidity.

Main Results:

• Incidence of AOM showed positive correlations with AQI, PM2.5, PM10, CO, NO₂, SO₂, and air pressure; negative correlations with O3, wind speed, and temperature.
• AP incidence was positively correlated with temperature and humidity.
• AR incidence was correlated with most environmental factors except O3.
• All three conditions exhibited seasonal variations and demonstrated single and cumulative lag effects from environmental factors.

Conclusions:

• Environmental-meteorological factors are significantly associated with the incidence of pediatric AOM, AP, and AR.
• These associations exhibit seasonal patterns and delayed (lag) effects, highlighting the complexity of environmental influences on childhood illnesses.
• Further research into these relationships can inform targeted public health strategies for managing these common pediatric conditions.