Asthma - Linking Local Weather with Severe Attacks
The link between severe asthma attacks and weather conditions has been known for some time. Many people with asthma are aware that their daily symptoms can be affected by local weather conditions; for example thunder storms are well documented as triggering asthma exacerbations. Several studies have investigated the relationship between weather and accident and emergency admissions amongst acute asthmatics, and have found correlations with lung function for both temperature and humidity [1-3].
For the first time, we have investigated the effect of local weather on the measured values of lung function on an intra-day time scale using a mobile telephone telemedicine system [4]. This study has identified significant relationships between measures of peak expiratory flow (PEF) and weather variables for a group with mild-to-moderate asthma. A statistical model is presented that shows how lung function is affected by atmospheric conditions.
In the majority of cases, lung capacity decreases with increasing temperature and pressure
(see the figure to the right). There are some cases showing an opposite trend with lung capacity
increasing with increasing temperature. These results suggest that individual tailor-made management
plans that take account of local weather conditions could be of added-value for monitoring and
self-management of asthma.
[1] A.D. Damia, M.L. Fabregas, M.P. Tordera, L.C. Torrero (1999), Effects of air pollution and weather conditions on asthma exacerbation. Respiration, 66(1): pp. 52-58.
[2] M.A. Ivey, D.T. Simeon, M.A. Monteil (2003), Climatic variables are associated with seasonal acute asthma admissions to accident and emergency room facilities in Trinidad, West Indies. Clinical and Experimental Allergy, 33(11): pp. 1526-1530.
[3] R. Newson, D. Strachan, E. Archibald, J. Emberlin, P. Hardaker, C. Collier (1998), Acute asthma epidemics, weather and pollen in England, 1987-1994. European Respiratory Journal, 11(3): pp. 694-701.
[4] W.R. Cobern, P.E. McSharry, L. Tarassenko (2005), The effect of local weather conditions on the lung function of mild-to-moderate asthmatics in Proceedings of PGBiomed 2005: Reading, UK.