The effects of meteorological factors and Alternaria spore concentrations on children sensitised to Alternaria.

BACKGROUND: Alternaria is the most important fungal species belonging to the class Deuteromycetes which causes allergic respiratory diseases. The fungus pattern often shows a pronounced seasonal periodicity and with fluctuations related to meteorological conditions. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of outdoor Alternaria spore concentrations on monthly lung function tests, symptoms, and medication scores in children sensitised only to Alternaria. Additionally, we planned to determine the Alternaria spores of the outdoor environment in Adana, with special respect to their relationships with meteorological conditions and their seasonal changes. METHODS: Twenty-five patients with a clinical diagnosis of asthma and/or rhinitis sensitised only to Alternaria were enrolled in the prospective study. Meteorological data and outdoor samples of airborne fungi were obtained between November 2006 and October 2007. RESULTS: The outdoor Alternaria spore concentrations were significantly correlated with the monthly average temperature (r=0.626, p=0.03) and monthly average barometric pressure (r=-0.613, p=0.03). Similarly, the outdoor Alternaria spore concentrations were significantly correlated with mean monthly asthma medication score (r=0.599, p=0.04), value monthly PEF (r=-0.737, p=0.006), value monthly FEF25-75% (r=-0.914, p=0.0001) and, variation in PEF (r=0.901, p=0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The atmospheric concentration of Alternaria spores are markedly affected by meteorological factors such as air temperatures and barometric pressures. In hypersensitive patients, Alternaria spores can induce decreases in respiratory functions and development of allergic symptoms between May and September, being especially more influential in August.

The WHO global alliance against chronic respiratory diseases in Turkey (GARD Turkey).

In order to prevent and control non-communicable diseases (NCDs), the 61st World Health Assembly has endorsed an NCD action plan (WHA resolution 61.14). A package for essential NCDs including chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) has also been developed. The Global Alliance against Chronic Respiratory Diseases (GARD) is a new but rapidly developing voluntary alliance that is assisting World Health Organization (WHO) in the task of addressing NCDs at country level. The GARD approach was initiated in 2006. GARD Turkey is the first comprehensive programme developed by a government with all stakeholders of the country. This paper provides a summary of indicators of the prevalence and severity of chronic respiratory diseases in Turkey and the formation of GARD Turkey.

The effects of daily pulmonary rehabilitation program at home on childhood asthma.

OBJECTIVE: the aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of pulmonary rehabilitation program in children with asthma. PATIENTS AND METHOD: twenty eight children with mild persistent or moderate asthma were included into a double blind, randomised study. Sixteen children (9 girls, 7 boys) with the mean age of 10.8 +/- 2.3 were assigned to receive pulmonary rehabilitation program with their parents for 30 days (group I). Control group included 12 children (6 girls, 6 boys ) with the mean age of 10.2 +/- 2.4 (group II). Symptom and medication scores quality of life index and pulmonary function tests were evaluated in rehabilitation and control group in the beginning of the study and after the one month period. RESULTS: the groups did not differ on all parameters before the study (p > 0. 05). Statistically significant decrease were found in symptom and medication scores in rehabilitation group (p < 0.05) and quality of life index was increased significantly in the same group (p < 0.05). Pulmonary function measures also significantly improved including vital capacity, forced vital capacity, FEV1, PEF and FEF25-75 in the rehabilitation group (p < 0.05). The best improvement were seen in FEF25-75 (10.09% increase) and PEF (7.81% increase) values. In control group no statistically significant differences were found in all parameters. CONCLUSION: in this study it was shown that daily pulmonary rehabilitation at home could improve quality of life and pulmonary functions. So pulmonary rehabilitation should be placed as a component of management in childhood asthma.