Systematic review of respiratory diseases attributed to climate change in Southeast Asia

Climate change is threatening respiratory health in Southeast Asia. This review aims to synthesize existing evidence on the effects of climate change on respiratory diseases specifically in the region. A systematic review where PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched identified 22 relevant studies published within the past five years and analyzed per PRISMA guideline. There was a clear association between the climate factors such as air pollution, rising temperatures, humidity, and extreme weather, with respiratory health outcomes. There was increased vulnerability for groups such as children, elderly, low-income communities and outdoor workers, highlighting inequities in exposure to clean air. There was generally little evidence of gender disparity, though some contexts showed minor differences. Most studies conducted were from Vietnam, Singapore and Indonesia. Research in other Southeast Asian countries such as Brunei, Myanmar and the Philippines remains sparse. Climate change has a significant association with increasing respiratory disease incidence in Southeast Asia, and the most vulnerable communities are at risk. These impacts are further complicated by uneven research distribution and limited access to healthcare. Urgent climate-resilient health policies, as well as regional collaboration in addressing these challenges, are crucial to help build long-term public health resilience.