Evaluation of the Relationship Between Air Pollutants and Emergency Department Admissions with Childhood Asthma

Evaluation of the Relationship Between Air Pollutants and Emergency Department Admissions with Childhood Asthma

Background: This study aims to evaluate the relationship between the number of visits to a pediatric emergency department due to asthma attacks and air pollutants. Methods: In this ecological study, all pediatric patients who visited the pediatric emergency department of a tertiary hospital in Istan...

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Main Authors: Yakup Söğütlü, Uğur Altaş, Tuğba Altıntaş, Zeynep Meva Altaş, Sevgi Akova, Mehmet Yaşar Özkars
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-12-01
Series:Diagnostics
Subjects:
asthma
children
emergency department
air pollutants
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4418/14/24/2778
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Summary:Background: This study aims to evaluate the relationship between the number of visits to a pediatric emergency department due to asthma attacks and air pollutants. Methods: In this ecological study, all pediatric patients who visited the pediatric emergency department of a tertiary hospital in Istanbul with asthma between January 2016 and December 2023 were included. The effect of air pollution on the number of patient visits was analyzed using a negative binomial regression model. Results: Based on the negative binomial model, a one-unit increase in SO<sub>2</sub> leads to a 0.020-unit decrease in the logarithm of the number of patient visits (<i>p</i> < 0.05). A one-unit increase in NO leads to a 0.040-unit increase in the logarithm of the number of patient visits (<i>p</i> < 0.05). According to factor analysis, as the levels of NO, NOx, PM2.5, NO<sub>2</sub>, and PM10 in the air increase, the number of patient visits also increases; however, as the level of SO<sub>2</sub> increases, the number of patient visits decreases. Conclusions: Families should be informed about environmental exposures for disease management of children with asthma. The confounding factors may also play a role in SO<sub>2</sub> level and the decrease in admissions due to asthma. Further studies are needed in this regard.
ISSN:2075-4418

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