Association between environmental factors and hospitalisations for bronchiectasis in Badalona, Barcelona, Spain (2007–2015)

Abstract

IntroductionThe relationship between environmental factors and the exacerbation of respiratory diseases has been widely studied. However, there are no studies examining the relationship between these factors and bronchiectasis exacerbations. Our objective was to analyse the association between various environmental factors and hospitalisation for bronchiectasis. Material and methodsThis was a retrospective observational study conducted at two hospitals in Badalona (Barcelona). The number of hospital admissions for exacerbation of bronchiectasis between 2007 and 2015 was obtained. Through multiple regression we analysed the relationship between the number of exacerbations and mean monthly values of temperature, SO2, NO, NO2, O3 and CO. ResultsTemperature, SO2, NO, NO2, O3 and CO were significantly associated with an increase in admissions due to exacerbation of bronchiectasis. By controlling the effect of temperature on the pollution variables, only SO2 maintained statistical significance (p=0.008). ConclusionWe have detected an increase in hospital admissions for exacerbation of bronchiectasis with increases in the atmospheric concentration of SO2 and the decrease in temperature. Prospective studies with different geographical locations to confirm these results are needed.