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Review
. 2020 Aug 27;17(17):6212.
doi: 10.3390/ijerph17176212.

Impact of Air Pollution on Asthma Outcomes

Angelica I Tiotiu  1   2 , Plamena Novakova  3 , Denislava Nedeva  4 , Herberto Jose Chong-Neto  5 , Silviya Novakova  6 , Paschalis Steiropoulos  7 , Krzysztof Kowal  8
Affiliations
Review

Impact of Air Pollution on Asthma Outcomes

Angelica I Tiotiu et al. Int J Environ Res Public Health. .

Abstract

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by variable airflow obstruction, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and airway inflammation. Evidence suggests that air pollution has a negative impact on asthma outcomes in both adult and pediatric populations. The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on the effect of various outdoor and indoor pollutants on asthma outcomes, their burden on its management, as well as to highlight the measures that could result in improved asthma outcomes. Traffic-related air pollution, nitrogen dioxide and second-hand smoking (SHS) exposures represent significant risk factors for asthma development in children. Nevertheless, a causal relation between air pollution and development of adult asthma is not clearly established. Exposure to outdoor pollutants can induce asthma symptoms, exacerbations and decreases in lung function. Active tobacco smoking is associated with poorer asthma control, while exposure to SHS increases the risk of asthma exacerbations, respiratory symptoms and healthcare utilization. Other indoor pollutants such as heating sources and molds can also negatively impact the course of asthma. Global measures, that aim to reduce exposure to air pollutants, are highly needed in order to improve the outcomes and management of adult and pediatric asthma in addition to the existing guidelines.

Keywords: asthma symptoms; exacerbations; indoor air pollutants; management; outdoor air pollutants.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Burden of air pollutants on asthma outcomes and socio-economic impact.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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