Air pollution and climate change: Effects on asthmatic patients

Along with increases in global warming and air pollution, increased asthma prevalence has been reported in most Westernized regions. Air pollutants enhance IgE-mediated response to aeroallergens and increased airway inflammation. Climate changes including global warming have impact on asthma in a variety of ways. Many epidemiologic studies have shown that climate factors including temperature and humidity influence the severity of symptoms and exacerbation in asthmatic patients. Climate changes can lead to deterioration of air pollution and increase the production and allergenicity of pollens which can enhance airway inflammation. In asthmatic patients, health effects from air pollution and climate changes are complex and may be difficult to assess separately. Herein, recent studies on air pollution and climate factors in asthma are reviewed.