The association between wildfire smoke exposure and asthma-specific medical care utilization in Oregon during the 2013 wildfire season.

Abstract

Introduction:Wildfire smoke (WFS) increases the risk of respiratory hospitalizations. We evaluated the association between WFS and asthma health care utilization (AHCU) during the 2013 wildfire season in Oregon.Methods:WFS particulate matter ≤2.5 microns in diameter (PM2.5) was estimated using a blended model of in-situ monitoring, chemical transport models, and satellite-based data. Asthma claims and place of service were identified from Oregon All Payer All Claims data from 2013-05-01 to 2013-09-30. The association with WFS PM2.5 was evaluated using time-stratified case-crossover designs.Results:The maximum WFS PM2.5 concentration during the study period was 172 μg/m3. A 10 μg/m3 increase in WFS increased risk in asthma diagnosis at emergency departments (odds ratio [OR]: 1.089, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.043–1.136), office visit (OR: 1.050, 95%CI: 1.038–1.063), and outpatient visits (OR: 1.065, 95%CI: 1.029–1.103); an association was observed with asthma rescue inhaler medication fills (OR: 1.077, 95%CI: 1.065–1.088).Discussion:WFS increased the risk for asthma morbidity during the 2013 wildfire season in Oregon. Communities impacted by WFS could see increases in AHCU for tertiary, secondary, and primary care.