Influence of aerobiology and weather on symptoms in children with asthma

Local and central European weather, pollen (Castanea and Poaceae) and spore (alternaria and cladosporium) counts, and asthmatic complaints and drug requirements (expressed as "attack score") were correlated in a group of 40 asthmatic children (21 with recurrent symptoms) during a summer holiday camp for 6 weeks. It was shown that there are significant correlations between the cumulative 24-hour pollen count over 6 weeks and the attack frequency. 2-Hourly counts or daily counts did not correlate with complaints. Consecutive 10-day averages of attacks and pollen and spore counts showed good agreement. The influence of local weather was negligible. Low pressure gradients or high atmospheric pressure was not beneficial. Improvements of lung function are ascribed to training effects.