M Kilpeläinen1, E O Terho, H Helenius, M Koskenvuo. 1. Department of Pulmonary Diseases and Clinical Allergology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland. maritta.kilpelainen@utu.fi
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The relation between home dampness and respiratory symptoms among adults is well confirmed, but data on specific allergic diseases and respiratory infections is more limited. Individual factors that may enhance susceptibility to the effects of home dampness are mainly unknown. METHODS: The association between home dampness and current physician diagnosed asthma, allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, atopic dermatitis, common colds, and bacterial respiratory infections was studied in a questionnaire survey of 10 667 Finnish first year university students aged 18-25 years. The dampness categories analysed were visible mould and visible mould or damp stains or water damage during the last year. In multivariate analyses adjustment was made for parental education, active and passive smoking, type and place of residence, pets, and wall to wall carpets. The interaction effect of atopic heredity and dampness was investigated. RESULTS: Visible mould or damp stains or water damage was reported by 15.0% of the respondents. In multivariate models there was a positive association between home dampness and current asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis, as well as common colds > or =4 times per year and other respiratory infections, but not between home dampness and allergic conjunctivitis. The strongest association was found between exposure to visible mould and asthma (OR 2.21, 95% CI 1.48 to 3.28) and common colds (OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.18 to 1.87). The risk of current asthma in damp homes was highest among subjects with atopic heredity. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of current asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis was higher in damp homes. Of the respiratory infections, the risk of common colds was most clearly increased.
BACKGROUND: The relation between home dampness and respiratory symptoms among adults is well confirmed, but data on specific allergic diseases and respiratory infections is more limited. Individual factors that may enhance susceptibility to the effects of home dampness are mainly unknown. METHODS: The association between home dampness and current physician diagnosed asthma, allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, atopic dermatitis, common colds, and bacterial respiratory infections was studied in a questionnaire survey of 10 667 Finnish first year university students aged 18-25 years. The dampness categories analysed were visible mould and visible mould or damp stains or water damage during the last year. In multivariate analyses adjustment was made for parental education, active and passive smoking, type and place of residence, pets, and wall to wall carpets. The interaction effect of atopic heredity and dampness was investigated. RESULTS: Visible mould or damp stains or water damage was reported by 15.0% of the respondents. In multivariate models there was a positive association between home dampness and current asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis, as well as common colds > or =4 times per year and other respiratory infections, but not between home dampness and allergic conjunctivitis. The strongest association was found between exposure to visible mould and asthma (OR 2.21, 95% CI 1.48 to 3.28) and common colds (OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.18 to 1.87). The risk of current asthma in damp homes was highest among subjects with atopic heredity. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of current asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis was higher in damp homes. Of the respiratory infections, the risk of common colds was most clearly increased.
Authors: C Braun-Fahrländer; M Gassner; L Grize; U Neu; F H Sennhauser; H S Varonier; J C Vuille; B Wüthrich Journal: Clin Exp Allergy Date: 1999-01 Impact factor: 5.018
Authors: Tiina Koistinen; Pirkko Ruoppi; Tuula Putus; Sirpa Pennanen; Anu Harju; Juhani Nuutinen Journal: Int Arch Occup Environ Health Date: 2006-03-17 Impact factor: 3.015
Authors: Seung-Hyun Cho; Tiina Reponen; Grace LeMasters; Linda Levin; Jian Huang; Teija Meklin; Patrick Ryan; Manuel Villareal; David Bernstein Journal: Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol Date: 2006-10 Impact factor: 6.347
Authors: M Simoni; E Lombardi; G Berti; F Rusconi; S La Grutta; S Piffer; M G Petronio; C Galassi; F Forastiere; G Viegi Journal: Occup Environ Med Date: 2005-09 Impact factor: 4.402
Authors: James F Potts; Roberto J Rona; Manuel J Oyarzun; Hugo Amigo; Patricia Bustos Journal: Am J Public Health Date: 2007-07-31 Impact factor: 9.308