RESUMEN
Weather and climate change are constant and ever-changing processes that affect allergy and asthma. The purpose of this report is to provide information since the last climate change review with a focus on asthmatic disease. PubMed and Internet searches for topics included climate and weather change, air pollution, particulates, greenhouse gasses, traffic, insect habitat, and mitigation in addition to references contributed by the individual authors. Changes in patterns of outdoor aeroallergens caused by increasing temperatures and amounts of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are major factors linked to increased duration of pollen seasons, increased pollen production, and possibly increased allergenicity of pollen. Indoor air pollution threats anticipated from climate changes include microbial and mold growth secondary to flooding, resulting in displacement of persons and need for respiratory protection of exposed workers. Air pollution from indoor burning of mosquito repellants is a potential anticipatory result of an increase in habitat regions. Air pollution from fossil fuel burning and traffic-related emissions can alter respiratory defense mechanisms and work synergistically with specific allergens to enhance immunogenicity to worsen asthma in susceptible subjects. Community efforts can significantly reduce air pollution, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emission and improving air quality. The allergist's approach to weather pattern changes should be integrated and anticipatory to protect at-risk patients.
Asunto(s)
Contaminación del Aire/estadística & datos numéricos , Asma/epidemiología , Cambio Climático/estadística & datos numéricos , Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales/efectos adversos , Hipersensibilidad/epidemiología , Tiempo (Meteorología) , Contaminantes Atmosféricos/inmunología , Contaminación del Aire Interior , Alérgenos/inmunología , Humanos , Riesgo , Estados Unidos/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This paper offers a comprehensive review of interactive mobile allergy and asthma smartphone applications available within the USA in 2018, with an emphasis on interactive asthma apps. RECENT FINDINGS: Primary care and specialty clinicians interested in introducing digital health apps into their practices will soon have more choices, for Apple® and major electronic medical record software companies are investing heavily in the mobile medical marketplace, guaranteeing personal health information and access to care will always be immediately available in one's digital hand. Interactive mobile asthma applications are valuable assets for patients and caregivers alike, for they offer immediate communications between patients and those responsible for providing for their needs.