The results of the survey, which also involved adolescents, can help guide approaches to the prevention and treatment of respiratory diseases.
An American study linked two air pollutants: fine particles (PM2.5) e ozone (O3) – a asthma attacks non-viral in children and adolescents. From the analyses, the researchers concluded that there is a higher incidence of airway inflammation among people in these age groups living in low-income urban areas in the United States. The study was published on Saturday 7 in the scientific journal The Lancet.
“The prevalence and severity of respiratory disease has increased markedly with urbanization, and children in low-income inner cities have one of the highest morbidities of asthma. Outdoor air pollution has been associated with adverse respiratory effects in children and in adolescents with asthma,” scientists find.
In the study, the indices of air quality and concentrations of air pollutants of the cities in which the participants lived, including each participant’s reports of asthma attacks.
We recruited 208 asthma-prone children between the ages of 6 and 17 living in urban areas in nine low-income cities in the United States. Of the total, 168, representing 80% of the participants, were included in the analysis.
The research also involved 419 people, between the ages of 6 and 20, with persistent allergic asthma who live in urban areas of eight North American cities. In this phase, the result of pollutant impacts reached 189 participants, about 45%.
“We have identified that the increase in air quality index values, mainly driven by the increase in concentrations of fine particles (PM2.5) e ozone (O3), was significantly associated with asthma exacerbations and decreased lung function that occurred in the absence of a triggering viral infection,” the study noted. That is, in these analyzed cases, the seizures were triggered by the pollution and not from viruses.
Second National Institute for Space Research (Inpe)fine particulate matter includes particles of solid or liquid material suspended in the air, in the form of dust, aerosols, smoke, among others, which can remain in the air and travel long distances.
The research, funded by the National Institutes of Health and the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, also suggests that air pollution is an important independent risk factor for asthma exacerbations in children living in urban and urban areas. it is potentially linked to increased inflammation in the airways.
In this way, the findings may aid direct approaches to the prevention and treatment of respiratory diseases.
Why is it common in childhood?
“It is common in young children for viral infections to often trigger asthma attacks, right from the time they start going to school. It is important that the doctor always accompanies the child and educates the parents on how to proceed in the event of a crisis,” says Castro.
Why do seizures occur mostly at night?
“Although crises are more frequent at night, from the moment treatment is started, it tends to decrease. , seek emergency hospital care,” explains the director of Clínica Croce, specializing in allergy, vaccines and infusions.
Also according to the expert, nocturnal seizures could be more common in cities such as St. Paul, where the weather changes abruptly, especially in autumn and winter. “In the middle of the night, the cold ends up triggering major crises. But it’s also important to control dust, mites and fungi so they don’t trigger them,” adds Castro.
How to prevent asthma?
According to the Ministry of Health, crises can be controlled and even prevented with some simple measures.
- Keep the environment clean
- Prevent dirt, pet hair and dust from accumulating in your home
- Sunbathe. Vitamin D is linked to a number of immune system diseases, such as asthma
- Avoid strong smells
- Get the flu shot
- Avoid contact with the cigarette
- Dress warmly, especially in cold weather
- Practice regular physical activity
- have healthy food
- Drink lots of liquids (water)
- Maintain ideal weight
What are the possible complications of asthma?
According to the Ministry of Health, asthma can trigger a series of processes that can lead to complications:
- Reduced ability to exercise or do other activities
- Insomnia
- Permanent changes in lung function
- persistent cough
- Difficulty breathing, to the point of needing help (ventilation)
- Hospitalization and hospitalization for severe asthma attacks
- Side effects of medications used to control asthma
- Death
What are the risk factors?
According to the Ministry of Health, risk factors can be divided into environmental and patient-specific, such as genetics, obesity and male gender (in childhood).
“You environmental factors are represented by exposure to dust, viral infections, allergens such as dust mites, pollen, cigarette smoke, chemical irritants and environmental pollution, climate change, strenuous exercise, emotional distress, and even some types of medications,” the statement reads. school bag.
To the genetic factorsthe family history of asthma or rhinitis and obesity stand out, since overweight people are more likely to trigger these inflammatory processes.
When there is no way to avoid exposure, the patient can follow certain precautions, such as:
- Avoid physical activities outdoors, especially on cold days
- Avoid low humidity or exposure on days with a lot of pollution
- Do not smoke and avoid being in the house with people who smoke
Know when and where pollution can be harmful:
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the ozone often worse on hot summer days, especially in the afternoon.
already the particulate pollution it can be harmful at any time of year, even in winter. It can be especially damaging when the weather is calm, allowing pollution to build up.
Particle levels can also be elevated:
- Close to busy roads during rush hours and close to industries
- When there is smoke in the air from wood stoves, fireplaces or vegetation
How to differentiate asthma from pharyngitis and laryngitis?
- Asthma – dry cough, wheezing and difficulty breathing
- Pharyngitis – sore throat
- Laryngitis – hoarseness
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Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
