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Short-term mediating effects of PM2.5 on climate-associated COPD severity
Huan Minh Tran1, Yuan-Chien Lin2, Feng-Jen Tsai3
1Ph.D. Program in Global Health and Health Security, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Faculty of Public Health, Da Nang University of Medical Technology and Pharmacy, Da Nang, Viet Nam.
The Science of the Total Environment
|August 25, 2023
Summary
Short-term exposure to relative humidity (RH) and temperature variations significantly impact chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) severity. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) acts as a mediator in these environmental effects on COPD patients.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The impact of short-term environmental factors like temperature, relative humidity (RH), and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is not fully understood.
- Understanding these relationships is crucial for managing COPD exacerbations and improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mediating role of PM2.5 in the association between short-term variations in RH and temperature and COPD clinical outcomes.
- To analyze the impact of ambient RH, temperature, and PM2.5 on lung function and symptom severity in COPD patients.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 930 COPD patients in Taiwan (2017-2022).
- Assessment of lung function (FEV1/FVC), COPD Assessment Test (CAT) scores, and modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scale.
- Estimation of individual-level exposure to RH, temperature, and PM2.5 (1-day, 7-day, 30-day means and differences) and analysis using regression models.
Main Results:
- Increased RH difference was linked to improved FEV1/FVC; increased temperature difference correlated with decreased FEV1 and FEV1/FVC.
- Increased PM2.5 exposure was associated with declines in FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC, particularly in the cold season.
- PM2.5 fully mediated the relationship between mean temperature and FEV1/FVC in the cold season, and influenced RH and temperature effects on clinical outcomes across seasons.
Conclusions:
- PM2.5 plays a significant mediating role in the short-term effects of temperature and RH on COPD clinical outcomes.
- Monitoring COPD patients during periods of low RH, extreme temperatures, and high PM2.5 levels is essential for proactive management.
- Environmental factors, particularly PM2.5, significantly influence lung function and symptom severity in COPD patients.
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