Air Pollution and Pneumonia

Among older adults, long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide and fine particulates was associated with hospitalization for community-acquired pneumonia.

Air pollution has been shown to exacerbate respiratory diseases such as asthma. However, it may also increase the risk for pneumonia by impairing the function of pulmonary alveolar macrophages and epithelial cells. Neupane and colleagues have hypothesized that long-term (1–2 years) exposure to air pollution would increase older adults' risk for hospitalization with pneumonia.

To test this hypothesis, the researchers conducted a case-control study in Hamilton, Ontario, between July 2003 and April 2005, comparing 365 individuals aged ≥65 hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) to 494 age-matched persons living in the same area at the same time. Levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂; mainly from vehicle emissions), sulfur dioxide (SO₂; p…

Reviewing Author

Neil M. Ampel, MD

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Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Air Pollution and Pneumonia

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Reviewing Author