scholarly journals Air Pollution Increases the Incidence of Upper Respiratory Tract Symptoms among Polish Children

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 2150
Author(s):  
Aleksandra Ratajczak ◽  
Artur Badyda ◽  
Piotr Oskar Czechowski ◽  
Adam Czarnecki ◽  
Michał Dubrawski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Particulate Matter ◽  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Runny Nose ◽  
Number Of Children ◽  
Pm10 And Pm2.5 ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Upper Respiratory ◽  
Pm2.5 And Pm10

A substantial proportion of airway disease’s global burden is attributable to exposure to air pollution. This study aimed to investigate the association between air pollution, assessed as concentrations of particulate matter PM2.5 and PM10 on the upper respiratory tract symptoms (URTS) in children. A nation-wide, questionnaire-based study was conducted in Poland in winter 2018/2019 in a population of 1475 children, comparing URTS throughout the study period with publicly available data on airborne particulate matter. A general regression model was used to evaluate the lag effects between daily changes in PM10 and PM2.5 and the number of children reporting URTS and their severity. PM10 and PM2.5 in the single-pollutant models had significant effects on the number of children reporting URTS. The prevalence of URTS: “runny nose”, “sneezing” and “cough” was positively associated with 12-week mean PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations. In the locations with the highest average concentration of PM, the symptoms of runny nose, cough and sneezing were increased by 10%, 9% and 11%, respectively, compared to the cities with the lowest PM concentrations. This study showed that moderate-term exposure (12 week observation period) to air pollution was associated with an increased risk of URTS among children aged 3–12 years in Poland. These findings may influence public debate and future policy at the national and international levels to improve air quality in cities and improve children’s health.

scholarly journals The association between training load indices and upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) in elite soccer players

2021 ◽  
pp. 174795412110204
Author(s):  
Caoimhe Tiernan ◽  
Thomas Comyns ◽  
Mark Lyons ◽  
Alan M Nevill ◽  
Giles Warrington
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Training Load ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Upper Respiratory ◽  
Tract Infections ◽  
Load Indices ◽  
And Training

This study aimed to investigate the association between training load indices and Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URTI) across different lag periods in elite soccer players. Internal training load was collected from 15 elite soccer players over one full season (40 weeks). Acute, chronic, Acute:Chronic Workload Ratio (ACWR), Exponentially Weighted Moving Averages (EWMA) ACWR, 2, 3 and 4-week cumulative load, training strain and training monotony were calculated on a rolling weekly basis. Players completed a daily illness log, documenting any signs and symptoms, to help determine an URTI. Multilevel logistic regression was used to analyze the associations between training load indices and URTIs across different lag periods (1 to 7-days). The results found a significant association between 2-week cumulative load and an increased likelihood of a player contracting an URTI 3 days later (Odds Ratio, 95% Confidence Interval: OR = 2.07, 95% CI = 0.026-1.431). Additionally, a significant association was found between 3-week cumulative load and a players’ increased risk of contracting an URTI 4 days later (OR = 1.66, 95% CI = 0.013–1.006). These results indicate that accumulated periods of high training load (2- and 3-week) associated with an increased risk of a player contracting an URTI, which may lead to performance decrements, missed training sessions or even competitions.

Exercise and resistance to infection

1998 ◽  
Vol 76 (5) ◽  
pp. 573-580 ◽  
Author(s):  
David C Nieman
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
Tract Infection ◽  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Respiratory Tract Infection ◽  
Killer Cell ◽  
Cell Activity ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract Infection ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Upper Respiratory

Epidemiological data suggest that endurance athletes are at increased risk for upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) during periods of heavy training and the 1- to 2-week period following race events. Moderate exercise training has been associated with a reduction in incidence of URTI. There is growing evidence that for several hours subsequent to heavy exertion, several components of both the innate (e.g., natural killer cell activity and neutrophil oxidative burst activity) and adaptive (e.g., T and B cell function) immune system exhibit suppressed function. The immune response to heavy exertion is transient, and further research on the mechanisms underlying the immune response to prolonged and intensive endurance exercise is necessary before meaningful clinical applications can be drawn. Some attempts have been made through chemical or nutritional means (e.g., indomethacin, glutamine, vitamin C, and carbohydrate supplementation) to attenuate immune changes following intensive exercise to lower the risk of infection.Key words: upper respiratory tract infection, immunity, running, lymphocyte, neutrophil.

Consumption of gold kiwifruit reduces severity and duration of selected upper respiratory tract infection symptoms and increases plasma vitamin C concentration in healthy older adults

2011 ◽  
Vol 108 (7) ◽  
pp. 1235-1245 ◽  
Author(s):  
Denise C. Hunter ◽  
Margot A. Skinner ◽  
Frances M. Wolber ◽  
Chris L. Booth ◽  
Jacelyn M. S. Loh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin C ◽  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Immune Function ◽  
Washout Period ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Plasma Vitamin ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Upper Respiratory ◽  
Tract Infections

In the elderly, immunosenescence and malnourishment can contribute to increased risk and severity of upper respiratory tract infections (URTI). Gold kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis ‘Hort16A’) contains nutrients important for immune function and mitigation of symptoms of infection, including vitamins C and E, folate, polyphenols and carotenoids. The objective of the present study was to evaluate whether regular consumption of gold kiwifruit reduces symptoms of URTI in older people, and determine the effect it has on plasma antioxidants, and markers of oxidative stress, inflammation and immune function. A total of thirty-two community-dwelling people ( ≥ 65 years) participated in a randomised crossover study, consuming the equivalent of four kiwifruit or two bananas daily for 4 weeks, with treatments separated by a 4-week washout period. Participants completed the Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey-21 daily, and blood samples were collected at baseline and at the end of each treatment and washout period. Gold kiwifruit did not significantly reduce the overall incidence of URTI compared with banana, but significantly reduced the severity and duration of head congestion, and the duration of sore throat. Gold kiwifruit significantly increased plasma vitamin C, α-tocopherol and lutein/zeaxanthin concentrations, and erythrocyte folate concentrations, and significantly reduced plasma lipid peroxidation. No changes to innate immune function (natural killer cell activity, phagocytosis) or inflammation markers (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, homocysteine) were detected. Consumption of gold kiwifruit enhanced the concentrations of several dietary plasma analytes, which may contribute to reduced duration and severity of selected URTI symptoms, offering a novel tool for reducing the burden of URTI in older individuals.

Effects of Photochemical Air Pollution and Allergen Exposure on Upper Respiratory Tract Inflammation in Asthmatics

1997 ◽  
Vol 156 (6) ◽  
pp. 1765-1772 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. J. N. HILTERMANN ◽  
C. R. de BRUIJNE ◽  
J. STOLK ◽  
A. H. ZWINDERMAN ◽  
F. Th. M. SPIEKSMA ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Allergen Exposure ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Upper Respiratory ◽  
Respiratory Tract Inflammation

scholarly journals Czy smog ma wpływ na częstość występowania zaostrzeń przewlekłego zapalenia krtani? Analiza na przykładzie mieszkańców województwa małopolskiego

2017 ◽  
Vol 71 (3) ◽  
pp. 10-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Remigiusz Ziarno ◽  
Anna Suska ◽  
Wojciech Kulinowski ◽  
Aleksandra Grudzień-Ziarno ◽  
Magdalena Kostrzon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Vocal Folds ◽  
Ambient Air ◽  
Ambient Air Pollution ◽  
Respiratory Tract Diseases ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Place Of Residence ◽  
Chronic Laryngitis ◽  
Upper Respiratory

Introduction: Due to dynamic industrialisation smog became a frequent phenomenon in most developing cities. According to the last WHO report from Global Urban Ambient Air Pollution Database, Krakow has been classified in the 11th place among the most polluted cities in Europe. It seems to be an urgent issue because of the influence of air pollution on the condition of upper respiratory tract. Materials & Methods: In December 2015 there were 141 patients aged 17-91 years with upper respiratory tract diseases admitted to the phoniatric outpatient clinic in the University Hospital in Cracow. They suffered from cough, hoarseness and periodic aphonia. On the basis of the results of videolaryngostroboscopy 60 patients with exacerbation of the chronic laryngitis were selected into two numerically equal groups: from Cracow and from other places at least 60 km away. The groups were equal to each other also in three categories: sex, age and voice usage. The patients were referred to the Pedagogical University in Cracow for laryngography to evaluate the movement of the vocal folds and to trace a voice profile. Finally, there were two possible types of treatment – conventional pharmacotherapy or subterraneotherapy in the underground Health Resort in the "Wieliczka" Salt Mine. Results: Pearson correlation coefficient between the distance from the place of residence to Cracow and the scale of exacerbation of inflammation of upper respiratory tract presenting as vocal fold dysfunction was observed (r= 0,617; p<0,05). Conclusion: The place of residence (in or out of the industrial area) and exacerbations of chronic laryngitis are highly correlated. Air pollution seems to be the main factor influencing on the condition of upper respiratory tract. In our local conditions of Lesser Poland Voivodeship subterraneotherapy may be an interesting, non-invasive method preventing from exacerbations of upper respiratory tract diseases.

scholarly journals The Safety of Delayed Versus Immediate Antibiotic Prescribing for Upper Respiratory Tract Infections

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tjeerd Pieter van Staa ◽  
Victoria Palin ◽  
Benjamin Brown ◽  
William Welfare ◽  
Yan Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Hospital Admission ◽  
Respiratory Tract Infections ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract Infections ◽  
Antibiotic Prescribing ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Upper Respiratory ◽  
Tract Infections

Abstract Background This study aimed to evaluate the clinical safety of delayed antibiotic prescribing for upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), which is recommended in treatment guidelines for less severe cases. Methods Two population-based cohort studies used the English Clinical Practice Research Databank and Welsh Secure Anonymized Information Linkage, containing electronic health records from primary care linked to hospital admission records. Patients with URTI and prescriptions of amoxicillin, clarithromycin, doxycycline, erythromycin, or phenoxymethylpenicillin were identified. Patients were stratified according to delayed and immediate prescribing relative to URTI diagnosis. Outcome of interest was infection-related hospital admission after 30 days. Results The population included 1.82 million patients with an URTI and antibiotic prescription; 91.7% had an antibiotic at URTI diagnosis date (immediate) and 8.3% had URTI diagnosis in 1–30 days before (delayed). Delayed antibiotic prescribing was associated with a 52% increased risk of infection-related hospital admissions (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.52; 95% confidence interval, 1.43–1.62). The probability of delayed antibiotic prescribing was unrelated to predicted risks of hospital admission. Analyses of the number needed to harm showed considerable variability across different patient groups (median with delayed antibiotic prescribing, 1357; 2.5% percentile, 295; 97.5% percentile, 3366). Conclusions This is the first large population-based study examining the safety of delayed antibiotic prescribing. Waiting to treat URTI was associated with increased risk of hospital admission, although delayed antibiotic prescribing was used similarly between high- and low-risk patients. There is a need to better target delayed antibiotic prescribing to URTI patients with lower risks of complications.

scholarly journals Whole Cell Euglena Gracilis Supplementation Reduces Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Symptoms in Healthy Adults (P19-009-19)

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Janaki Iyer ◽  
Paul Falcone ◽  
Kelli Herrlinger ◽  
Joanne Lasrado ◽  
Emily Pankow Fritz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Euglena Gracilis ◽  
Illness Severity ◽  
Healthy Adults ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Whole Cell ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Upper Respiratory ◽  
Tract Infections

Abstract Objectives Upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) cause cold and flu-like symptoms, with roughly 70% of the general population experiencing at least one episode annually. The resultant lost productivity has a drastic impact with an estimated 40 M work or school days missed each year, translating to over $40B USD in lost potential. Certain populations, such as athletes and stressed workers are at an increased risk of URTIs. While diet, sleep, low stress and exercise are all important for a healthy functioning immune system, supplementation with natural ingredients could provide additional support. Euglena gracilis is a nutrient-rich natural microalgae (commonly consumed in Japan), containing immunomodulating beta 1,3-glucans, protein, some essential vitamins, and minerals. This double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study aimed at investigating the immunomodulating effects of a patented whole cell algae fermentate (WCF) in healthy active adults. Methods Thirty-four, healthy, active (1.5–3 hours/day of an aerobic sport, 5–6 days/week) participants were randomized to either WCF or placebo for 90 days. URTI symptoms were assessed Day (D) 1 to 90 using the Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey. Data are shown for the a priori defined per protocol population (n = 27). Results Participants supplemented with WCF reported a lower number of URTI symptoms from D1 to 30 (P = 0.042) and from D1 to 90 (P = 0.029), lower mean number of sick days between D1 and 30 (P = 0.047) and D1 and 90 (P = 0.041), lower mean number of URTI episodes per person (P = 0.032), and lower mean number of days with at least 1 reported URTI symptom per person (P = 0.019) between D1 and 90 compared to taking placebo. Evaluation of global illness severity found that the mean total AUC for daily symptoms was significantly lower in the WCF group compared to placebo at D1 to D30 (P = 0.043) and D1 to D90 (P = 0.049). Conclusions Supplementation with WCF positively influences the immune system by reducing URTI incidence, duration, and severity in healthy adults. It is noteworthy that in the absence of the intervention, active young adults reported more URTI episodes, sick days, and global illness severity, respectively. These data suggest the ability of WCF supplementation to strengthen the immune response as evidenced by reduced cold and flu symptoms. Funding Sources Kemin Foods L.C.

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