Scientists from the University of North Carolina found that exposure to wildfire smoke in early childhood was associated with early use of upper respiratory medications. The research was published in the journal Environmental Health.
The scientists used data from 182,387 newborn babies from the following states: Origon, California, Montana, Nevada, and Idaho. They evaluated the infants’ exposure to cigarettes in each trimester of pregnancy and in two postnatal periods (0-12 weeks and 13-24 weeks).
Babies exposed to wildfire smoke during the first trimester of pregnancy or in the first few weeks after birth were more likely to be prescribed upper respiratory medications.
Medications included cetirizine and mometasone for upper respiratory tract treatment, albuterol for lower respiratory tract treatment, and methylprednisolone for systemic anti-inflammatory treatment.
At the same time, drugs were prescribed more frequently for girls during the first 12 weeks of the postpartum period and for boys during the 13 to 24 weeks postpartum period. These results are consistent with other studies that have found sex differences in lung development and vulnerability to wildfire smoke.
Forest fires are one of the largest sources of air pollution and have a significant impact on respiratory health. The smoke contains a dangerous mixture of chemicals, particulate matter and PM 2.5 fine particulate matter that contribute to poor health, including worsening of asthma and reduced lung function in children.
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Source: Gazeta
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