Quality of life of patients with bronchial asthma exposed to gaseous air pollution in the place of residence
Autor: | Monika Ścibor, Bartosz Balcerzak, Grazyna Jasienska, Andrzej Galbarczyk |
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Jazyk: | angličtina |
Rok vydání: | 2021 |
Předmět: |
Geography
Planning and Development 0211 other engineering and technologies Air pollution Transportation 02 engineering and technology 010501 environmental sciences medicine.disease_cause 01 natural sciences Quality of life (healthcare) Environmental health medicine 021108 energy Nitrogen oxides Air quality index 0105 earth and related environmental sciences Civil and Structural Engineering Asthma Pollutant Potential impact Renewable Energy Sustainability and the Environment business.industry medicine.disease humanities respiratory tract diseases Residence business |
Popis: | Research on the relationship between health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and air pollution is still limited. The aim of the study was to estimate the potential impact of main gaseous air pollutants on HRQoL of asthma patients. The study was carried out in a city where air quality standards are frequently exceeded (Krakow, Poland). The participants of the study were 300 patients, 20–80 years old with asthma. Their exposure to air pollution was assessed based on the data from fixed-site monitors. The Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ) was used as a standardised tool to measure the health-related quality of life. We found significant associations between HRQoL and the concentration of nitrogen oxides (NO, NO2, NOx). Exposure to these pollutants negatively affected almost all domains of AQLQ (symptoms, activity limitation, emotional function, environmental stimuli). For gases in concentrations indicating lower than moderate levels of exposure, (SO2, CO) the results were inconclusive. Increased levels of exposure to gaseous air pollutants, especially to nitrogen oxides, influence not only the functioning of the respiratory system of asthma patients, but also their quality of life. This should be taken into account when developing an environmental health policy that seeks to achieve sustainable development objectives. |
Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
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