The impact of indoor air pollution on asthma

ABSTRACT

Asthma is a common, chronic respiratory disease which is a serious issue for healthcare worldwide. When treating asthma, the main therapeutic goals are to achieve good control of symptoms and to prevent exacerbation. The interaction between genetic predisposition and environmental triggers contributes to the pathophysiology of asthma. In this regard, there is growing public awareness of the risk associated with poor indoor air quality. Because people spend considerable amounts of time every day indoors, it is important to identify and control risk factors in the indoor environment impacting individuals susceptible to asthma for successful treatment and prevention. Along with particulate matter, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, and second-hand smoke are the most common types of air pollutants encountered indoors. This review highlights epidemiological and experimental data on the role of indoor air pollution in the development and aggravation of asthma. Despite some studies showing significant associations between exposure to indoor air pollution and asthma morbidity, conflicting conclusions are drawn in the literature because of limitations in study design, variation in the methods for assessing exposure, possible confounding factors, and other issues. This review will improve our understanding and facilitate the establishment of a better strategy for asthma management and prevention.