Quality of life of patients with bronchial asthma exposed to gaseous air pollution in the place of residence. (January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ścibor, Monika; Balcerzak, Bartosz; Galbarczyk, Andrzej; Jasienska, Grazyna
• Is Part Of: Sustainable cities and society. Volume 64(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-01
• Subjects: Quality of life -- Asthma -- Health -- Public health -- Air pollution; Sustainable urban development -- Periodicals; Sustainable buildings -- Periodicals; Urban ecology (Sociology) -- Periodicals; 307.76
• DOI: 10.1016/j.scs.2020.102541
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2210-6707

Abstract

Highlights: Air pollutants affect quality of life in asthmatic patients. High concentrations of NO, NO2, NOx influence asthmatic patients. Well-being of asthmatic patients should be protected by air quality standards. Abstract: Research on the relationship between health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and air pollution is still limited. The aim of the study was to estimate the potential impact of main gaseous air pollutants on HRQoL of asthma patients. The study was carried out in a city where air quality standards are frequently exceeded (Krakow, Poland). The participants of the study were 300 patients, 20–80 years old with asthma. Their exposure to air pollution was assessed based on the data from fixed-site monitors. The Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ) was used as a standardised tool to measure the health-related quality of life. We found significant associations between HRQoL and the concentration of nitrogen oxides (NO, NO2, NOx ). Exposure to these pollutants negatively affected almost all domains of AQLQ (symptoms, activity limitation, emotional function, environmental stimuli). For gases in concentrations indicating lower than moderate levels of exposure, (SO2, CO) the results were inconclusive. Increased levels of exposure to gaseous air pollutants, especially to nitrogen oxides, influence not only the functioning of the respiratory system of asthma patients, but also their quality of life. This should be taken into account when developing an environmental health policy that seeks to achieve sustainable development objectives.