| Authors | Silver, J.D. Sutherland, M.F. Johnston, F.H. Lampugnani, E.R. McCarthy, M.A. Jacobs, S.J. Pezza, A.B. Newbigin, E. |
|---|---|
| Type | Journal Article (Original Research) |
| Journal | PLoSOne |
| PubMed ID | 29649224 |
| Year of Publication | 2018 |
| URL | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29649224 |
| DOI | /10.1371/journal.pone.0194929 |
| Download |  journalpone_0194929_.pdf (2.0 MB) |
| Abstract | We examine the seasonality of asthma-related hospital admissions in Melbourne, Australia, in particular the contribution and predictability of episodic thunderstorm asthma. Using a time-series ecological approach based on asthma admissions to Melbourne metropolitan hospitals, we identified seasonal peaks in asthma admissions that were centred in late February, June and mid-November. These peaks were most likely due to the return to school, winter viral infections and seasonal allergies, respectively. We performed non-linear statistical regression to predict daily admission rates as functions of the seasonal cycle, weather conditions, reported thunderstorms, pollen counts and air quality. Important predictor variables were the seasonal cycle and mean relative humidity in the preceding two weeks, with higher humidity associated with higher asthma admissions. Although various attempts were made to model asthma admissions, none of the models explained substantially more variation above that associated with the annual cycle. We also identified a list of high asthma admissions days (HAADs). Most HAADs fell in the late-February return-to-school peak and the November allergy peak, with the latter containing the greatest number of daily admissions. Many HAADs in the spring allergy peak may represent episodes of thunderstorm asthma, as they were associated with rainfall, thunderstorms, high ambient grass pollen levels and high humidity, a finding that suggests thunderstorm asthma is a recurrent phenomenon in Melbourne that occurs roughly once per five years. The rarity of thunderstorm asthma events makes prediction challenging, underscoring the importance of maintaining high standards of asthma management, both for patients and health professionals, especially during late spring and early summer. |
http://www.ibas.org.au/what-we-do/publications/3872990
Each year in Australia 260 people sustain a SCI, with over half losing full function in their arms and legs (quadriplegia). In addition to the primary disability, there is a very high rate of Obstructive...
Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing is abnormal during sleep. There are two main forms of sleep apnea: obstructive and central. For obstructive sleep apnea, breathing is reduced because the airway...
IBAS DIRECTOR ANNA BURKE UNVEILING OF HER PORTRAIT AT CANBERRA'S PARLIAMENT HOUSE
Anna Burke had barely got into the swing of her speech at the unveiling of her portrait at Canberra's Parliament House when the ringing of bells caused half her audience to hurry away
THUNDERSTORM ASTHMA EXPECTED TO RETURN IN 2017
The Morning Show - Thunderstorm asthma expected to return in 2017. The Daily Edition - Thunderstorm Asthma is an unexpected killer. Better Health Channel - Thunderstorm asthma explained. Professor Christine McDonald
NATIONAL STUDY OFFERS HOPE FOR BREATHLESSNESS
A national medication study is aiming to help thousands of Australians who struggle every day with shortness of breath
With your support we will build a life-changing Centre of Excellence in Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, improving quality of life and health outcomes for Victorians who struggle to breathe and sleep
© 2019 Institute for Breathing and Sleep. All Rights Reserved.
Powered by Helmut Design | Manage
