Dyspnea Research Articles

Superior Vena Cava Syndrome in Men with Thymic Atypical Carcinoid (Neuroendocrine Tumor Grade 2)

Introduction: Cases of neuroendocrine tumors (NET) can occur in various organs, generally in the form of gastroenteropancreatic (GEP-NET) and pulmonary tract (PNET). The incidence of thymic neuroendocrine tumors (TNET) is rare, accounting for less than 5% of thymic and mediastinal malignancies, and 0.4% of all neuroendocrine tumors. Case presentation: A 57-year-old man came to RSUP Dr. Mohammad Hoesin Palembang with complaints of coughing, bluish and curved blood vessels in the chest, and shortness of breath during activities that have been getting worse for six months. CT scan showed a tumor measuring 18.6 x 11.7 x 11 cm in the anterior mediastinum and pressing on the superior vena cava and abdominal aorta. TTNA and core biopsy with CT guidance showed NET Grade 2, mitoses 6/2 mm2, positive tumor cells with immunohistochemistry for synaptophysin, chromogranin, CD 56, AE1/AE3, and Ki67 9%. The patient received paclitaxel and carboplatin chemotherapy for 6 cycles. Conclusion: The prognosis for atypical carcinoid patients is 20-80% for a 5-year survival rate. Appropriate patient management is needed to improve the outcome of patients with primary thymic atypical carcinoid (NET, grade 2).

Pleural Effusion following Yoga: A Report of Delayed Spontaneous Chylothorax and a Brief Review of Unusual Cases in the Literature

Chylothorax is a rare condition where the extravasated chyle accumulates into the pleural space. It is most commonly associated with malignancies, infective or inflammatory disorders and iatrogenic causes. Extremely rarely, it could occur spontaneously. We present the case of a healthy 40-year-old woman who presented with acute right shoulder and neck pain associated with shortness of breath and loss of consciousness. This was preceded by a yoga class two weeks prior. Chest imaging showed right pleural effusion, and tapping revealed a milky fluid which was confirmed to be chylothorax. Conservative management failed and the patient was successfully treated with video-assisted thoracoscopic drainage, thoracic duct ligation and mechanical pleurodesis. Chylothorax association with yoga is not reported in the literature.

Retrospective Study on Prescription Pattern on the Management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Background: COPD is a disease caused by chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or combination of both conditions. As per the Global Burden of Disease 2017 prediction, COPD is the second leading cause of death in Nepal, the fourth leading cause of premature death and the third cause for disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in Nepal. The prevalence of COPD in Nepal was 11.7%. If current situation prevails, the burden of COPD might increase continuously in the nation. Hence, the findings from this study might provide baseline information to medical and paramedical students and other researchers to conduct further study in similar area. Objectives: The study was done to assess the prescription pattern for management of COPD in multispecialty hospital of Nepal. Method: A retrospective study was conducted at 100 bedded multispecialty hospital located at Lalitpur, Nepal. A total of 200 inpatient records, from Baishak 2075 to Chaitra 2078 were reviewed and data was collected as per the objectives and analysed by using SPSS version 16 and MS Excel 2013. Result: Out of 200 COPD patients studied, female patients (58%) were higher than male patients and maximum patients (42.5%) were from the age group 70-79. The most common symptom was shortness of breath (77.5%) followed by cough (50%) and fever (33.5%) Hypertension (38.5%) was the most frequent co morbidity seen among COPD patients followed by corpulmonale (20%) and diabetes mellitus type II (19%). Doxophylline was the most prescribed methylxanthines during hospitalization (47.5%) and discharge (51%) as well. Among inhalers, Tiotropium bromide and combination of Salbutamol and Fluticasone (52.5%) was prescribed most to the hospitalised patients. Hydrocortisone (68.5%) was the most prescribed corticosteroids during hospitalization where as Prednisolone (49.5%) was the most prescribed corticosteroids during discharge. 85.5% of patients were prescribed Ipratropium bromide for nebulisation in hospitalised patients. Pantoprazole (55.5%) was the most prescribed proton pump inhibitors followed by Rabeprazole (34%). Maximum patients (103) preferred Rotacap than metered dose inhaler (MDI) and dry powder inhaler (DPI). Azithromycin (52.5%) was most frequently prescribed antibiotics during hospitalization followed by ceftriaxone (85%), whereas among discharge patients, Cefpodoxime (35%) was most frequently prescribed antibiotics followed by Azithromycin (32%). The drugs prescribed with generic name were 31.31% and from essential drug list (EDL) was 37.72 %. Conclusion: The prescription pattern of COPD was studied and found that Doxophylline, Tiotropium bromide, Hydrocortisone and Azithromycin were most prescribed methylxanthnes, antimuscarinic agents, corticosteroids and antibiotics respectively. The findings from the study showed that prescribing drugs with generic name and from EDL was low so prioritization on prescribing drugs by generic name and EDL needs to be encouraged.

Clinical and Radiological Assessment of Patients with Lung Cancer Using Chest CT Scan: An Observational Study in a Barcelona Hospital, Spain

Introduction: Lung cancer is one of the most common and deadliest types of cancer in the world. Chest CT scan is an important diagnostic tool for detecting and evaluating lung cancer. This study aimed to assess the clinical and radiological characteristics of patients with lung cancer who underwent chest CT scans at Barcelona Hospital, Spain. Methods: This research is a retrospective observational study involving 1059 patients diagnosed with lung cancer who underwent chest CT scans between 2018-2023. Patient data were collected from electronic medical records, including demographic information, clinical symptoms, CT scan findings, and histopathological diagnosis results. Results: The most common clinical symptom was cough (83.0%), followed by shortness of breath (58.8%), chest pain (45.6%), coughing up blood (20.3%), and weight loss (17, 9%). The most common CT scan finding was lung nodules (80.6%), followed by consolidation (39.7%) and pleural effusion (26.9%). The most common histopathologic diagnosis was adenocarcinoma (40.4%), followed by squamous cell carcinoma (29.5%), large cell carcinoma (17.9%), and neuroendocrine cell carcinoma (12.3%). Conclusion: This study provides an overview of the clinical and radiological characteristics of patients with lung cancer who underwent chest CT scans at the Barcelona Hospital, Spain. The findings of this study may help doctors in diagnosing and managing patients with lung cancer.

Impasse sign in balloon mitral valvotomy.

A 33-year-old female presented to our out-patient department with worsening shortness of breath over the past 2 years.

Thoracic duct embolization at Dong Nai General Hosptal: A case report

Introduction: Thoracic duct embolization in the treatment of chylothorax has been proven safe, effective, and minimally invasive. We report a case of successful coil occlusion of thoracic duct at Dong Nai General Hospital Case report: a 32-year-old female patient was admitted to the hospital because of shortness of breath and massive right pleural effusion. After pleural drainage, the diagnosis of chylous effusion was confirmed. The patient did not respond to medical treatment and received intervention to occlude the thoracic duct 1 week after admission. After intervention, the pleural fluid flow gradually decreased and stopped completely after 3 days. The patient had the drain removed and was discharged from the hospital on the 5th postoperative day. No early complications were recorded during the hospital stay. Conclusion: Thoracic duct occlusion intervention is a minimally invasive method, safe, with few complications. The method is gradually becoming the first choice in the treatment of chylous pleural effusion. Initial implementation of this technique at Dong Nai General Hospital helps reduce the load on central hospitals, improving the capacity and reputation of the local team.

Analysis of Symptoms and Demographic Characteristics in Diagnosis of COVID-19 by Logistic Regression Model

The new coronavirus COVID-19 is an infectious disease that started spreading globally in December 2019. Some symptoms are known to give clues as to whether the COVID-19 virus is infected. Therefore, the main purpose of this paper was to determine specific symptoms related to COVID-19 for the rapid diagnosis of COVID-19 cases. The data set consists of 25985 individuals including PCR results, 2 demographic properties (age, gender), and 5 symptoms such as headache, shortness of breath, sore throat, fever, and cough is considered in this study. We analyzed the relationship between these covariates and PCR results by binary logistic regression model. A total of 16405 (63.1%) individuals having to positive PCR results were included in this study. The research population was divided into two age groups (

Short-term efficacy and safety of cardiac contractility modulation in patients with heart failure

Objective: To investigate the short-term efficacy and safety of cardiac contractility modulation (CCM) in patients with heart failure. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of patients with heart failure who underwent CCM placement at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from February to June 2022. With a follow-up of 3 months, CCM sensation, impedance, percent output, and work time were monitored, and patients were compared with pre-and 3-month postoperative left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) values, and 6-minute walk test distance and New York Heart Association (NYHA) cardiac function classification, and the occurrence of complications was recorded. Results: CCM was successfully implanted in all 9 patients. Seven(7/9) of them were male, aged (56±14) years, 3 patients had ischaemic cardiomyopathy and 6 patients had dilated cardiomyopathy. At 3-month postoperative follow-up, threshold was stable, sense was significantly lower at follow-up than before (right ventricle: (16.3±7.0) mV vs. (8.2±1.1) mV, P<0.05; local sense: (15.7±4.9) mV vs. (6.7±2.5) mV, P<0.05), and impedance was significantly lower at follow-up than before (right ventricle (846±179) Ω vs. (470±65) Ω, P<0.05, local sense: (832±246) Ω vs. (464±63) Ω, P<0.05). The CCM output percentage was (86.9±10.7) %, the output amplitude was (6.7±0.4) V, and the daily operating time was (8.6±1.0) h. LVEF was elevated compared to preoperative ((29.4±5.2) % vs. (38.3±4.3) %, P<0.05), the 6-minute walk test was significantly longer than before ((96.8±66.7)m vs. (289.3±121.7)m, P<0.05). No significant increase in the number of NYHA Class Ⅲ-Ⅳ patients was seen (7/9 vs. 2/9, P>0.05). The patient was not re-hospitalised for worsening heart failure symptoms, had no malignant arrhythmic events and experienced significant relief of symptoms such as chest tightness and shortness of breath. No postoperative complications related to pocket hematoma, pocket infection and rupture, electrode detachment, valve function impairment, pericardial effusion, or cardiac perforation were found. Conclusions: CCM has better short-term safety and efficacy in patients with heart failure.

Primary Small Cell Carcinoma of Hypopharynx-A Case Report of a Rare Tumor from a Tertiary Care Hospital in India

Introduction. Primary hypopharynx involvement of small cell carcinoma is very rare and very few cases have been reported in the texts. Here, we report a case of primary small cell carcinoma of hypopharynx with metastases to left humerus in a female patient of north india. Case Report. A 54 year old woman presented with a 4month history of shortness of breath and neck swelling in the left side. Fibreoptic laryngoscopy and biopsy revealed small cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx. Discussion. Small cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx still does not have any clear modality of treatment due to being a rare entity. Systemic chemotherapy and radiotherapy should be preferred over other treatment modalities.

Ketamine induced acute systolic heart failure

Background: Studies have shown major cardiovascular effects associated with ketamine use disorder including dose-dependent negative inotropic effects. Preoperative ketamine use has been linked to ketamine-induced stress cardiomyopathy. Case presentation: A 28-year-old female with a history of recurrent cystitis and ketamine use disorder (twice weekly for 14 years) presented with bilateral lower extremity oedema and shortness of breath for 3 months. She was tachycardic with a troponin level of 0.07 ng/ml and a B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) level of 2511 pg/ml. Electrocardiogram showed normal sinus rhythm and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) showed left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) of 15%, dilated left ventricle, and severe tricuspid and mitral regurgitation. Computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest and abdomen showed bilateral pleural effusions with congestive hepatopathy and ascites. The patient was started on intravenous furosemide, metoprolol, and sacubitril/valsartan. Rheumatological workup including complement levels, and antinuclear anti-double-stranded DNA was negative. A repeat TTE 2 weeks later revealed an EF of 25% and moderate tricuspid regurgitation. Four months later, the EF was 54% with normal left ventricular cavity size. Conclusion: Although ketamine use disorder is increasing, data on long-term side effects is minimal. Screening for ketamine use disorders should be considered in patients presenting with acute systolic heart failure. Long-term studies are needed to evaluate the benefits of adding ketamine screening to standard urine toxicology.

Surfactant protein D as a marker of persistent impairment of the lungs diffusion capacity in the long-term period in patients who had suffered from severe COVID-19

Introduction. The long-term consequences of COVID-19 (СOrona VIrus Disease 2019) for the respiratory system represent a socially significant problem. Long-lasting respiratory symptoms and functional changes in individuals who have suffered coronavirus infection justify the need to study pathogenetic mechanisms. There is little study of epithelial biomarkers and their potential role in the development of long-term respiratory complications.Aim. Тo study the level of the circulating marker surfactant protein- D (SP-D) in patients who suffered severe COVID-19-associated lung damage at 3 and 12 months after the acute form and its relation with indicators of respiratory function.Materials and methods. The study included 70 patients who were examined at 3 and 12 months after the acute phase of COVID-19, which occurred with severe and extremely severe lung damage. Patients underwent a comprehensive study of respiratory function (spirography, bodyplethysmography and diffusion test), a 6-minute step test with quantitative assessment of shortness of breath, both during exercise and in daily life; the study also determined the serum level of surfactant protein-D.Results. The results of the study indicate that 57% of patients who have suffered severe COVID-19-associated lung damage remain persistently impaired in the diffusion capacity of the lungs throughout the year. It was found that the level of SP-D was increased in all patients 3 months after the acute phase of the disease, but in the group with reduced DLco this level was significantly higher after 3 and 12 months (469 ng/ml and 295 ng/ml, respectively).Conclusion. Persistent impairments in the diffusion capacity of the lungs in some patients persist a year after suffering a severe form of COVID-19. Elevated SP-D levels have been found to be associated with decreased lung diffusion capacity. Thus, SP-D can be considered as a potential biomarker of lung injury severity in the long-term period of COVID-19.

The concomitant occurrence of hidradenitis suppurativa and Fournier’s gangrene

Background: Fournier’s gangrene represents a life-threatening necrotising infection affecting the perineal region, while hidradenitis suppurativa is characterised by a chronic inflammatory skin condition. The simultaneous occurrence of both conditions is exceedingly rare. Case description: A 42-year-old female with a documented history of severe untreated hidradenitis suppurativa presented for shortness of breath, fever and lethargy, along with extensive wounds and skin breakdown involving the left axilla, perineum, lower back, lumbosacral region and bilateral gluteal areas, extending to the perineum. Upon presentation, the patient was in a state of septic shock, and a diagnosis of actively manifesting Fournier’s gangrene was established at the site of the pre-existing hidradenitis suppurativa lesions. Despite the implementation of an aggressive multidisciplinary approach incorporating surgical interventions, antibiotic therapy and intensive care measures, the patient’s condition deteriorated, culminating in septic shock, multi-organ failure and eventual demise. In this report, we discuss both clinical entities, their similarities and differences, and the possible mechanisms by which they may have co-occurred. Conclusion: The co-existence of hidradenitis suppurativa and Fournier’s gangrene poses unique challenges, given the rapid progression of Fournier’s gangrene within the context of hidradenitis suppurativa, potentially suggesting the latter as a predisposing factor. This case underscores the importance of vigilant screening and management of hidradenitis suppurativa.

Pulmonary Embolism Associated with Gluteal Vein Thrombosis

Abstract Deep vein thrombosis is commonly associated with pulmonary embolism (PE). However, gluteal vein thrombosis associated with PE is not widely reported. A 39-year-old female complaining of shortness of breath and menorrhagia was evaluated by the gynecologist. Magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of her abdomen and pelvis revealed a left superior gluteal vein thrombus. In view of the patient’s dyspnea and elevated D-dimer, the patient underwent computed tomography pulmonary angiogram, which showed the presence of bilateral PE. The patient’s symptoms improved after anticoagulation with rivaroxaban. This case report highlights the association of gluteal vein thrombosis with PE.

Empowering Recovery: Knowledge, Attitude, and Experience among the Physiotherapy Fraternity for Long COVID Rehabilitation: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in the rehabilitation of long COVID. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and experiences of the physiotherapy community in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) regarding the management of long-term COVID-19. Methods: Conducted as a cross-sectional study utilizing convenient sampling through an online survey, it involved physiotherapists and physiotherapy students throughout the United Arab Emirates, achieving a response rate of 434 (93.13%). Results: Fatigue (76%) and shortness of breath (56.2%) were the most commonly reported symptoms, with the Generic PROMIS (51.6%) and Post-COVID-19 Functional Status Scale (41.7%) being the most utilized outcome tools. Sixty-eight percent of participants felt confident in differentiating between COVID-19 complications and long COVID symptoms, whereas 18.7% were unsure, and 13% admitted difficulty in differentiation. The approaches reported for managing long COVID included graded exercise, symptom-titrated physical activity, and pacing exercise principles (63.21%, 37.79%, and 31.8%, respectively), alongside exercise capacity tests like the 1-minute sit-to-stand and 10MWT (71.9%) for screening and recommending physical activity. A significant majority (87.3%) expressed a desire for more information on long COVID rehabilitation, and 87.8% showed interest in specialized training. However, gaps were identified in screening and prescribing exercise or physical activity for long-term COVID-19 rehabilitation. Conclusions: There is a need for regular updates on long-term COVID science and education, emphasizing the spectrum of long-term COVID symptoms versus emerging complications, and skill training in advanced respiratory physiotherapy care or exercise training specifically for long-term COVID. This will aid in integrating recent clinical practice guidelines more effectively.

Clinical characteristics and follow-up analysis of 63 cases of silicosis complicated with cavity-pulmonary tuberculosis

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics and prognosis of silicosis complicated with cavity-pulmonary tuberculosis. Methods: The clinical data of 63 patients with silicosis complicated with cavity-pulmonary tuberculosis (group A) and silicosis patients (group B) admitted to Yantaishan Hospital from July 2018 to July 2022 were collected and analyzed. Results: Patients in group A were all male, and the common symptoms were cough, expectoration, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and hemoptysis. CT cavity lesions involving the lung, often occurs in the lung after the tip section, after the back section and basal segment, thick-walled cavity, may be accompanied by satellite lesions, endobronchial spread focal, pneumothorax, pleural effusion, etc. 1225 cases of group B patients haemoptysis of 59 patients, cavity in 3 patients, haemoptysis and/or cavity rate was lower than that in group A, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05) . In group A, CT reexamination 6-24 months after anti-tuberculosis treatment showed that 52 cases (82.5%) had cavity reduction/healing, 8 cases (12.7%) had recurrence, and 3 cases (4.8%) had damaged lung (2 died) . Conclusion: Silicosis patients with hemoptysis and/or CT in cavity should be more vigilant about combined tuberculosis, anti-tuberculosis treatment and/or dynamic CT follow-up helps laboratory diagnosis negative patients.

Molecular epidemiological and clinical infection characteristics analysis of Ralstonia.

This study was to clarify the molecular epidemiology and clinical infection characteristics of Ralstonia pickettii and establish sequence typing system. 48 nonrepetitive Ralstonia pickettii strains were collected from January 2008 to December 2013 at the Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital (PLAGH) and were identified through a specific PCR experiment, 16S rDNA experiment and VITEK 2 system to compare the identification accuracy. The sequence types of the strains were analyzed by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) method. The antibiotic sensitivity of these strains was determined with disc diffusion tests and broth microdilution method. The clinical data of Ralstonia pickettii infected patients were collected. All of the 48 strains were identified as Ralstonia pickettii by VITEK 2 system. 30 and 34 strains were identified as Ralstonia pickettii by PCR and 16S rDNA experiment respectively. ST9 was the most sequence types (STs) in these 18 STs of 42 strains. 42 strains were divided into 2 groups (A and B) and 18 genotypes. Ralstonia pickettii was sensitive to some cephalosporins, β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor, levofloxacin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Cough, sputum, shortness of breath and pulmonary rales were the common clinical symptoms of most Ralstonia pickettii infected patients. We established a sequence typing system with a relatively fine resolution and the PCR assay is a faster and more sensitive method for clinical identification of Ralstonia pickettii. ST9 is the most common sequence types of Ralstonia pickettii. The most common clinical characteristics of Ralstonia pickettii infected patients were cough, sputum, shortness of breath and pulmonary rales.

Clinical characteristics and changes in serum CXCL10 and CXCL16 levels in patients with severe mycoplasma pneumonia.

To explore the clinical characteristics and changes in serum CXCL10 and CXCL16 in patients with severe mycoplasma pneumonia, and to analyze the risk factors of severe mycoplasma pneumonia. About 258 children with acute mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) admitted to the respiratory department of a certain hospital from January 2020 to December 2022 were selected as the study subjects. According to the severity of MPP, patients are divided into 2 groups, namely the mild illness group (Q group) and the severe illness group (Z group). The number of cases in these 2 groups of children is 167 and 91, respectively. The serum CXCL10, CXCL16, and other indicators of 2 groups are tested. Compared to group Q, patients in group Z have a higher proportion of extrapulmonary complications, longer cough time, longer shortness of breath, and longer wheezing time (P < .05). The serum CXCL16 is higher and the proportion of pleural effusion is higher (P < .01). There are more cases of fever, longer fever duration, longer hospital stay, higher serum CXCL10, and higher D-dimer levels (P < .001). The area under the curve of the probability curve for predicting severe mycoplasma pneumonia is 0.975 (P < .05). Children with severe mycoplasma pneumonia have significantly longer fever duration and hospital stay than those with mild symptoms. The serum levels of CXCL10 and CXCL16 are significantly elevated.

Improvement Functional Capacity In Adult After Percutaneous ASD Closure

This case report describes a 24-year-old woman with a secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) who underwent successful percutaneous ASD closure with significant improvement in symptoms and functional capacity. The patient presented with easy fatigue and shortness of breath on exertion for 10 years. Echocardiography revealed a large secundum ASD with moderate to severe tricuspid regurgitation, mild mitral regurgitation, mild pulmonary regurgitation, and dilatation of the right atrium and ventricle. Right heart catheterization confirmed a large left-to-right shunt and pulmonary hypertension. The patient underwent ASD closure with a Figulla Flex II device, resulting in immediate improvement of hemodynamics. Follow-up at 3 and 6 months demonstrated decreased right ventricular size, improved left ventricular function, and increased exercise caapacity. This case highlights the benefits of ASD closure in improving symptoms and cardiac function, even in patients with longstanding right ventricular dilation.

Perinatal exposure to traffic related air pollutants and the risk of infection in the first six months of life: a cohort study from a low-middle income country

ObjectiveThere is limited study from low-and-middle income countries on the effect of perinatal exposure to air pollution and the risk of infection in infant. We assessed the association between perinatal exposure to traffic related air pollution and the risk of infection in infant during their first six months of life.MethodsA prospective cohort study was performed in Jakarta, March 2016–September 2020 among 298 mother-infant pairs. PM2.5, soot, NOx, and NO2 concentrations were assessed using land use regression models (LUR) at individual level. Repeated interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to obtain data on infection at 1, 2, 4 and 6 months of age. The infections were categorized as upper respiratory tract (runny nose, cough, wheezing or shortness of breath), lower respiratory tract (pneumonia, bronchiolitis) or gastrointestinal tract infection. Logistic regression models adjusted for covariates were used to assess the association between perinatal exposure to air pollution and the risk of infection in the first six months of life.ResultsThe average concentrations of PM2.5 and NO2 were much higher than the WHO recommended levels. Upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) were much more common in the first six months of life than diagnosed lower respiratory tract or gastro-intestinal infections (35.6%, 3.5% and 5.8% respectively). Perinatal exposure to PM2.5 and soot suggested increase cumulative risk of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) in the first 6 months of life per IQR increase with adjusted OR of 1.50 (95% CI 0.91; 2.47) and 1.14 (95% CI 0.79; 1.64), respectively. Soot was significantly associated with the risk of URTI at 4–6 months age interval (aOR of 1.45, 95%CI 1.02; 2.09). All air pollutants were also positively associated with lower respiratory tract infection, but all CIs include unity because of relatively small samples. Adjusted odds ratios for gastrointestinal infections were close to unity.ConclusionOur study adds to the evidence that perinatal exposure to fine particles is associated with respiratory tract infection in infants in a low-middle income country.

Geo-visualizing the hotspots of smog-induced health effects in district Gujranwala, Pakistan: a community perspective.

This study aims to examine the health effects of smog on different age groups in Gujranwala and its associated health effects. To achieve this, primary data was gathered through a questionnaire survey focused on health issues faced by elderly individuals during the smog season. The results of the survey revealed that older adults in Gujranwala are particularly vulnerable to a range of health problems during this period, including coughing, throat infections, irritated eyes, runny noses, shortness of breath, chest pain while breathing, wheezing, asthma, heart problems, and respiratory issues. In order to analyze the spatial distribution of these health concerns, spatial and geo-statistical methods were employed utilizing ArcGIS 10.5. By integrating field data and secondary sources, hotspot and cold spot zones were identified. Employing the statistical model within ArcMap 10.5, hotspot analysis was performed to determine areas with elevated air quality index (AQI) values and associated health problems. The application of the inverse distance weighted approach, incorporating the Z value, facilitated a visual representation of areas with heightened and reduced AQI and health-related issues. The study's outcomes underscore the prevalence of health challenges among older adults during the winter months in Gujranwala, particularly linked to smog-induced throat infections, irritated eyes, and runny noses. The research identified zones with escalated AQI values, encompassing regions such as Gujranwala, Chandaqella, Alam Chowk, Khali Shahpur, Sialkot Bypass, and Pindi Bypass. It was established that industrial pollutants and vehicular emissions are the primary contributors to smog in the area. Given the detrimental consequences of pollution on individuals of all age groups, it is imperative to take action to mitigate its impact. This can be achieved through addressing pollution sources, implementing effective emission control measures, and fostering public awareness. By adopting proactive measures, the adverse health effects of pollution can be minimized, thereby fostering a healthier and safer environment for the entire population. This study offers valuable insights for policymakers and environmentalists to implement targeted interventions and improve air quality, ultimately safeguarding the health of local populations.