español Analysis of air quality and asthma in high-altitude residents of the City of La Paz-Bolivia (3600msnm)

Abstract

Introduction. Asthma is a chronic disease that affects millions of people around the world. Air quality is a major factor in triggering asthma symptoms.
Objective. To analyze air quality and asthma in high-altitude residents of the City of La Paz-Bolivia.
Material and methods. Analytical, descriptive and retrospective study. Data was collected from patients diagnosed with asthma at the National Thoracic Institute and at the Bolivian Institute of Altitude Biology. In addition, air quality monitoring of particulate matter was carried out at stations of the Air Quality Monitoring Network.
Results. 56.9% of cases at the National Thorax Institute were women and 45.7% at the Bolivian Institute of Biology. In both institutions, the average age was 47 years and they were overweight and obese. Increases in PM2.5 were recorded in autumn, winter and spring from 2014, 2016 to 2019 and 2015 in all four seasons. PM10 showed increases in autumn and winter from 2014 to 2020 within the established limits. The positive and significant association was observed between PM2.5 concentration and spirometric tests (FVC, PEF and percentage of reversal). The association of PM10 and spirometric tests was statistically significant with FVC, FEV-1 and PEF.
Conclusion. Asthma cases occur on average at 47 years of age with overweight and obesity. The positive association of PM2.5 and PM10 with spirometric tests was observed, with emphasis on PM2.5.