Epidemiological survey on the incidence of respiratory diseases in high PM2.5 area

Abstract

Objective To investigate the incidence of respiratory diseases in residents of high PM2.5 area. Methods A total of 3 564 residents in Langfang and Hohehot cities were enrolled in the epidemiological questionnaire of respiratory system.The incidences of respiratory diseases and symptoms were compared in Langfang and Hohhot area.200 cases were randomly selected from the respondents in Langfang area to fill out the annual respiratory epidemiological questionnaire in 2012-2016, and the average annual PM2.5 concentration were calculated to investigate the correlation between respiratory disease and PM2.5 concentration. Results The concentration of PM2.5 and air quality index in Langfang area were higher than that in Hohhot area (all P<0.05). Morbidity of rhinitis, nasal sensitivity, chronic pharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection, sinusitis, bronchitis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, pulmonary neoplasms and interstitial lung disease were higher in Langfang than Hohhot (all P<0.05). Morbidity of cough, sputum, shortness of breath, throat discomfort, nasal congestion, sore throat, wheezing and dyspnea in Langfang were higher than that in Hohhot (all P<0.05). The concentration of PM2.5 had positive correlation with rhinitis, chronic pharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection, bronchitis, asthma (all P≤0.05). Conclusions Morbidity of rhinitis, nasal sensitivity, chronic pharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection, sinusitis, bronchitis, asthma, COPD, pneumonia, pulmonary neoplasms and interstitial lung disease is higher in high PM2.5 area.Residents in high PM2.5 area are more prone to cough, sputum, shortness of breath, throat discomfort, nasal congestion, sore throat, wheezing and dyspnea. Key words: PM2.5; Respiratory diseases; Morbidity; Epidemiology