Abstract

MARTINS, Pedro et al. Combined effect of air pollution and house dust mite exposure over the airways. Rev Port Imunoalergologia [online]. 2012, vol.20, n.1, pp.47-57. ISSN 0871-9721.

Introduction: sthma is a chronic respiratory disease which may be associated with environmental factors. In addition to allergens, other factors such as those related to air quality could be associated with worsening of symptoms. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of individual exposure to air pollutants on lung function in a group of children with a previous history of wheezing, also taking house dust mite exposure into account. Methods: A group of 51 children with a prior history of wheezing was selected through the ISAAC questionnaire. They were followed prospectively by means of standardized medical evaluations that included spirometry, dust-mite-exposure assessment and calculation of individual exposure to a wide range of air pollutants: PM₁₀, O₃, NO₂, benzene, toluene, xylene, ethylbenzene and formaldehyde. Results: There were a great number of mattresses with a medium or high degree of mite infestation. In general, except for PM₁₀, air pollutant exposure did not reach high levels. In the multivariate analysis, pollutants including PM₁₀, NO₂, benzene, toluene and ethylbenzene plus dust mite exposure were associated with lung function deterioration. Conclusion: This study reinforces the importance of air pollution exposure in wheezing children. This exposure, similarly to that to dust mites, seems to impact on the airways.

Keywords : Air pollution; asthma; house dust mites; spirometry; VOCs.

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