[Role of atmospheric pollutants in asthma]

Abstract

Air pollution can be divided into two basic types, industrial acid pollution (black smoke-dust particles sulfur oxide) and photochemical pollution (nitrogen oxides-ozone from automobile exhausts). In western countries, industrial pollution has greatly decreased while photochemical pollution has remained stable or increased depending on the area. In animal models, all types of air pollution, at high concentration, have an effect on the airways: irritation, facilitation of allergic sensitization, reduced resistance to infections. In humans, is the prevalence of asthma higher in polluted areas? Most surveys have found that the prevalence of respiratory, ear-nose-throat, and bronchial symptoms is higher but not symptoms of asthma. The surveys comparing East and West Germany suggest that irritation (repeated rhinobronchitis) is related to acid-particle pollution. The higher prevalence of allergic diseases in ex-West Germany does not appear to be related to photochemical pollution but rather to western lifestyle in general. In addition, changes in air pollution have an effect on the clinical and functional score in asthma patients, affecting the demand for medication and health care. Of particular importance for health care is the fact that these effects occur at concentrations below "standard" levels of pollution.