Relationship between biometeorological factors and the number of hospitalizations due to asthma.

ABSTRACT

The incidence of asthma exacerbation depends on atmospheric conditions, including such meteorological factors as the ambient temperature, relative air humidity or concentration of atmospheric aerosols. An assessment of relations between the frequency of asthma exacerbation and environmental conditions was made according to the meteorological components, the biometeorological index UTCI (Universal Thermal Climate Index), as well as selected air quality parameters, including concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5. The study was conducted on the basis of a retrospective analysis of medical data collected at the Independent Public Hospital of Tuberculosis and Pulmonary Diseases in Olsztyn (Poland). Our analysis of patient data (from 1 January 2013 until 31 December 2017) showed a significant correlation between the number of asthma exacerbation and the UTCI value. More frequent asthma exacerbations are observed in patients aged over 65 years when air humidity increases. The UTCI values contained within class 5, describing thermoneutral conditions, correspond to an average frequency of asthma exacerbation. A decline in the UTCI value leads to a reduced number of asthma exacerbation, while a rise makes the cases of asthma exacerbations increase.