Weather and bronchial asthma in Barbados: a preliminary investigation - abstract

ABSTRACT

Bronchial asthma appears to be of increasing importance as a cause of morbidity and mortality. Many workers have noted a seasonal variation in the incidence of the disease. This has been attributed either directly to climatic changes or indirectly to an increase in atmospheric allergens. This study was designed to investigate the relationship between weather and the incidence of bronchial asthma in Barbados. Meterological records were obtained for the period 1973 - 1980 from the Grantley Adams Airport and the monthly attendance for asthmatics from the casualty records at Queen Elizabeth Hospital for 1973 but this has been a relative constant proportion of the total attendances. The highest monthly attendance occurs in October, with a smaller peak in May. There is increased rainfal between June and December with peaks in August and October. The temperature reaches a minimum in January with a rapid increase in May. Humidity reaches a maximum in October. The maximum release of pollen and fungal spores, and cane spores is not related to the time of highest incidence of bronchial asthma. There is evidence that dust originating in Africa reaches Barbados in May to December. The dust contains a wide variety of biological material that may be allergenic. The levels of dust are particularly high in August and October. It is suggested that the seasonal incidence of bronchial asthma in Barbados may be related to rainfall, temperature and humidty, and that there is a further association with African dust (AU)