ABSTRACT
The objective of this article is to review recent literature on the implications of extreme weather events such as thunderstorms, wildfires, tropical cyclones, freshwater flooding, and temperature extremes in relationship to asthma symptoms. Several studies have shown worsening of asthma symptoms with thunderstorms, wildfires, tropical cyclones, freshwater flooding, and temperature extremes. In particular, thunderstorm asthma can be exacerbated by certain factors such as temperature, precipitation, and allergen sensitization. Therefore, it is imperative that the allergy and immunology community be aware of the health effects associated with these extreme weather events in order to educate patients and engage in mitigation strategies.
Subject(s)
Asthma , Extreme Weather , Hypersensitivity , Humans , Weather , Asthma/diagnosis , Asthma/epidemiology , Asthma/etiology , Allergens/adverse effectsSubject(s)
COVID-19 , Vocal Cord Dysfunction , Humans , SARS-CoV-2 , Vocal Cord Dysfunction/diagnosis , Diagnosis, Differential , Vocal CordsABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The objective of this article is to review recent literature on the implications of agricultural factors including pesticides, animal/livestock production facilities, agricultural dust, endotoxin, biomass/crop burning, and nutritional factors with respiratory health. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL literature searches for the years 2016 to 2021 were conducted with librarian assistance. RESULTS: Several studies suggest increased risk for asthma or wheeze with certain rural exposures, particularly for pesticides, livestock production facilities, agricultural dust, and biomass and crop burning. CONCLUSION: A complex network of environmental factors exists, which may have detrimental effects on the respiratory health of rural residents.
