Respiratory Health Research Articles

Respiratory diseases and mortality in non-traumatic patients exposed to the 2023 Türkiye earthquake disasters: a retrospective observational study

ObjectiveOn 6 February 2023, two massive earthquakes occurred in Kahramanmaras province in Türkiye. In addition to direct physical damage, earthquakes can also significantly affect individuals’ respiratory health in the postdisaster...

Precarious work and its impact on health: a study of female textile workers in Lahore and Faisalabad

IntroductionThis study aimed to examine work conditions, wage disparities, and health outcomes among female textile workers in Lahore and Faisalabad districts, employing a cross-sectional design to survey 541 participants.MethodsUtilizing the Respiratory Health Questionnaire, validated with a Cronbach alpha of 0.7762, alongside OLS and Logit regression models, the research investigated the interplay between employment conditions and health risks.ResultsThe analysis revealed significant wage discrepancies, with permanent employees earning PKR 1,896 more on average than their temporary counterparts (p < 0.01), and identified a strong correlation between employment type, excessive work hours, and health issues. Permanent contracts were associated with a 2.4-fold increase in the likelihood of excessive work hours (p < 0.01), while higher wages and dustier work environments were positively correlated with longer working hours. Conversely, social security benefits were linked to reduced excessive work hours (OR = 0.060956, p < 0.01). Furthermore, precarious work conditions, notably overtime and temporary contracts, significantly elevated the risk of respiratory problems and other health issues, with overtime work markedly increasing the likelihood of adverse health outcomes, including blood phlegm (OR = 11.285, p < 0.01) and fatigue (OR = 7.579, p < 0.01).DiscussionThe findings underscore the critical need for policy interventions to improve work conditions, enforce minimum wage and work hour standards, and ensure the provision of social security benefits to mitigate health risks among this vulnerable worker group.

Microbial alterations in the lungs of children with chronic pulmonary aspiration

IntroductionChronic pulmonary aspiration (CPA), a common complication of pediatric dysphagia, poses significant risks to respiratory health, potentially leading to bronchiectasis and permanent lung damage. Despite its clinical impact, the mechanisms underlying aspiration-related lung injury remain unclear. This study investigates the microbial alterations in the lungs of children with CPA and their association with immune responses.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from children diagnosed with CPA and from controls without swallowing difficulties. Data were collected from patients who underwent bronchoscopy at the University Hospital Düsseldorf between 2010 and 2022. Microbial profiles—including bacterial, viral, and fungal components—and immune cell populations, were assessed to explore the relationship between microbial colonization and immune response in CPA.ResultsThe study included 371 children, of whom 48 had CPA. The CPA group exhibited altered microbial colonization, with an increased prevalence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacterales. While the presence of mixed upper respiratory flora did not differ significantly between groups, pathogenic bacteria were more frequently detected in CPA patients. Notably, total leukocyte counts were elevated in the CPA group, yet neutrophilia was absent.DiscussionOur findings suggest that children with CPA have a distinct lung microbial composition, characterized by increased colonization of Enterobacterales and P. aeruginosa. These microbial changes may contribute to the pathogenesis of aspiration-related lung disease. Further research is needed to determine whether microbial colonization directly contributes to lung damage in and assess long-term consequences.ConclusionMicrobial dysbiosis in the lungs of children with CPA underscores the need for targeted interventions to prevent or mitigate aspiration-related lung disease. A deeper understanding of microbial colonization in CPA may pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies and improved patient outcomes.

Air pollution and respiratory health risks in Jharkhand: a remote sensing and statistical approach.

Air pollution has been worse since the Industrial Revolution and is now a significant health issue around the world. In this study, we have focused on assessing spatiotemporal changes in air pollution and its impact on public health status in Jharkhand using MODIS aerosol optical depth (AOD), concentration of particulate matter like PM2.5 and respirable suspended particulate matter (PM10), SO2, and NO2, along with detailed statistics of number of asthma patients collected from the Annual Health Survey, Census of India. The study reveals that most districts in the northern and eastern boundaries of the state have higher concentrations of PM2.5 and AOD values, while the southwestern part has lower concentrations. The highest decadal mean ± SD AOD was found in Godda district (0.432 ± 0.05), while the lowest was in Gumla district (0.202 ± 0.02). Potential regional variations in air quality are highlighted by the assessment of PM2.5 concentrations, which shows a distinct geographical pattern with both decadal and annual mean levels consistently increasing from the southwestern region to the eastern and northern portions of the study region. Aerosol loading increased by 13.95% and 2.945% over the study area from 2010 to 2013, respectively. The predominance of RSPM in-ground monitoring stations was observed, with annual concentrations higher than the national ambient air quality level due to proximity to mining zones or industrial activities. Jamshedpur and Dhanbad cities also showed higher annual concentrations of NO2. The study found that urban populations are 49.75% more affected than rural populations, with male-urban populations being more affected by 23.60% and female-urban populations by 58.26%. The average growth rate of total patients diagnosed with asthma was 92.84% and 90.13% from 2010 to 2013, respectively. Rural populations are more affected by air pollution due to their involvement in anthropogenic activities like wood and metal workshops, brick kilns, construction work, mining, and cement industries. Thus, both the short- and long-term studies infer that the variation in the mean concentration of PM2.5 and AOD throughout the study region is positively and significantly correlated with the number of persons who reported having asthma. The study provides a detailed insight into air pollution assessment and its impacts on public health, helping the government and policymakers adopt new policies to mitigate and manage air pollution levels and improve public health status in the study area.

Impact of SGLT-2i on COPD Exacerbations in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Impact of SGLT-2i on COPD Exacerbations in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The effect of air pollution on morbidity and mortality among children aged under five in sub-Saharan Africa: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Air pollution from indoor and outdoor sources constitutes a substantial health risk to young children in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Although some systematic reviews have assessed air pollution and children's respiratory health in SSA, none have considered both ambient and indoor exposures. This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the effect of air pollution (ambient and indoor) on respiratory hospitalization and mortality among children under five years in SSA. We retrieved relevant articles from PubMed, Embase, Scopus, African Journals Online (AJOL), Web of Science, and medRxiv. The protocol was registered with Prospero (CRD42023470010). We used guidelines from the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA-2020) to guide the systematic review process. Risk of bias was assessed using the Office of Health Assessment and Translation (OHAT) quality appraisal tool. For exposures where there were sufficient studies/data we conducted meta-analyses using random effects models and used Stata version 17 software for analysis. For the systematic review we screened 5619 titles and abstracts, reviewed 315 full texts, and included 31 articles involving 2,178,487 participants. Eleven studies examined exposure to solid fuel use in households and its association with all-cause mortality, while four studies explored the impact of passive smoking on mortality among children under five. Only two studies assessed ambient air pollution's effects on all-cause and respiratory-related mortality. Additionally, 13 studies reported varying associations between respiratory hospitalization and household tobacco smoke exposure. Meta-analyses on studies of solid fuel use and mortality and passive smoking and hospitalizations showed that children exposed to indoor solid fuels combustion had higher odds of mortality compared to non-exposed children (OR = 1.31; 95% CI: 1.16-1.47). The meta-analysis of exposure to second-hand smoke found an increased risk of respiratory hospitalization due to pneumonia, although the results were not significant (OR = 1.29; 95% CI: 0.45-3.68), and our certainty of evidence assessment indicated insufficient support to conclusively establish this association. Our review reveals that solid fuel use and ambient PM2.5 exposure were associated with increased mortality risk in children under five years in SSA. The meta-analysis showed evidence of an increased risk of under-five years mortality associated with solid fuel use in households. Associations between secondhand smoke and pneumonia hospitalization were less clear. We conclude that significant research gaps remain in understanding the impact of discrete sources of air pollution on the causation of respiratory illness in young children living in SSA. Prioritizing interventions targeting indoor sources is essential, along with further studies which use standardized and objective exposure and outcome measures to study these associations.

Cardiotoxicity of Microplastics: An Emerging Cardiovascular Risk Factor.

The widespread use of plastics and improper disposal have resulted in the ubiquity of microplastics in the environment, from uninhabited polar regions to terrestrial ecosystems. This ubiquity poses significant health concerns for our environment and health. Various in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo studies have indicated microplastic toxicity in humans' respiratory, digestive, neurological, reproductive, and developmental health. Recent studies have pointed out that these microplastics also have cardiovascular toxicity. Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) are the number one killer in the world, with over 20 million annual deaths worldwide. Hence, microplastics, as a potential risk factor for CVDs, can result in a significant increase in mortality and morbidity because almost everyone is currently exposed to microplastics. This perspective article explores the toxic effects of microplastics on cardiovascular human health. It focuses on various studies that have found microplastics from human arteries/cardiac tissues and their potential role in atherosclerosis and subsequent increases in myocardial infarction, stroke, and mortality. Studies reported the presence of various microplastics, such as polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyamide, and polystyrene, in cardiac tissues and arteries (coronary, aorta, cerebral, and carotid). Studies have suggested a potential negative correlation between microplastics and cardiovascular health, with the presence or increased concentration of microplastics linked to greater severity of health issues. Still, a causal relationship is yet to be established. Future studies, such as cohorts, should focus on deciphering and establishing whether microplastics are a potential cardiovascular risk factor.

The dual role of tropospheric ozone in controlling COVID-19 outbreaks

Abstract The coronavirus disease COVID-19 is primarily transmitted through person-to-person contact, but meteorological conditions may influence its spread and severity. High levels of indoor ozone are known to inactivate the virus, yet the impact of low-level tropospheric ozone remains unclear. We thus hypothesized that tropospheric ozone, influenced by seasonal conditions, may mitigate viral spread. We studied the influence of ozone concentration, temperature, and humidity on the COVID-19 reproduction number in three large Israeli cities during 2020–2021. The effect of these parameters was also analyzed in laboratory experiments on viral inactivation. Field results show that in winter, under low temperature and low humidity, the COVID-19 reproduction number decreases with an increase in ozone concentration. In contrast, in the summer, under high temperature and high humidity, the COVID-19 reproduction number increases weakly with an increase in ozone concentration. This seasonal variation is attributed to ozone’s dual effects. Indeed, in winter, ozone inactivates the virus, whereas in summer, ozone primarily impacts human respiratory health, which indirectly favors COVID-19 transmission. Nonetheless, experimental results did not fully align with the field survey, showing increased virus inactivation with an increase in temperature.

Association between ambient particulate matter and respiratory health among schoolchildren in Dar es Salaam city, Tanzania: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundUrbanization and industrial activities have significantly contributed to the deterioration of air quality, with ambient particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) posing a major public health concern in most cities of developing countries. The impact of these pollutants on respiratory health, particularly that of schoolchildren, has remained inadequately studied.ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the level of ambient particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and its association with respiratory symptoms among school children in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study targeting schoolchildren aged 9–16 to investigate the impact of air pollution on respiratory health. A sample of 427 children was selected through stratified random sampling, which combined primary and secondary data. Standardized questionnaires and air quality monitoring for PM exposure were used to collect data. Analysis methods included descriptive statistics, and logistic regression to elucidate the association between PM exposure and respiratory symptoms.ResultsThe prevalence of respiratory symptoms among the schoolchildren was notably high, with 35.1% reporting coughing, 26.7% wheezing, 31.4% breathlessness, and 28.1% severe chest illness. Significant associations were found between proximity to pollution sources (OR = 3.4, 95% CI: 2.3–5.0, p < 0.001 for coughing; OR = 7.0, 95% CI: 2.9–17.2, p < 0.001 for wheezing; OR = 3.9, 95% CI: 2.3–6.6, p < 0.001 for breathlessness; OR = 6.4, 95% CI: 3.3–12.0, p < 0.001 for severe chest illness), household smoking (OR = 1.2, 95% CI: 1.02–1.4, p < 0.05 for wheezing; OR = 1.2, 95% CI: 1.01–1.4, p < 0.05 for severe chest illness), and the use of biomass for cooking (OR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.4–4.0, p < 0.01 for wheezing; OR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.4–3.8, p < 0.01 for severe chest illness) with the occurrence of respiratory symptoms. Ambient PM levels, particularly PM2.5 and PM10, exceeded WHO limits in several locations. WHO recommends PM2.5 levels below 5 µg/m3 and PM10 below 15 µg/m3, while Dar es Salaam recorded PM2.5 between 35–50 µg/m3 and PM10 between 75–100 µg/m3, significantly higher than recommended.ConclusionThe study emphasizes the significant impact of air pollution on the respiratory health of schoolchildren in Dar es Salaam and calls for targeted interventions to reduce particulate matter exposure, particularly in high-risk urban areas of Dar es salaam, Tanzania.

The state of wildfire and health research: emerging trends, challenges and gaps.

The increasing frequency and severity of wildfires, exacerbated by climate change, population growth and land use changes, have escalated public health risks. These events are associated with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and adverse mental health outcomes. Vulnerable populations, including children, older people and those with pre-existing health conditions, face particularly high risks. This study evaluates the existing literature on wildfire-related health impacts. Key variables include publication frequency, geographic distribution, collaborative networks and funding patterns. Findings reveal a concentration of research in high-income regions, particularly North America and Europe, with limited studies from wildfire-prone but under-represented areas such as Latin America, Oceania, Africa and the Caribbean. This geographical disparity restricts comprehensive understanding and effective public health responses to wildfire impacts. The analysis also underscores the need for interdisciplinary approaches. Wildfires continue to pose significant global public health challenges. There is a critical need for more inclusive research efforts, enhanced international collaboration and a stronger focus on health-specific outcomes, especially in under-represented regions. Expanding research in these areas is essential to inform effective public health policies and interventions that address the health risks posed by wildfires worldwide.

Fabrication of Flexible Thin Films from Sodium Alginate Biopolymer Composites for Smart Wearable Sensors Targeting Respiratory Health

Fabrication of Flexible Thin Films from Sodium Alginate Biopolymer Composites for Smart Wearable Sensors Targeting Respiratory Health

Protocol for microbial profiling of low-biomass upper respiratory tract samples.

Protocol for microbial profiling of low-biomass upper respiratory tract samples.

Gut-lung Axis mediates asthma pathogenesis: Roles of dietary patterns and their impact on the gut microbiota.

Gut-lung Axis mediates asthma pathogenesis: Roles of dietary patterns and their impact on the gut microbiota.

Wet and dry cough classification using cough sound characteristics and machine learning: A systematic review.

Wet and dry cough classification using cough sound characteristics and machine learning: A systematic review.

From Microbial Ecology to Clinical Challenges: The Respiratory Microbiome’s Role in Antibiotic Resistance

Antibiotic resistance represents a growing public health threat, with airborne drug-resistant strains being especially alarming due to their ease of transmission and association with severe respiratory infections. The respiratory microbiome plays a pivotal role in maintaining respiratory health, influencing the dynamics of antibiotic resistance among airborne pathogenic microorganisms. In this context, this review proposes the exploration of the complex interplay between the respiratory microbiota and antimicrobial resistance, highlighting the implications of microbiome diversity in health and disease. Moreover, strategies to mitigate antibiotic resistance, including stewardship programs, alternatives to traditional antibiotics, probiotics, microbiota restoration techniques, and nanotechnology-based therapeutic interventions, are critically presented, setting an updated framework of current management options. Therefore, through a better understanding of respiratory microbiome roles in antibiotic resistance, alongside emerging therapeutic strategies, this paper aims to shed light on how the global health challenges posed by multi-drug-resistant pathogens can be addressed.

Respiratory Health Conditions Associated with Long-Term Exposure to Air Pollution Across Different Age Groups: A Systematic Review

Air pollution has been regarded as a significant concern in environmental and human health. Various sources of air pollutants such as motor vehicles, coal combustion, and industrial processes are noted as the major generators of hazardous air pollutants including PM10, PM2.5, CO, CO2, SO2, and O3. Human exposure to air pollution poses great risks of developing respiratory health conditions such as asthma, COPD, and pneumonia, which is becoming a serious concern especially to vulnerable age groups. This systematic review aims to underscore the existing respiratory health conditions associated with the exposure to long-term air pollution among different age groups. This review employed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Framework to establish a comprehensive collection and selection of relevant data aligned with this review's objectives. Findings have found nine (9) air pollutants from indoor and outdoor sources, PM10 being the contaminant having the highest concentration of 205.23 μg/m3 , which is somewhat regarded as relatively harmless among healthy people. Findings also highlight that the elderly are among the age groups that are at the highest risk to long-term exposure to air pollution. Additionally, findings indicate that PM and NO2 are the top 2 air pollutants that show direct correlation between exposure and an increased risk of developing respiratory health conditions. Finally, results of this systematic review call for further development of risk assessment concerning exposure of the elderly to air pollution in order to provide a proper set of standards and guidelines.

Respiratory health and chronic disease risks in residents of agricultural areas in Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand

Respiratory health and chronic disease risks are prevalent concerns in agricultural communities in Northern Thailand, prompting an assessment of these issues among residents in Chiang Mai. A cross-sectional study involving 145 participants was conducted in San Pa Tong District from October to December 2023, utilizing structured questionnaires and spirometry tests to evaluate lung function and chronic health disease risk. The study found that education and income significantly impacted lung function, with better FVC% and FEV1/FVC% predicted values observed in those with primary education and lower income. Lower DM risk was associated with better lung function (P = 0.023). Logistic regression showed a significant increase in lung function impairment among participants with high to very high DM risk (aOR 9.06, p &lt; 0.05). High CV and COPD risk levels also correlated with lung function impairment, though not all results were statistically significant. The results emphasize the intricate interplay between socioeconomic factors, chronic disease risks, and lung function, advocating for public health interventions that holistically address population respiratory and metabolic health.

Plant species selection and participatory community co-design are essential in balancing ecosystem services and disservices in urban areas

Abstract Balancing the benefits and disservices of urban green infrastructure is critical for sustainable city planning. While urban vegetation provides ecosystem services such as air quality improvement and heat reduction, it can also contribute to air pollution through the emission of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs), and pollen can exacerbate respiratory health issues and allergies within communities. Chicago’s environmental and health disparities make it a critical case for examining the complex interactions between urban vegetation and air quality. This paper evaluates how plant species selection and participatory community co-design can address these challenges, focusing on Humboldt Park, Chicago, IL, and Evanston, IL, as case studies. Community-driven initiatives, such as those led by the Puerto Rican Agenda in Humboldt Park, are essential in mitigating negative impacts on air quality through informed species selection. This approach ensures that urban greening strategies balance ecological benefits with improve air quality and prevents health disparities.

Epidemiological Study on the Impact of Urban Air Pollution on Residents' Respiratory Health

With the rapid advancement of industrialization and urbanization, urban air pollution has become a global environmental problem, posing a serious threat to the respiratory health of residents. This study explored the relationship between urban air pollution and residents' respiratory health through epidemiological methods. Through the comprehensive analysis of air quality monitoring data, residents' health records and hospital respiratory disease incidence records in several cities, we found that there was a significant correlation between the increase of air pollution concentration and the increase of respiratory disease incidence rate. Especially suspended particulate matter (such as PM2.5), sulfur dioxide and other pollutants pose a particularly prominent threat to respiratory health. These pollutants mainly have a negative impact on the respiratory system by stimulating the respiratory tract, triggering inflammatory reactions, and damaging lung tissue. In addition, susceptible populations such as the elderly and children are more sensitive to air pollution, and their respiratory health is more severely affected.

The impact of screen time on breathing patterns and respiratory health in college students

With increasing digitalization, prolonged screen time has become a prevalent lifestyle factor among college students. While excessive screen use is linked to postural dysfunction, its impact on breathing patterns remains underexplored. This study investigated the relationship between screen time and respiratory function in college students. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 80 students (mean age: 21.4 ± 2.3 years), categorized into low (≤4 hours/day) and high (&gt;4 hours/day) screen time groups. Respiratory assessments included chest expansion, spirometry (FVC, FEV₁), respiratory rate, and breath-holding time. Forward head posture (FHP) was also evaluated. Pearson’s correlation and multiple regression analysis examined associations between screen time and respiratory outcomes. Students with high screen time exhibited significantly reduced chest expansion (p &lt; 0.001), lower FVC and FEV₁ (p &lt; 0.01), increased respiratory rate (p &lt; 0.001), and shorter breath-holding time (p = 0.002). Screen time negatively correlated with chest expansion (r = -0.48, p &lt; 0.001) and positively with respiratory rate (r = 0.52, p &lt; 0.001). Regression analysis indicated screen time and FHP as significant predictors of reduced lung function (R² = 0.41, p &lt; 0.001). These findings suggest prolonged screen exposure alters breathing patterns and impairs respiratory function in college students. Postural correction, breathing exercises, and screen-time management strategies may help mitigate these effects. Future studies should explore long-term implications and interventions to preserve respiratory health in the digital era.